Subscribe to our newsletter for more interesting stories about Black entrepreneurs, businesses, and events in the South.
Fred Brooks is the guy you need to know if you are in the Houston area and would like to purchase a house or publish a book; it all depends on which you are in need of. Fred genuinely loves to see people win and does everything in his power to help people to succeed. He is a business development and operations leader, a realtor with Brooks & Davis Real Estate Firm LLC, an entrepreneur, author, and Executive Publishing Consultant who enjoys helping authors and aspiring authors share their stories one chapter at a time! On top of all of that, he’s also dad to a set of triplets.
Get better acquainted with Fred below.
Fancy: Greetings Fred, as we focus on Black entrepreneurs and leaders within the South, please tell us a little bit about where you are from.
Fred: I’m originally from Zachary, LA (East Baton Rouge Parish). My hometown is known as the “Sportsman Paradise”. I grew up really close to Southern University and LSU, which means good food, good fun, and good football. I’ve been living in Houston, TX since 2012 and Houston has become my home. I love the diversity of living in Houston and the hospitality has been second to none.
Fancy: I’m assuming that you were into real estate before you became an author. What sparked your interest in real estate?
Fred: My interest in real estate was sparked by the fact that so many people in my community were spending way too much money to rent their homes, apartments, etc. I specifically look to help those first-time homebuyers and people who didn’t even realize that owning a home was within reach.
Fancy: What inspired your first book?
Fred: Growing up in the south isn’t always easy. I had a lot of rough times, but I was able to overcome adversity and become a better version of myself. My first book is titled “Enlightening TIPs for the GO GETTERS. Most of us want to be movers and shakers and highly motivated individuals. I used this book as a brief testimony and a platform to encourage others.
Fancy: What was the process of writing it like? Do you have a writing routine?
Fred: When I finally decided to write my first book, I started by coming up with the title and creating the outline. After that, I really didn’t start writing again for about three months. I then made some adjustments to my calendar and dedicated an hour a day to work on my book. Some days that hour turned into two hours. Other days it would be 30 minutes. My advice to any aspiring authors is to take your time and let things flow. You aren’t in competition to get your story to the market. Remember that it’s your story and no one else can tell it quite like you.
Fancy: Did you immediately begin assisting other aspiring authors or did you write more books and then start?
Fred: I didn’t immediately start assisting other Authors to write. That didn’t come until later. My good friend and Chief Book Officer of Self Publish-N-30 Days, Mr. Darren M. Palmer saw something in me that I didn’t notice in myself at first. He saw that I could speak easily and fluently about the writing process, and now that I’m a 2.5X Author I know exactly how the process should go and what to expect. People also trusted me to be genuine and knew that I had their best interest at heart. With that being said, I am now the Executive Publishing Consultant at Self Publish-N-30 Days!
Fancy: In what area do you tend to see most authors struggle with writing their books and how can they overcome this struggle?
Fred: I think that most authors struggle with time blocking and using that time efficiently and effectively to come up with content. In life, we are our own worse critics. Just because you heard about another author finishing their 100-page book in two weeks does not mean that’s your target. If you face writer's block, take the time you set aside for writing, meditate, spend time with family, do something fun, and just be in the moment. It’s in that moment of simply being that magical things tend to happen, i.e., creative thinking.
Fancy: How would you describe your swagger? What makes Fred, Fred?
Fred: I think my swag is off the chart! I’ve never been that person that required specific brands, labels, etc. I let my demeanor and my energy speak for me. Fred is going to be Fred and I never try to be someone else. You’re going to get the entrepreneur, the jokester, the loyal friend, etc. However, with all of the hats that I have to wear I can promise you that every version will be authentic and genuine.
Fancy: What does it mean to you to be a Black man in business?
Fred: Being a Black man in business means that I get the opportunity to network with other successful Black people, and hopefully help others that aspire to reach success along the way. I often tell people to not let what they see on social media discourage them. Success looks different for everyone. For me, success looks like another Black Wallstreet on a global scale. I’m not saying that we don’t have allies, or that we solely need to collaborate with Black-owned businesses, but we are the minority (in the U.S.) yet we spend the most money. Imagine what we could do if that money circulated in our community 100 times before leaving our community. We could really affect change, equality, and “justice for all”.
Fancy: I have to ask, what is it like raising triplets?
Fred: Raising triplets encompasses so many feelings. They were born in June of 2020, during the height of the covid pandemic, so there was a lot of worry at that time. However, each day is different. At first, it was a little chaotic but eventually, we started settling into routines that worked. Seeing them happy and healthy makes it all worth it. Initially, I asked myself, “Why would our Creator pick me for this assignment, or how am I going to pull this one off”? When they get older, I must thank them. They built character and patience in me that I didn’t have before.
Fancy: Do you have any upcoming news or events that you care to share?
Fred: On March 5, 2022, we have an NFT for Authors webinar! During this webinar attendees will learn how to set up their NFT wallets, create profit using NFTs, Buy & Sell NFTs as an additional revenue stream, launch their book NFT on multiple platforms, and much more! Registration can be found at the below link for those interested:
Connect with Fred below.
-Instagram: @fredbrooksjrtherealtor & @the_brooks_triplets
-Twitter: @FBJ_The_Realtor
-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredbrooksjr/
-Facebook: BF Brooks Enterprises
-Website: www.bfbrooksenterprises.com
About Fancy
Francheska “Fancy” Felder is a quiet Southern, media mogul in the making. In 2010, she launched SwagHer Magazine, an empowerment and lifestyle publication for the progressive Black community.
Fancy’s passion for all things creative combined with her love for writing, Black culture, and business guided her to also offer her public relations, creative, and branding services, making the magazine more of a media boutique having its own subscription clients as well as advertisers, hence why the name changed to SwagHer Magazine & Media.
SwagHer Magazine uses positive media and storytelling to create new narratives and mindsets around Black people, their communities, and the businesses and organizations they lead. Fancy executes campaigns for Black women-led businesses, coaches, authors, and girl bosses so that they receive more visibility and establish themselves as an authority.
The Mississippi native is also one half of Theories & Thoughts Podcast, a discussion-driven show that tackles Black issues and taboo subjects with a kitchen table talk feel, which she hosts with Arnya T.M. Davis. The two also co-produce and host Theories & Thoughts Deep Dive, a millennial talk show.
The former teen mom graduated from Southwest Mississippi Community College with her associate’s in marketing management and studied mass communications with a focus in public relations from Southern University A&M College.
Instagram:http://www.instagram.com/swaghermagazine http://www.instagram.com/fancyswagher
