Self-Made in America
From the Projects to Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur to Bus. Empire
James Fontenet
CSSI: Skycap, Security, Aviation Services
Phoenix - AZ
America truly is the land of opportunity. The land of opportunity that is, for the individual who chooses to seize that opportunity. James Fontenet is such a person.
As the son of a single-mother and a product of the projects in South Phoenix, one would think Fontenet was an unlikely contender to one day be named Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year and to reside at the helm of five immensely successful companies.
But the drive to succeed was there…amongst the crime-ridden alleyways and drug- and alcohol-infested homes of Fontenet's neighborhood.
At the age of 14, Fontent took a job as a skycap in order to help his mother meet the family’s household finances. In a "life is stranger than fiction" occurrence, 17 years later, Fontenet purchased the very company for which he worked earning a meager $2.35 an hour.
Complete Skycap's meteoric rise to success ensued; the result of intensely hard work and undying determination.
Today, Fontenet employs over several hundred individuals, many of whom were raised in home environments not unlike Fontenet's. He employs single moms, the mentally challenged, and recovering drug users.
To his employees, Fontenet is a godsend. In his own eyes, his success is sent from God.
The scope of Fontenet's business empire has grown and prospered over the years. The "Complete Family of Companies" includes Complete Skycap Services, Inc., Complete Telecom Management, Complete Design Facilitation, and Complete Wellness. Revenues for the companies have a combined total in excess of multi-million dollars. Fontenet also manages Complete Development & Family Services, a non-profit entity which supports underprivileged college-bound students by providing financial support for postsecondary educational pursuits.
A keen sense of oneself and a "carpe diem" attitude has been the secret of his success. Fontenet is the epitome of the "Lincoln Self-Made in America" contest and the successful pursuit of the entrepreneur's dream.
Comments that readers have made about this submission:
this is an incredible story.
rhonda shenkiryk - phoenixwhat an inspiring story to those of us who are from similiar backgrounds.
marie moret - ahwatukeeI have had the opportunity to work for Mr. Fontenet for the past year and a half. His unique and honest approach to business and his employees surpasses anything I have ever experienced. He is truely a person that you feel priviledged to have known
Judi Klavinski - Phoenix, AZOutstanding and inspiring. As Judi said, I feel privileged to have exposure to your story. You are definitely a trailblazer and a role model for many. Congratulations on your success and many blessings to you on the obvious path of light that lies ahead. You will touch many more.
Camille Young - Jersey City, NJMr. Fontenet story is one of true drive and selflessness that encourages individuals to strive for the best. I have worked for him for the past 3 years and still am amazed at his abilities and kindness
Vivian Mikhael - Phoenix, AZI have known Mr. Fontenet for 25 years & watched him grow up. Although I'm 20 years his senior, I consider him one of my closest friends & my admiration for him knows no bounds. While his various businesses take up most of his waking hours, he remains committed to helping his community with the emphasis on young people.
Michael Folb - Phoenix, AZBB is a true role model, both as an entreprenuer and as a human being! I've had the pleasure of knowing and working with him for more than 20 years and continue to be inspired by him and his accomplishments...
Bob Gottschalk - Phoenix, AZI KNOW BB'S STORY ,FROM THE BEGINNING . I AM HIS UNCLE.HIS MOTHER IS MY SISTER .THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH SUPERLATIVES IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE THAT SUFFICIENTLY DESCRIBES WHAT BB HASCCOMPLISHED, OVERCOME,AND STILLACHIEVED.BB'S STORY IS FAR SUPERIOR TO ANY HORATIO ALGERS STORY WRITTEN . LAFAYETTE BARR ,C.L.U. , CH.F.C , C.E.O. / PRESIDENT , LAFAYETTE BARR & ASSOCIATE INC
LAFAYETTE BARR - SCOTTSDALE , ARIZONAI have had the pleasure of knowing BB both personally and professionally for over 15 years.He is a unique asset to the entire community and Phoenix would be a even greater place if more people were like him
john fahrendorf - Phoenix, AzMr. Fontenet's unique approach to business and civic matters has outlined a system that works with the most simple understanding of just caring. He is indeed a pillar of the community and deserves recognition for his accomplishments.
David Sterbenz - Phoenix, AZJames Fontenet is truly remarkable. His story serves as an inspiration for the many that are in similar situations that he was as a child. Also, he is an outstanding family man having raised two boys into outstanding young men.
GEORGE DEAN -great story
bre shenk -I've known B.B. for over ten years. This is only the tip of the ice berg when it comes to talking about the people he has touched. My own children respect him as a "father" figure. He is always there for anyone in need. He expects nothing in return other than the respect he shows you that you might show that respect for others
John S Lewis - Paradise Valley ArizonaWith God at the helm there's no end to what people can do. I'm so happy that he's reaching out to help others who came from a similar background.
Jan - Collegedale, TNWhat an inspiration.
Toni Cress - Chandlervery inspiring
-I'm a firm believer that timing is everything, and everything happens for a reason. Fontenet's story is proof positive -- gives the rest of us entrepreneurs out here a ray of HOPE!!
Mary D - Glendale, AZAs a native of Arizona, it is refreshing to read about someone that I can identify with. This story is truly inspiring.
Veronica Vaughn - Downtown Phoenix
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