Black Business Spotlight: Real Dreams for Steel Dreams
posted by Malik Francis | February 24, 2017 | In Arts and CultureIn 1974, one of Robert Lawrence Jr.’s, who was 26 at the time, dreams came alive. In the fall of that year Robert, sometimes called “Bobby” or “Bob,” was given an opportunity to pursue his restaurant business.
At Rock – A – Way Fish & Chips, they would serve the finest fish and chips, and are a fan favorite of many in Queens, New York. Unfortunately, the business didn’t take off.
“I had more enthusiasm, less effort… If you don’t have a good business plan and/or partner then you’re more than likely to have more problems… Man does not plan to fail, they fail to plan,” Lawrence replied when he was asked why his business didn’t take off like he hoped.
Already having taken a few lumps within the business world, Lawrence eventually opened the largest collection of chopper motorcycles of Eastern Carolina.
Steel Dreams took the place of the old Harley Davidson on Sycamore Dairy Road, in Fayetteville, NC.
Lawrence always paid attention to motorcycles in fine detail, and even had a couple of his own motorcycle prior to owning the Steel Dreams dealership.
What was the difference between Steel Dreams and Rock-A-Way Fish & Chips? “I created an efficient plan that would develop a means to protect my family, and aid in longevity,” Lawrence said.
As for what kept him going and motivated into pursuing another business instead of quitting,”Simply having tunnel vision on the main purpose of it all. But you have to find something you’d like to gain knowledge about, so you when you’re performing you’ll always get better,” he pronounced with his head held high.
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