APRI Presents M.E.M. (Modern Evolution of Minds): APRI PRESENTS: INTERVIEW WITH DEREK BARNES

BIO FOR DERIK BARNES

Derik Barnes was born and raised in the inner city of Baltimore, Maryland. He can be described as ambitious, focused, and intellectual - a go-getter.

Despite early exposure to the struggle for balance that all young men face, Derik overcame. Through struggle in his personal life, he felt it his responsibility to assume the position of "man of the house" at an early age. It was not always an easy task to choose the right path when so many of his friends chose another direction, but continued on, knowing it would somehow pay off in the end.

After graduating from high school, he became active in both the prison reform programs and community cleanup to help restore some of the very inner streets he often traveled. Much like most of the city, those areas were no "walk in the park" and were considered some of the most crime and drug infested. Derik's strong sense of personal security later landed him a career as a Maryland State Correctional Officer. During his eight years of employment as a correction officer, he was required to secure various institutions throughout the state. With the respect and trust gained by those around him, including his colleagues and the inmates, Derik became very familiar with the patterns of the young men entangled in the prison system.

As his desire to help others grew, Derik increased his efforts and later moved on to become a Baltimore city firefighter. By no means did this desired career move come easy, but it proved to be most rewarding. Moving about the city streets once again at a different capacity gave Derik a unique perspective on the issues concerning young men.

With his book, The Science of Manhood, Derik hopes to reach and inspire young men by sharing life experiences and strategies not only to revitalize these young men, but also to help generations of men to come.

APRI (KD): Favorite quote.

DB: "FAITH ISN'T FAITH; UNTIL IT'S ALL YOU'RE HOLDING ON TO"

APRI (KD): How did you get started as a writer?

DB: Writing started for me as an outlet to help myself and others facing hardship in life.

APRI (KD): Tell us 3 interesting/crazy things about you.

DB: I'm an outstanding cook. I listen to Stevie Wonder's son "LOVE'S IN NEED OF LOVE TODAY" everyday. Video games relax me & help me to think.

APRI (KD): Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of your family members.

DB: Manhood training class.

APRI (KD): Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your life?

DB: Events in my own life.

APRI (KD): What was the hardest part of writing your book?

DB: Sharing my personal situation with my children.

APRI (KD): Who is your intended audience and why should they read your book?

DB: Anyone who has lost their way in life and want to get back to the path of greatness.

APRI (KD): What can readers, who enjoy your book, do to help make it successful?

DB: Share the information; sponsor a book for someone who needs it. Stay in touch!

APRI (KD): If you could speak to all the youth of tomorrow in one setting what would you tell them?

DB: That everything they need to achieve their dreams and goals are already inside them. Fight like hell to protect it.

APRI (KD): Can you name one person who has had a tremendous impact on you as a leader? Maybe someone who has been a mentor to you? Why and how did this person impact your life?

DB: My highschool teacher, MR. HEMPHILL, he would take time out to address me in my loss, self-destructive condition. He suggested books, lectures and various streams of information that ultimately started me on a life saving journey.

APRI (KD): What are a few resources you would recommend to someone looking to gain insight into becoming a better leader?

DB: Study the successful ones, learn their habits, identify what you have in common with people who shake up the world.

APRI (KD): What do you like to ask other leaders when you get the chance?

DB: What they do to relax? How they start their day?

APRI (KD): What ignited the spark in you to start a new business venture or to make significant changes in an existing business? How did the idea for your business come about?

DB: First with CLEAR VISION, LLC, it was born out of the obstacles that I've faced and had to overcome. To help empower others to stand and face the fears within themselves. CULTURE ESSENCE, QUALITY, NATURAL SKIN CARE was born to provide a need, first in my community and then the world. Both were born to INSPIRE!

APRI (KD): What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?

DB: PASSION, DEDICATION and PATIENCE!!!

APRI (KD): Describe/outline your typical day?

DB: I awake between 4 am - 6 am, meditate, choose a hero for the day and embed a quote from them in my heart and mind. From 7 am - 10 am start telling the world of social media about my brand. 11 am - 1 pm workout Boxing, breathing mental combat. From 2 pm - 4 pm study and family time. 5 pm - 10 pm public access media, interviews, speaking engagements, etc.

APRI (KD): What makes you smile?

DB: Watching my family enjoy themselves.

APRI (KD): How do you build a successful customer base?

DB: By handling people properly and giving them the best you can. Create a contact list and going door to door.

APRI (KD): If you could talk to one person from history, who would it be and why?

DB: Dr. Charles Drew (INVENTOR OF BLOOD TRANSFUSION) because he embodied such a wide blessing to a narrow minded world. THAT TAKES EVERYTHING!!!

APRI (KD): Who has been your greatest inspiration?

DB: My mother hands down. She always reached for more in life and I was her #1 fan. I strive to live my life the same way.

APRI (KD): What do you feel is the major difference between entrepreneurs and those who work for someone else?

DB: A level of self satisfaction deep within themselves. The courageous drive from taking a risk and a job could never give you that.

APRI (KD): What are you hobbies? What do you do in your non-work time?

DB: Watch interviews of people I admire, cook, play video games and family times.

APRI (KD): What question have you always wanted to be asked during an interview? How would you answer that question?

DB: Still waiting on it!