"It means so much to me that I can give back and inspire young people," says Mills.

A Climb to Success

Posted February 25, 2010

CALVIN MILLS, JR., COULD HAVE BEEN another statistic, but this founder, CEO and president of CMC Technologies Consulting in Baton Rouge, is proof the American Dream is alive and well when hard work and dedication are part of the mix.

Mills, 33, turned a small computer consulting business he began with a college buddy into a company that has expanded to include government and corporate clients such as Wal-Mart and Hewlett-Packard. However, even though he has been successful as the sole owner of his company, Mills has never forgotten his humble beginnings or the impact that comes from inspiring others to imagine a better future.

Mills is committed to make helping others part of his daily business. His company includes EduTech, which helps low-income families and students with their computer needs. Mills also delivers motivational speeches to disadvantaged children, based on his own path to success, through a program called CLIMB (Changing Lives is My Business).

Mills grew up poor in the Third Ward of New Orleans. He lived in a shotgun house and his father was killed when he was a child. His mother, a schoolteacher, raised him on her own, and was determined that her son would have chances beyond his neighborhood and her limited resources.

“My mother instilled in me a lot of self-motivation and drive,” Mills says. “By high school, I knew what I wanted to do, and I knew it would be doing something on my own. I looked at where I was, and by high school, I saw a different kind of life. Kids need to see another side of life so they will have options. It’s easier for people to hear my story than the story of someone born with advantages.”

Mills inherited his mother’s ambitions and seemed hard-wired for success – no matter what anyone told him. Mentors helped him learn to play golf and the saxophone. He attended a private Catholic high school through a work-study program. He was an average athlete at first, talking his way onto the high school football team, even though his coach never believed Mills would succeed in sports.

Mills was accepted to Southern University in Baton Rouge, where he pursued a degree in business and computer science, and his discipline and tenacity earned him a walk-on spot with the Southern University football team. By his senior year, Mills was a starting fullback, and he went on to enjoy a short stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

“Knowing what I want keeps me moving,” Mills says.

After football, Mills pursued work at an electronics retail store and set his sights on management. “One day a family came in looking for a new computer, and I could just see the excitement on the kids’ faces; it was almost like it was Christmas,” Mills says. “I was helping them, and I had to be the bearer of bad news that they needed more money than they had. To see the look on their faces … I decided to take matters into my own hands.”

Mills was able to use his employee discount to customize a computer system for the family. A week later, a wealthy businessman with a Fortune 500 company paid him $500 to come to his home and set up a new computer system. Soon after, the businessman encouraged Mills to pursue his own business and introduced him to a group that helped entrepreneurs.

Mills’ efforts began paying off soon after Hurricane Katrina struck when he landed some government contracts, and his business has grown every year since then. He hopes that one day his company will be publicly traded.

Of course, there were ups and downs in the early days of the business. Mills was jobless at one point, living for five months on unemployment benefits. “I’ve had clients disappear without paying and a lot of other challenges,” Mills says. “But I don’t accept failure.”

Mills said his own childhood spurs him to help others today.

“We were helped by people. Sometimes we had to go to the Salvation Army to get food,” Mills says. “I wore hand-me-downs other people had given us, and there were always people telling me I couldn’t do something. Now, it means so much to me that I can give back and inspire young people to work for their goals and their dreams -- no matter what their circumstances may be.”

CALVIN MILLS started his business with support from Seedco Financial, a non-profit organization backed by Regions.

comments (47)

Great story, you are a blessing.

Vernett

When you give with your heart without expecting anything in return. God always gives back.

Patricia Da Silva

I just love a good 'Never Give Up' story. Congratulation to you Mr. Calvin Mills. I applaud all who give back. Especially through inspiration.

Trisha

Keep up the good work.

julia

Great story! Everyone should read and be inspired by Mr. Mills.

Sylvia Hardy

I wish more kids could hear stories like this and become inspired.

Sheryll

This is a wonderful story and you have truly been a blessing to many. I thank God for people like you because the scripture Proverbs 11:18(he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward) which you have.

Sharon W

You have truly been a blessing to others; he who sows in righteousness reaps a sure reward. Proverbs 11:18

Sharon W

What a wonderful story about giving! I think this is one for NBC's "Make A Difference" nightly feature. It shows you only have to care about others to make a difference. Thanks for what you're doing for less fortunate people!

Mitzi

Thank you so much for sharing your story. You are an inspiration to all.

Teresa

Nothing compares to the joy that comes from loving others and taking care of their needs. True inspirational story, thanks for sharing.

Solomon

If there were more people in the world like you, it truly would be a better place.

De'Andrea

Perseverance and resilience at its best.... Awesome story!

Ella Shakeel

Your story is such an inspiration. I just graduated college and have many dreams that have not happened. But I have hope now that they can, and they will. I wish you success in everything that you do. Thank you Mr. Mills.

Brittney Smith

This is a great story and should become a movie! I was reading and could not wait to see what other challenges Mr. Mills had overcome. Congrats!

Debbie M.

Very inspiring story, hats off to you for not settlling for less.

Tasha

Beautiful Story!

Felicia Vickers

Thank you for seeing the glass 1/2 full & NOT 1/2 empty!

Marianne

Great story!! You're truly a blessing. Thanks for persevering in spite of criticism. You may have had a humble beginning, but you will have wonderful end. Continue to help our youth and serve as a role model. May God continue to richly bless you. KEEP HOPE ALIVE!!!

Doris

Now this is what I am talking about. Having compassion enough in your heart to help at the time it is needed. Hats off to you Calvin for not allowing the dream killers to destroy the dream that was in you from the beginning!

Myra

Mr. Mills was willing to offer a hand up and not a hand out. He could see the opportunity to lend a hand when needed. His helping others will be passed on by those he helped along the way. Life has some hard knocks for us all but Mr. Mills took those knocks and turned them into stepping stones for himself and others. He saw possibilities and not impossibilities and stepped up to claim them. He will be blessed for his work. When we help others, we don't know many others will be affected in the future by one act of kindness.

Judy Bates

Great story!! You are truly a blessing.

Verona

What a wonderful story. Everyone should be inspired to do the same in some way!

Katrina Burns

This is a great story and opportunity that you have to share with others whom are in great need of a helping hand….continue the much needed work. Remain forever blessed.

Alexandria

Calvin enough words will never explain how grateful we are to have people in the world like you. You are a success story that could not have happened at a better time in your life. Always remember to put God first and next mom and everyone that has helped you. Always give and you shall receive there's a blessing out there for you. Keep up the good work!!!!!

Shynette D. - New Roads

I am proud of you Calvin, I am glad you have become so successful. Keep moving to the top!!! I am your colleague from MicroComputer Apps @ SU

Tina Harper

What a great inspirational story to end the week with!

Monica Farr

Hearing your story has inspired me to become more involved with kids. Thanks for sharing.

Vanessa Hubbard

It is good to see a higher power at work. One hand extended for help and the other hand reaching back to pull someone else up that needs help. Keep doing what's in front of you and all will be well. When the going gets tough, that's not a sign that you must lower your expectations. It is precisely during such times that your best strategy is to raise those expectations.

Derrick G bham

Wonderful story!!

Shari P

Great story! I am glad to hear of someone giving back in times like this.

Rocky

This is a great story. I am glad that God is still in the blessing business. I have a 16 year old son. I am going to tell that with putting God first, and great perseverence, all things are possible.

Mary

Great people achieve great things, and in the end there are great accomplishments. Keep up the good work!

R. Spencer

It's always great to read about a person who is not selfish and willing to give help to someone in need, especially a man. God promises, A generous man will prosper: he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

Twynette Thomas

This is a very inspirational story. "Nothing is impossible." Keep up the good work.

Michelle

Thank God for your heart, Mr. Mills. Your story is very inspirational & I wish you continued success.

Cheryl P.

Great story, I hope that I can instill in my son the same great values. I wish you much continued success.

Velerie Young

Your story is really inspiring. To not let your obstacles stop you from achieving your goals says a lot about your faith and determination.

Traci J. Sanders Birmingham, Alabama

This was a very touching story. It's nice to see people do what is right. You can't find many people that would give so much of themselves to others.

Keysler Washington

Great story!! I do believe you have a calling in helping others. Calvin, I can truly say that I have been inspired by this and hope that you continue to prosper and inspire others that want to achieve goals and dreams as well!! Good luck!!!

Frankie

This is such an inspiring story. Giving can never be matched! I remember when I was young not having a computer, I could imagine the influence someone like Mr Mills would have been to me! Thanks for your service!

Derek Starr

What a wonderful inspiration! God bless.

alicia

What a wonderful heart. Calvin, thanks for making life better for others.

Carrol Postell

Mr. Mills, this is a touching and inspiring story. Keep up the good work. It is a good thing when young talented men such as yourself give back to the community.

Patricia Waldrop

What an inspiring story about someone from my home state. May God continue to bless you so you can continue to help and pay forward for your many blessings.

Willa

Kids are like sponges; they absorb all your strength and leave you limp, but give'em a squeeze and you will get it all back. May God richly bless both you and all of your endeavors. I truly enjoyed reading your story.

Dot Thomas

This story lets you know that anything can be done with a little hard work. Nothing is handed to you. You have to really work for things that you truly want out of life. Life is what you make it. Good job Mr. Mills.

Tiffay