In the constantly shifting world of finance and credit, one name stands out as a symbol of unwavering dedication and a testament to resilience – Lawrence Hicks. Having devoted himself to this field for more than a decade, Lawrence has emerged as an exceptional credit mentor, helping numerous individuals achieve financial freedom and empowerment. His journey is marked by unyielding determination, unmatched expertise, and a profound understanding of the intricate details that shape financial narratives. Today, we embark on an insightful exploration of Lawrence’s career, delving into the pivotal moments, challenges, and triumphs that have defined his remarkable trajectory.
1. Looking back on your journey, what were the pivotal moments or experiences that ignited your passion for the credit and finance industry, shaping your path as a credit mentor?
I remember it like it was yesterday. As a child, I always aspired to play professional basketball, dreaming of making it to the NBA. That was my sole focus. But in 9th grade, I found myself ineligible to play because of my grades. It was the worst feeling – being seen as just a “dumb athlete.” That experience pushed me to never feel that way again. It sparked a fire in me to excel at everything I do, and to strive to be the best version of myself.
Later on, when I was supposed to go overseas to play basketball but wasn’t getting any solid offers, I thought, “Why not make money with my mind instead of my body?” I had bad knees, and I knew I needed a different path. I decided I wanted to be wealthy, so I started researching what the wealthiest individuals do. Credit kept coming up as a key tool for leveraging wealth. I set a goal: fix my credit. I started with a 550 credit score and 22 negative items. Back then, I knew so little about credit that I even asked people if a 550 score was good. I laugh at that now.
Determined to fix my credit, I aimed to build it up to the point where I could open a car dealership. I had been selling cars for a while but didn’t have access to the credit or finances needed to expand. I remember borrowing $5,000 from my brother, which dwindled down to $800. I used that last bit to buy a car, and from there, I built my first million-dollar business – the car lot.
My journey took me from Pontiac, Michigan, to Huntsville, Alabama, where I pursued a master’s degree at Alabama A&M. I thought I’d learn about business, but I quickly realized they teach you how to work for someone else, not how to own a business. So I taught myself. I fixed my credit, learned how to leverage it, and eventually, how to secure business credit.
Being broke and needing help myself, combined with my desire to be wealthy, fueled my passion. After fixing my credit, I started helping others do the same. Seeing how I could transform not only my life but others’ as well, gave me a real sense of purpose. It’s a powerful feeling to go from a negative bank account to good credit, and that’s what drives me.
When I first moved to Huntsville, I was homeless, driving around in a storm, looking for an apartment. I found one with a $99 move-in special, but with my bad credit, that turned into a $1,000 requirement. That experience was a harsh reminder of how much bad credit can cost you. It motivated me to ensure I never found myself in that situation again.
2. In an industry where trust and integrity are paramount, how have you cultivated a reputation for excellence, and what core values have guided your approach to credit mentorship?
Trust and integrity are everything. Being a good person is a choice – it’s about deciding how you want to treat others, the way you want to be treated. I’ve always held myself to that standard. My reputation speaks for itself because I’m results-driven. When I help someone, it’s all about getting them the results they need.
I’m proud of the fact that I’ve helped people who had been stuck for years with other credit repair services. They come to me, and within a few months, they see real progress. That’s what inspired me to start my mentorship program – there’s a real gap in the market for people who need genuine help and can benefit from what I’ve learned.
At the core of my work is the belief that it’s not just about making money; it’s about truly helping people. I know what it’s like to need help and not know where to turn, so now, my goal is to be that person who can guide others to financial stability and success.
3. Your “sue process” for eliminating debt has garnered significant attention for its effectiveness. Can you shed light on the philosophy behind this process and the key steps individuals should take to leverage its full potential?
The “sue process” came from years of experience and understanding the system. When you’re disputing something and the credit bureaus don’t respond or seem indifferent, that’s where the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) comes in. It’s the remedy, the next step after disputing.
Most people get frustrated and give up, but I figured out that you have to keep pushing. Instead of trying to sound like a lawyer and argue laws, I asked myself, “What’s going on here that’s simple enough to call out?” That’s how the process was born.
I remember helping a friend many years ago. We filed a lawsuit after the credit bureau ignored our disputes, and suddenly, they were willing to work with us. It showed me that sometimes, you just need to call their bluff. The key is disputing correctly from the start. If you know your disputes are valid, then you have the confidence to file a lawsuit if they don’t correct the issue.
That’s what I teach – how to dispute properly so that if you need to, you can back it up with a strong legal case.
4. Throughout your career, you’ve encountered numerous complex cases and challenging situations. Can you share a particularly difficult scenario you’ve faced and how your expertise and problem-solving skills helped navigate through it, ultimately achieving success?
One of the toughest challenges I faced was in 2015 when I lost everything in an apartment fire. All I managed to grab was some cash I had stashed; everything else was gone. That experience taught me the difference between a poor mindset and a wealthy one. Wealthy people plan for the future, for worst-case scenarios.
I had made a plan years earlier when I moved to Alabama in 2012 to fix my credit, and that plan paid off during the fire. I had access to credit cards, which helped me replace what I’d lost. I also had a jewelry policy that covered $18,000, even though I had only spent about $6,000 or $7,000 on the jewelry itself. That insurance payout gave me the cash I needed to move forward without being set back.
That experience reinforced the importance of having great credit and planning ahead. It’s why I’m so passionate about teaching others to do the same – whether it’s about credit or making smart investments like jewelry. Because of that planning, the fire wasn’t a setback for me, and I was able to continue pursuing my goals.
5. Building rapport and trust with clients is crucial in your line of work. What strategies or techniques do you employ to foster strong relationships and ensure your clients feel supported throughout their transformative journey?
Building strong relationships starts with proof. I show clients examples of others I’ve helped in similar situations. Then, it’s about being there for them – showing up, being consistent, accessible, and reliable.
When clients see that I can help them, and that I’m always there when they need me, it builds confidence. They start to believe they can achieve their goals and transform their situation. It’s about giving them the right information, helping them take the right steps, and showing them that I’m living proof that what I teach works.
6. Achieving financial stability is a common goal, but for many, it’s intertwined with aspirations of luxury and success. Can you share how your expertise in credit repair and financial management has empowered individuals to responsibly pursue their dreams, such as owning luxury vehicles, without compromising their long-term financial well-being?
That’s exactly what inspired me to open a car dealership specializing in luxury vehicles. I’ve always loved luxury cars, but I also knew there was a gap in the market for reliable, affordable luxury vehicles.
I used my credit to fund the dealership and learned how to leverage business credit to keep my personal credit in good standing. Most of the luxury vehicles I sold were under $15,000, making them affordable, but the key was educating buyers on how to manage the costs.
For instance, warranties are crucial. They’re often seen as a markup, but they’re vital for protecting against expensive repairs. With a warranty, your major costs are covered, and all you’re responsible for is the deductible. It’s about teaching people how to buy and maintain luxury vehicles responsibly, so they can enjoy them without compromising their financial future.
Recent Comments