Written by Mary May
Sergeant Ford is somebody who has served in the military for over 20 years and who is currently a high school journalism teacher. He is now part-time military and a full-time educator. Sergeant Ford got back from Qatar about two years ago, where he had a chance to think about what he wanted to teach. He discovered that the one thing that was not being taught in any grade level was financial literacy and entrepreneurship. After this realization, he started to focus on a goal of educating young people about their finances and how to do tasks that schools do not teach. He combined his passionate love for teaching and military experience and he created the non-profit: SgtFordcademy. Throughout this interview Sergeant Ford will be answering some questions about his nonprofit and everything that went into it.
Interviewer: What does your nonprofit focus on?
Sgt. Ford: SgtFordcademy focuses on promoting entrepreneurship and financial education.
Interviewer: When did you start this nonprofit?
Sgt. Ford: I started, officially, January 2, 2022.
Interviewer: Was this idea to start your own nonprofit something that grew over time? Or did you wake up one day and realize you wanted to start it?
Sgt. Ford: It grew over time. Initially, I wanted to do, like, four different things, but I had to niche it down.
Interviewer: What are some financial tips that you give to people who come to your foundation?
Sgt. Ford: That’s the thing, my take on it is that I want them to share. So, I reach out to young people who are financial gurus and who have businesses they have already started. Then, I let them be the experts and their experience. The target market is these young, 11-21 year olds, so when the information comes from other 11-21 year olds, it can be very helpful.
Interviewer: What is some advice you can offer to a young entrepreneur, who is wanting to start their own business?
Sgt. Ford: I would say to simply start it. Just start with what you have. Use the tools you have around you and be consistent with it. It’s important to start with a “problem.” I will ask them “what is something that irritates you?” Once they figure out what that is, then they can start building whatever they want.
Interviewer: With you, specifically, were there any problems that arose while trying to start your nonprofit?
Sgt. Ford: A little learning curve, as far as social media is concerned. I was on TikTok and Instagram, but I didn’t know about the algorithms. My board of advisors is all young people, who help me out with social media. I had to get some experts who are younger and savvy in that way and, now that I know better, I try to implement their suggestions on social media.
Interviewer: What would you say is the most rewarding part of your nonprofit?
Sgt. Ford: Wow. I would say just by watching the growth and seeing the young people that I have interviewed achieve great things. For example, this kid, Sam, lives in Australia and makes his own popcorn and he is one of the first ten we individually interviewed. Now he has got his own popcorn bags that he sells and it’s amazing to see how he started off in his kitchen and then, two years later, to see him selling his popcorn in stores.
Interviewer: Is there anyone who inspires you or inspired you to start this nonprofit?
Sgt. Ford: I would say that it is all the students I have taught over the past 20 years.
Interviewer: Do you have any aspirations to start another non-profit? What does the future look like for this nonprofit?
Sgt. Ford: Nope! No plans to start another one. As of now, I have a goal to retire in about a year and a half from teaching, and to take this non-profit around the world. I want to go to where these young entrepreneurs are and do a documentary. I want to go to Australia, Kenya, Canada, all of these places and actually interview these young people. Do something like a “day in the life.” I want to support these young people as much as possible and encourage others that they can do the same.
Interviewer: Thank you so much!
Sgt. Ford: Thank you!
Check out Sergeant Ford’s Social Media:
Instagram: @SgtFordcademy
TikTok: @SgtFordcademy