Executive Highlight
Javon Williams Sr.
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President/Executive Director, Jacksonville Youth Works Inc.
- Industry: Nonprofit
Business Founded: 2007
Phone: (904) 370-9403
Email: [email protected]
Address:
303 E 21st Street
Jacksonville, FL 32206
How long have you been in your industry?16
Why did you choose your industry?I chose the industries of real estate development and workforce development training because I believe in economic empowerment through skills, ownership, and opportunity. Too many young adults lack the training and support needed for stable careers, and too many families struggle with housing insecurity. Through Jacksonville Youth Works, Inc. (JYWI) and Williams Dynasty Homes LLC (WDH), I’m bridging the gap by providing hands-on construction training while revitalizing affordable housing.
Who are your typical clients?For JYWI, our clients are opportunity youth (ages 14-25) who need workforce training and career pathways. We also serve small businesses and community organizations looking to develop talent pipelines. For WDH, our clients are families and individuals seeking affordable, high-quality housing, as well as real estate investors, city programs, and funding partners supporting community redevelopment.
What do you like best about being in this industry?I love seeing lives transformed like when a young adult lands their first high-paying job after training. In the near future it would also be a family moving into a renovated home in a revitalized neighborhood. Every project will create lasting impact, and that’s what drives me.
What are common problems you see?In workforce development, the challenge is connecting education to real-world careers because many training programs don’t prepare young adults for actual job opportunities.In real estate, the biggest issue is affordable housing access—rising costs make it hard for families to own homes, and many properties in underserved areas are neglected rather than revitalized. My mission is to solve both.
What advice/tips do you have for clients?For young professionals: Learn skills that make you irreplaceable. Certifications and hands-on training will take you further than a résumé alone.For homebuyers and investors: Affordable housing is an opportunity, not a setback. Investing in emerging communities can build long-term wealth and stability.
When is your busy season?For workforce development training (JYWI), our busiest times are Spring and Summer when we launch new training cohorts. For real estate development (WDH), the busiest season is Spring through Summer when property acquisitions, renovations, and home sales are at their peak.
What keeps you up at night?Making sure that funding and resources are in place to train more youth, acquire and develop more properties, and expand our impact. The demand is high, but securing consistent funding for scalable growth is always a challenge.
How do you market yourself to grow/expand your business?We market JYWI & WDH through community partnerships, government programs, social media outreach, and speaking engagements.For JYWI: We connect with workforce agencies, youth programs, and nonprofits to recruit participants and secure funding.For WDH: We build relationships with real estate investors, lenders, and city redevelopment programs to drive projects forward.
How involved are you in the community?I'm actively involved in workforce development, real estate revitalization, and community engagement.JYWI, we train young adults in hands-on construction, job readiness, and financial literacy.WDH, we revitalize underserved neighborhoods by renovating and developing affordable housing.I collaborate with local nonprofits, workforce agencies, and city programs to drive sustainable economic impact
What is your favorite not for profit or charity?Of course, Jacksonville Youth Works, Inc. (JYWI) is my passion project, but I also respect organizations that focus on youth development, financial literacy, and housing initiatives.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of getting into this business?In workforce training: You need strong partnerships. Build relationships with employers, training providers, and funding organizations.In real estate: Start with affordable housing projects. Learn creative financing (grants, partnerships, seller financing) to minimize risk and maximize impact.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?I love spending time mentoring young entrepreneurs, developing real estate strategies, and engaging in community-building projects. When I do take a break, I enjoy traveling, spending time with family, networking with like-minded business leaders, and investing in personal growth.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this Executive Highlight, including any external links, is provided on an “as is” basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness or timeliness. 5 Minute Salute does not verify the information provided and assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy. 5 Minute Salute does not endorse any business or individual listed in this directory.
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