I Started A Business With $1,000 - Now It Brings In Over $25 Million A Year

Deryl McKissack is the president and CEO of McKissack & McKissack, a construction firm with a 200-year-history. Here's how she's continuing her family legacy.
Produced by: Eric M. Clark
Supervising Producer: Jessica Leibowitz
Camera: Enrique Huaiquil
Editor: Dennis Donovan
Animator: Gene Kim
Reporter: Ashton Jackson
Additional Footage: Deryl McKissack, Getty Images
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I Started A Business With $1,000 - Now It Brings In Over $25 Million A Year

[@Wendytsang12]

What an inspiring story. Big ups to everyone working effortlessly trying to earn a living while building wealth. I’m 62 and my husband 65 we are both retired with over $3 million in net worth and no debts. Currently living smart and frugal with our money. Saving and investing lifestyle made it possible for us this early even till now we earn monthly through passive income.

[@thelooseseal]

This is really amazing though. I'm curious as to how you did it. Was it real estate? Or are you a market enthusiast?

[@Wendytsang12]

Investing enthusiast? Not me, Our family got introduced to a financial advisor about four years before my husband retired. That was what changed things.

[@greekbarrios]

I'm intrigued by this. I've searched for financial advisors online but it's kind of hard to get in touch with one. Okay if I ask you for a recommendation?

[@Wendytsang12]

I'm hesitant to make recommendations like this online so I can't drop her contact here, but you could look her up yourself and contact her if you wish. Her name is Jill Marie Carroll.

[@greekbarrios]

I appreciate this, man. I'll look her up, and I hope I'm able to reach her.

[@tahirisaid2693]

Relying solely on social security isn't advisable. I've learned that the most efficient path to wealth, both in acquiring a million and sustaining billionaire status, is through wise investment strategies.

[@MichaelDavis-cj1yj]

I couldn't agree more. Working with a financial advisor can provide invaluable guidance for navigating investment strategies effectively.

[@TinaMyles]

Do you mind sharing info of the adviser who assists you.?

[@MichaelDavis-cj1yj]

“Angela Lynn Schilling” is the licensed advisor I use. Just research the name. You’d find necessary details to work with a correspondence to set up an appointment,.

[@TinaMyles]

I looked up her full name online and found her page. I emailed and made an appointment to talk with her; hopefully, she gets back to me.

[@candylove49]

These comments are part of a bot thread

[@fredricklee]

Wow. I have seen the name on a lot of projects, but I did not know it was Black-owned and women-owned. Well done and continue the great work.

[@lifeisbeautiful7452]

Because her business is successful on its own and she doesn’t need to pander to people to get customers.

[@MyGUNZ123]

She didn’t start with 1,000 she started with a six figure income under her family’s million dollar company that she then inherited

[@Jostollbk]

Yes that’s a misleading title , she started from a place of advantage and privilege not 1000

[@CAllenme]

It says she started a business WITH $1000 not with only $1000 to her name.

[@timmyb8805]

Also she is "winning" all of those fat federal government projects because the projects are now forced to go to minority-owned companies instead of being bid out and won on merit

[@wonmoreminute]

Exactly. To be fair, no disrespect to her. She didn’t pick the title. It may serve the channel’s purposes, but it diminishes her legitimate accomplishments relative to the title’s claim.

[@NYC993]

Regardless what she has done is historical. She was able to take her family’s legacy to the next level.

[@JO0729]

Wow, living in DC I see these monuments/buildings all the time. To know that a black woman’s firm is behind many of these buildings is powerful and amazing!

[@RockyMountainGardener]

What an incredible woman! As a fellow female engineer I understand how hard it is, let alone to start a business with almost nothing as a woman of colour. Truly inspirational!

[@vnosike]

It’s amazing ❤❤🎉

[@emem2863]

​@@georgep5512Learn the definition of racist. Mentioning race is not racist. Race exists in American society.

[@thenation2093]

Awesome Black American history and achievements! ❤

[@GratitudeGriot]

2:30 It's wild to me that some ppl STILL think enslaved individuals were unskilled savages when there's so much documented proof that they were intentionally targeted for their skills and abilities that would literally help them build American infrastructure, farming industry, export businesses, and wealth.THIS is a prime example of how maintaining generational wealth and skillsets can dramatically change the course of an entire person's lineage!!

[@MyGUNZ123]

Well now they are savages

[@FG-xc5qj]

@@MyGUNZ123so is your mother!

[@vnosike]

Praise God

[@abbyc.4215]

Well it isn't to me because Black history in the US was intentionally erased, not only on a national level, but on a global level. Most US African American history classes begin no earlier than 1619 and it is all by design even though Black people literally built the nation.

[@abbyc.4215]

Well it isn't to me because Black history was intentionally erased in the US and on a global scale. Most African American history classes/ lessons fail to even cover Black history prior to 1619 and it is all by design. Black people literally built the United States.

[@TimelessWealthMentor]

Not only has she got pedigree, she's brought her own into the game...think of her starting out in a different industry, then pivoting back to continue with the family legacy! You go girl!!

[@FEMININEINFLUENCE]

I asked my 5 yo daughter what kind of problems she wants to solve when she grows up. She said, "when people's houses burn down, I want to help build them back. I want to be the person who points to the map." 👷🏾‍♀I've always known she's had the engineer bug. I'm going to show her this video. Thank you!!!!!

[@PoSHEmediaglobal]

👏🏾 wonderful

[@pn7064]

Thats so cool to hear!

[@FEMININEINFLUENCE]

@@pn7064 Thank you.

[@SierraP]

Sounds like you are doing great in educating her so far. Awesome! Asked my 16 year old nephew what he wants to do and he said review sneakers…..

[@conquerer1111]

Listen, this is an excellent way to posture this to a child, e.g., what kind of problems do you want to solve when you grow up? Amazing! Add Jesus to the mix, make Him the center of your lives, and your daughter will be unstoppable! God bless you.

[@Kbarboza94]

“For me to say I made it…I wouldn’t say that yet.” I love that she hasn’t gotten comfortable or complacent considering how incredibly well she’s done.

[@Mr_burke90]

Let's not just see the dollar amount, the sacrifice, tears, and hard work is what you don't see.

[@uncharted4076]

Professional Engineer, I love to see it, much respect and thank you for giving back so much the community

[@ThriftyCHNR]

wow finally a legit real inspiring business story. no "influencers", drop shippers, "marketers", or course sellers here.

[@CKB555]

My favorite story on this channel so far. So inspiring 👏🏾

[@Os_-tw4ot]

Facts

[@kellyjohnally7880]

What a powerful story of grit, grind and legacy

[@jimmyvarghese5966]

so the title is 100% accurate.. she inherited itellect, drive, passion from her family..her parents sent her to school but she did the work other than that.. no one handed her anything.. she is the one who started her firm with $1000

[@DRDR3ADSA]

No one handed her anything? 😂 Bruh what where do you think she got 300 names to reach out to straight away. Did you skip the whole family legacy section where he grandad was a top architect? Stop it now. This is shades of Kim Kardashian "nobody wants to work hard anymore"

[@Essays4College]

The title is NOT 100% accurate. Big respect to what she's accomplished. She is a smart and driven woman. No question about that and it's great to see her success. You also can't deny having a family business from 1905 (2:58 of the video) helped her. It helped her knowledge base, her name, contacts, legacy, etc.

[@lamamjforlife]

​@Essays4College She ABSOLUTELY DID! Says it right here! 3:52. There's no reason for her to say anything else but truth! So give her the benefit of the doubt and believe her!!

[@selfridgesforever4399]

Such an inspiring journey. I loved hearing her story!

[@jasonkirby1]

What an amazing entrepreneur! I love her integrity of paying her people first and the pride she takes in her work. Very inspirational

[@jmilansjourney]

I’ve met this brilliant woman before through an old friend. She was kind enough to invite me to dinner and she is a very sweet person. Her story and family legacy are so inspiring. So happy to see her on here !! 🫶🏾❤️

[@prateeksinha1176]

Now this is a proud moment. Really like seeing stories like these.

[@mugentuner]

This lady and her business is steeped in rich history. Just goes to show that just because your female doesn't mean you cant carve out a serious legacy and make an impact.

[@mikedc]

The fact she pays herself last and not first shows or tells me she is a great boss and or person to work for or with. Always put your employeea and business first. Everybody want to be the boss til its payroll time and expenses to be paid

[@muhlaynee]

Inspirational story ❤

[@ryanortiz2648]

For the rich. Most can’t and won’t identify with her.

[@EcomCarl]

McKissick's story is a powerful testament to the enduring impact of legacy and the pivotal role of diversity in the construction industry. Encouraging more women and minorities to enter this field not only enriches the talent pool but also brings fresh perspectives to the table. 👷‍♀

[@mjerome1457]

Her firm is Amazing

[@lindalawson4296]

I have nothing but respect for this woman and her family. You have given the world the benefit of your talent. Thank you.

[@kekejefferson9219]

I've seen that name several times but never knew it was black woman owned.

[@laurenletsche1134]

architects and engineers 🥰

[@gilbertnicholas1582]

Being able to know about her lineage that far back is awesome

[@pamelahamilton2879]

The incompetence and corruption that runs through this administration are getting more ridiculous. I feel for people with disabilities not getting the help they deserve. Thank you Lindsey Jaedyn, imagine investing $1.5k and receiving $7.5k in 5 days.

[@jodiethumbler]

That is true my dear, Investment is the best idea presently and without it, human struggles are worthless.

[@Liam-bh8iu]

Truly facing this recession without investment is actually risky, salaries are easily spent off.

[@HollyAlvarez-tt7bq]

This inflation has taught people the importance of multiples income investment helps a lot.

[@steveromantina]

No doubt!! I never knew Lindsey had gone viral. I decided to back up my assets and property with her when we met at a conference in New Jersey for the first time.

[@michellerteddy]

We need this information, failure is inevitable when knowledge is failed to apply, why allow poverty rule ??

[@Rashaadthegr8]

WOW! You go gurl Martin Voice!

[@MichaelGilmoreTV]

American History 📚 Not Just Black History 🙏🏿🏢💰👍🏿💯

[@iamhassanelsaddique]

I love this so much! Thank you for highlighting this woman. I’m sending this to my daughters. she is a tycoon. Wow. Great job.

[@Suena2010]

I love this! So inspiring!

[@soniapowell4459]

Love to see a woman killing it in this profession.

[@02nupe]

Really appreciate the McKissack sisters for all you have done and continue to do!!! #HBCU grads constantly progressing!!!! #Ownership

[@LightingYourLifeEnterprises]

She is truly an inspiration, a wonderful mentor. Thank you for sharing your life and heritage with us. ♥️🖤💚💎’s

[@leadgenjay]

Deryl McKissack's story is truly inspiring. For entrepreneurs looking to build a lasting business, remember that diversifying your client base is key. A broad range of clients stabilizes your revenue and can lead to unexpected growth opportunities.

[@elainebmack]

So true. Too many Black companies rely solely on Black patronage. If you have something good, get it out there to the public at large.

[@TheExperienceShow_]

Amazing! More of this type of content!

[@ryangeorge5006]

I'm new to Bitcoin and would like to invest but l've got no idea on how to make good profit pls what's the best approach you'd recommend

[@JohnPaul-eu3hj]

I'm favoured financially, $32,000 weekly profit regardless of how bad it gets on the economy.

[@ryangeorge5006]

Please how do I go about it, am still a newbie on investment trading and how can I make profit?

[@JohnPaul-eu3hj]

you are not sending her your money or your coin?

[@JohnPaul-eu3hj]

Just a little guidance she will tell you what to do

[@JohnPaul-eu3hj]

Erica o'leary her trading strategies are top

[@mariadiary7888]

A true rule model Humble and Successful ❤️

[@kathrynjohnson4982]

I love this lady! She has so much drive to succeed and seems to love her business and what she is doing. So inspiring!

[@odalissk]

Ms McKissack. Please rebuild Augusta Savage's masterwork ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ in Harlem or Flushing, she was so ahead of her time, she dreamt your time would come

[@mariah_879]

Such an amazing story! Loved seeing her family history. I just visited the African American History Museum last weekend & believe I read a little bit about her.

[@americanpie624]

One of the best, if not the best story on this channel! Thank you for sharing.

[@mathewmcfool]

🎩 [tip of the hat] well done sista, well done

[@roomcolorschemes4568]

So inspiring!! Beautiful documentary. Congrats on your vision and dedicated work in our industry. 👏

[@4RMULA_arch]

absolutely inspirational, love this family. ❤️✨️💪🏾

[@lovenspired]

Woah! She’s amazing! I never knew of her before this video. It’s INSPIRING how she grew this company and the historical projects she completed. What a visionary hardworking woman. Being Black and being a woman is not a walk in the park for this industry, so to hear what she’s accomplished and the sacrifices she made to not give up on her vision is very admirable. I wish I could meet her and shake her hand.

[@jaso1653]

This is so inspiring. I'm so proud of her.

[@GRAND_WOO]

S/o to Deryl and the McKissack family! I became familiar a few years ago when Cheryl McKissack was on Earn Your Leisure's show. Recommended episode💰🎓🔴🐼...

[@STEMwithKristen]

Absolutely incredible. You are an inspiration!

[@georgekibblin9924]

What a Great Human Being and inspirational woman. This woman is a role model for everyone. Loved this video!

[@bensmusic1]

Truly Inspiring. Thank you for Sharing.

[@azieltobias]

Such an uplifting story, success depends on the actions or steps you take to achieve it. Building wealth involves developing good habits like regularly putting money away in intervals for solid investments. Financial management is a crucial topic that most tend to shy away from, and ends up haunting them in the near future.., I pray that anyone who reads this will be successful in life!!

[@Buffet-walton22]

Starting early is simply the best way of getting ahead to build wealth , investing remains a priority . I learnt from my last year's experience , I am able to build a suitable life because I invested early ahead this time .

[@mellon-wrigley3]

Exactly ! That's my major concern and what lucrative investment can one venture into with the current rise in economic downturn

[@BaileyHoward101]

In fact, I had no prior experience or understanding when I began investing in 2018, but by the end of 2019, I had made a profit of almost $750k. All I had been doing was going by what my financial advisor had told me. This demonstrates that all you truly need is a professional to assist you; you don't even need to be a great investor or put in a lot of work.

[@sloanmarriott5]

​ *@BaileyHoward101* That does make a lot of sense, unlike us, you seem to have the Market figured out. Who is this consultant?

[@BaileyHoward101]

Gertrude Margaret Quinto is the licensed advisor I use. Just research the name. You’d find necessary details to work with a correspondence to set up an appointment.

[@tyoung3509]

Love it! Enjoyed going to these monuments and museums when I lived in the area.

[@pn7064]

#CNBCMakeIt team keeps hitting it out of the park. I love inspiring stories like this that perfectly illustrate the american dream.

[@nehemiahstewart]

Amazing story. I'm just curious why she did not join the family business. The video implied that her family's business was established at her time of graduating college. Why the need to open up her own firm?

[@M2a3i]

So inspirational! Congrats 🎉🎉

[@isaacmwangaza]

This is so inspiring!!

[@aprelldiana3990]

Beautiful legacy that was built and I look forward to watching her grow!

[@hudsonpitts994]

A great firm, love this profile

[@fortheloveofdecorandmore]

This was awesome! So refreshing to see.

[@thereelrhonda6850]

I have to say the MLK monument was absolutely beautiful. I saw it shortly after it opened and I was absolutely in awe of the simplistic yet elaborate details of the design. It's stunning to say the least. Great job and hats off to all eho contributed.

[@MzPrettyWingz973]

So inspiring ✨️ 🙌🏾 ❤️

[@craciunlabs]

Such an inspiring video. I have saved it so i can share it with others. I can feel the heart felt connection right when she mentions she did not get paid till years later.

[@rafaelsegovia2730]

OH MY GOD! This is so inspirational! 🤩

[@BreNichols94]

I'm in DC right now and this is so inspiring 🤩

[@businesswithmariah]

Very inspirational ❤

[@brotherkossi]

Her personality is very charismatic. Such a poise ! And much respect for her accomplishments. She's a HallOfFamer indeed.

[@ClarisNdoroRealEstate]

Thank you for sharing your story. It's very inspiring to listen to your story. Most people think starting a business is easy this day, but you did after 10 years.

[@latishac.2140]

Wow this is great and extremely inspirational. Continued success to their family!

[@marthagichia]

That is inspiring! Thanks for sharing

[@neal6805]

*Love seeing this story.*

[@LiveInnerCity]

More companies need leaders like her

[@demetricealshaif7385]

Thank you for sharing your inspirational story❤❤❤❤

[@fdoctor79]

What a legacy! Congrats and continue success with your endeavors! 😊

[@EtienneKotey]

I may have missed something but if it was a family business why did she have to start another business on her own or did the familybusiness close at some point ? Was she was simply telling us that her family and father were in a similar business?

[@Naomisnotes]

This is a really sweet and inspiring story 💜. I think you should change the title as she started with way more capital than you’ve led us to believe

[@bambi0607]

Very inspiring! Great work! 👏🏼

[@lindanoel7860]

Beautiful legacy and building generational wealth. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@Jonesmatsunaga]

It must have taken a lot of hard work and dedication to turn a modest investment into a thriving business.

[@Tylerredn]

I learn new things everyday! Starting a business myself, I know how challenging it can be to navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, especially in the early stages.

[@Thomas-ff7wn]

I'm sure there were many obstacles along the way, but your perseverance and vision clearly paid off.

[@Churchillhump2268]

I am thinking of seeking guidance from a financial advisory firm to help manage me newfound wealth and plan for the future.

[@Bigwilli123]

That's a great suggestion. With such rapid expansion, it's essential to have a solid financial strategy in place to ensure the long-term sustainability and success of the business.

[@Colbe-lx7fb]

Absolutely. A firm like "Folmar Advisory" could provide valuable expertise and guidance on how to optimize your finances, protect your assets, and plan for future growth.

[@LL-ex1gp]

Very inspiring! ❤

[@unsulliedjuelz1992]

Salute to her and her family, excellent story.

[@LoveLumps7585]

Thanks for sharing your story

[@downey416Toronto]

god bless her im glad to see a black woman make it FIRE love from Toronto

[@rayokob2391]

Finally someone from DC!!!

[@DK-hi7]

She’s awesome 👏🏻

[@cherbearvegas]

Loved this!!! ❤

[@AlexSchwartzATV]

Incredibly inspiring

[@ravensfan410]

Bravo my sister!!!

[@littlebrit]

I worked in construction as an employee. It was so hard to generate millions of revenue. We could do all the big construction projects, but nobody would give us, because we could not get financial guarantees. Worked under some big firms to build up turnover.

[@value-20K]

Congrats to her.

[@kedr77]

Beautiful legacy and outsanding woman!

[@Mim4043]

Why don’t people see the value in having a helping hand 🤷🏽‍♀️ so what she inherited the skill, her parents and grandparents put her on the path which is phenomenal and she didn’t have to struggle! I wish this for all black people, no struggle and your parents actually guiding you into a career that will actually benefit you 🙌🏽 I hate that Black Americans can only relate to struggle, she did start the business with $1000 and her family made sure she was in a place to even save $1000 and go to college 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 I’m here for it! I paid my way through college and became an engineer I would have loved the guidance and help she had 😮‍💨

[@sidehustletoceo]

This is beautiful ❤️

[@CueTheStage]

Very cool to learn her family business history.

[@Onedon29]

Amazing ❤.

[@mcphaulnotaryworldllc6377]

Love this ❤❤