Charles A. West is the real deal, an Original FLGG. He is a teacher, consultant, serial entrepreneur, executive, and author of four books. He uses his earned Ph.D. in Entrepreneurship to tirelessly work to unlock entrepreneurial talent among thousands of freelancers, gigsters, hustlers, and entrepreneurs nationally.
Daryl A. Williams epitomizes the Original FLGG. He worked on countless gigs in the entertainment industry as a successful musician, writer, producer, and arranger. Daryl continues to dedicate much of his current professional career to spreading the message of how to be productive as a part-time or full-time entrepreneur much like he did in his former role as Director of Entrepreneurship at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.
Before the ToolKit “The original FLGGs” used their experiences and tools to co-create the Urban Entrepreneur Partnership (UEP) and Urban Entrepreneur Partnership Detroit 150 (UEP Detroit 150), a spinoff program of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. The UEP program was among the most successful entrepreneurial training programs in the country because of its significant impact on employment and revenue of the businesses in the program. The emergence of the Great Recession during the UEP Detroit 150 assignment required a focus on freelance and gig work because traditional revenue streams in the auto industry began to dry up. Individuals were forced to pursue new revenue streams to keep their businesses afloat. After completing UEP Detroit 150 work, The OFGGs decided to share their experiences with wider audiences by providing a guide to help navigate the freelance gig economy. The 7 Secrets of the Gig Gurus: A ToolKit for the Freelance Economy was born.
Listen to what experts in economic development, entrepreneurship, workforce development, military, politics, and education say about what this ToolKit has to offer:
“This is the best guide yet to benefits, risks, and tools for thriving in the gig economy.”
Bob Litan, Non-Resident Senior Fellow, Brookings Institution
“Young people graduating from high school, college, or leaving the military need to learn how to create their own employment. The 7 Secrets of the Gig Gurus is a practical and badly needed book. We should thank the authors.”
David L. Brewer III, Vice Admiral, U.S. Navy (retired)
“ I recommend you read The 7 Secrets of the Gig Gurus to find out how to make the gig economy work for you.”
Milton J. Little, Jr. President and CEO, United Way of Greater Atlanta