Can you tell me a little about yourself and your business?

My name is Antonio Johnson. I am a resident of Memphis and owner of Johnson Mechanical Services. We’ve been in business since 2008. We’re a family-owned and operated business. I have 22 years of experience in the business. I wanted to start my own company. The business was originally named Johnson Heating and Air when I started because I was a sole proprietor, but as I began to grow, I understood that I needed an LLC, so I changed the name to Johnson Mechanical Services LLC. I am a local, veteran, and minority-owned small business, certified by Shelby County and categorized as a Small Business Enterprise with the City of Memphis. My primary goal is to be recognized as one of the leading minority contractors in the mechanical services.

How did you get started in the mechanical industry?

I was in the military for 6 years and after I was honorably discharged from the US Army. I got an opportunity—God blessed me— I went to the unemployment office looking for a job, an opportunity opened up to be a forklift driver at a heat and air company, Jackson Supply. They sold all the materials and equipment needed for the mechanical services. I worked there for 6 years and gained a tremendous amount of hands-on experience and knowledge in the heating and air field. I met and talked to a lot of good people that helped me. One of the guys, Joe Johnson, told me that he could show me something that would change my life forever if I was willing to go back to school. I went to State Tech and learned the heating and air business and received my certification. I’ve been doing it for 22 years now.

Why did you choose to locate your business in Memphis?

I was born and raised in the City of Memphis. I grew up in South Memphis and graduated from South Side High School. I wanted to give back to the community that I love and show my family, especially my son and nephews, that you can be a successful black businessman in this city.

Do you offer any training programs for those who also want to learn about mechanical services?

Yes. In the past 22 years of business, I have trained 9 people that have become productive business owners in the industry. They have become mentors to other. I assisted them in doing their business the correct way— getting their licenses, getting insurance, and being bonded. If you’re out doing services or working in someone’s home, you always want to cover yourself. I have 2 people that I’m currently training in my program.

What has it meant for you to be a part of the BUY Local Marketplace?

It has been a great opportunity. I didn’t know about it at first, but once I was invited to a BUY Local event and was presented the information about your Anchor Partners, it has been great for me. It has opened my eyes to opportunities to expand and market my business and what I’m trying to do to the public. It’s a wonderful opportunity to be a part of this network. When I go to those meetings, I see a wide array of minority business owners in attendance. You guys are opening up the doors for people such as myself.

What was your experience like at the February Buy Local Connect Event?

I was able to get business cards for all those that I talked with. There were Medical District partners that had booths set up who gave me great feedback. Rory Thompson at Tennessee Small Business Development Center set me up with Dr. Branch, one of their consultants. They’re helping me create a business plan and capability statement. Event speaker Veronica Clark with UT Center for Industrial Services has followed up with me and helped me navigate the services they are offering and set me up to participate in the Turner Construction Management Program in Nashville. I’ve gotten positive feedback from everybody. You guys are pioneering opportunities for minority businesses to network with Anchor Partners representing major companies that we can later sub-contract to and work with in the future.

Is there anything else you’d like the public to know about yourself or your business?

I work for the City of Memphis Fire Department as an active duty firefighter for the past 17 years. I love this job, I love helping people, and I’m looking forward to being promoted in July as a Lieutenant and continuing to share my knowledge and experience with the young people hired on the job. I’m certified as an Advanced EMT by the state of Tennessee through the Fire Department and have various life-saving training certifications that I must continue to educate myself on an annual basis. I love what I do for the City of Memphis! It gives me great pride and joy!