Hidden Gems: Meet Michael Dozier

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Dozier. 

Hi Michael, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story began when I was working in the Mississippi Department of Education for the Learn and Serve America and Americorp Program. During that time, we provided grants to school districts and community-based organizations throughout the State of Mississippi. I was responsible for coordinating the request for proposal process, grantee’s orientation process, and grantee’s selection process for new grant recipients. My job consisted of monitoring and evaluating grantees who receive funding from the State of Mississippi. After doing that for a while, I got the opportunity to work for DREAM, Inc. a nonprofit that focused on alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs programs. Working for DREAM, Inc. allowed me to gain additional experience in working with national organizations and regional organizations throughout the US on research and evidence-based prevention programs. It also gave me the experience to provide capacity-building services, assistance, and training to organizations to ensure they were operating according to Best Practices. Gaining experience in that area allowed me to gain consultant experience by working with Community Anti-Drug Coalition of America (CADCA), Mississippi Center for Nonprofits, and with various federal agencies such as Department of Justice, US Department of Human Services and Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). 

When the State of Mississippi was the first to sue the tobacco industry and received a settlement, I had the opportunity to partnership with key stakeholders across the state to help navigate and set up new community coalitions to help address the issue of preventing tobacco use among young people. That work led me to create a community nonprofit that focused on ATOD service, but also alternative prevention programs geared toward young people in selected counties in the state. After that, I served as CEO of a community action agency that had around 300 staff people and an operating budget of about 17 million. Doing those jobs led me to create my own nonprofit consulting firm that provides nonprofit services to clients throughout the US. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There is no such thing as a smooth road. Starting your own business there are many things that can keep you up at night. That could be making sure you can work with clients who are serious and committed to their goals and mission. Another could be making sure you can successfully market and get the word out about your services you provide to clients. Also, making sure clients understand your worth and value that you bring to the table in providing the services they need. 

As you know, we’re big fans of Carrington, Holland & Leigh. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Carrington, Holland & Leigh (CHL) mission is to empower nonprofit and give businesses the opportunity to succeed. CHL provides an array of services such as 501 (c) (3) formation and development, strategic planning, operational compliance audits, grant-writing, fund development, peer-to-peer fundraising, business planning, infrastructure development, board retreat and training, executive board training, compliance policies and procedures, board and executive, executive compensation review, board, and executive evaluation. 

We’d love to hear about what you think about risk-taking.
Like any other business-minded entrepreneur, there is a lot of risk in just wanting to do your own business. It is much easier to go work for someone else and receive a paycheck. That paycheck you received will always be determined by someone else and beyond your control. Some of the risks that I have dealt with include screening clients to ensure that they will be a good fit to work with you. I would also say making sure that you have a good agreement in place to anticipate any problems or issues that could arise. Deciding to spend your reserve funds to advertise with the hope of getting a good return on your investment is another risk that I have had to deal with in the past. The biggest risk would be trusting that clients adhere to the contract and pay on time to ensure that you will always have a sustainable cash flow to count on. 

Pricing:

• $1600 for nonprofit basic plan
• $3200 for nonprofit silver plan
• $6400 for nonprofit best plan
• $2500 for one-day board retreat
• $12,800 for comprehensive nonprofit infrastructure

Contact Info:

• Website: www.chlnonprofits.com