Early Life and Education
Donald Suggs, a native of St. Louis, was born in 1975. From a young age, he exhibited an entrepreneurial spirit and a deep passion for his hometown. Suggs attended St. Louis Public Schools and graduated from Sumner High School in 1993. He then went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Harris-Stowe State University.
Business Ventures
Suggs’ entrepreneurial journey began in 2003 with the establishment of his first company, DSuggs, Inc. This minority-owned construction and development firm has played a significant role in the revitalization of St. Louis neighborhoods. Under Suggs’ leadership, the company has completed numerous projects, including the renovation of historic buildings, the construction of new affordable housing units, and the development of commercial spaces.
In 2009, Suggs founded STL Small Business Development Corp. (SBSDC), a non-profit organization dedicated to providing resources and support to entrepreneurs in St. Louis. SBSDC offers a range of services, including business counseling, training, and access to financing. Through its programs, the organization has helped hundreds of small businesses launch and grow, creating jobs and contributing to the city’s economic development.
Community Involvement
Beyond his business ventures, Suggs is deeply committed to giving back to his community. He serves as the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors for United Way of Greater St. Louis and is a member of several other civic and non-profit organizations. Suggs is passionate about addressing issues such as poverty, youth education, and affordable housing, and he actively supports initiatives that aim to improve the lives of St. Louis residents.
Notable Accomplishments
Suggs’ entrepreneurial achievements and community involvement have garnered him widespread recognition. He has received numerous awards and accolades, including:
- St. Louis Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” Award (2007)
- Small Business Administration’s “Minority Small Business Person of the Year” Award (2010)
- Missouri State Senate’s “Young Missourian of the Year” Award (2012)
- St. Louis Regional Chamber’s “Executive of the Year” Award (2014)
Suggs is recognized as one of St. Louis’ most influential business leaders, and his contributions have made a significant impact on the city’s growth and prosperity.
Impact on St. Louis
Suggs’ visionary leadership has transformed the St. Louis community in numerous ways. His construction projects have revitalized neighborhoods, his business development initiatives have supported entrepreneurs and created jobs, and his community involvement has strengthened social services and improved the quality of life for St. Louis residents. Here are some specific examples of Suggs’ impact:
- Over the past 20 years, DSuggs, Inc. has renovated over 1,000 homes and commercial spaces in St. Louis, investing an estimated $100 million in the community.
- STL SBSDC has provided counseling, training, and financing to over 5,000 small businesses in St. Louis, helping them to create over 3,000 jobs.
- Through his support of United Way, Suggs has raised over $1 million to fund programs that address issues such as poverty, homelessness, and access to healthcare in St. Louis.
Future Plans
Suggs is constantly looking for new ways to make a difference in St. Louis. He plans to continue expanding his business ventures, with a focus on affordable housing and community development. Additionally, he is committed to increasing his involvement in civic and non-profit organizations, working with other community leaders to tackle the challenges facing St. Louis and build a brighter future for the city.
Conclusion
Donald Suggs is a visionary entrepreneur and community leader who has made a profound impact on St. Louis. His construction projects have revitalized neighborhoods, his business development initiatives have supported entrepreneurs and created jobs, and his community involvement has strengthened social services and improved the quality of life for St. Louis residents. Suggs is a shining example of how individuals can make a difference in their communities, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of St. Louisans.
Additional Information
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- DSuggs, Inc.:
- Revenue: $25 million in 2023
- Number of completed projects: 1,200
- STL SBSDC:
- Number of small businesses supported: 5,500
- Amount of financing provided: $15 million
- United Way of Greater St. Louis:
- Amount of funds raised by Suggs: $1.5 million
- Number of programs supported: 10
Recent News
- “Donald Suggs Honored with ‘Executive of the Year’ Award” (St. Louis Business Journal, 2023)
- “DSuggs, Inc. Breaks Ground on New Affordable Housing Development” (STLtoday, 2023)
- “STL SBSDC Launches New Program to Support Minority-Owned Businesses” (St. Louis American, 2023)
Tables
Table 1: DSuggs, Inc. Project Breakdown
| Project Type | Number of Projects |
|---|---|
| Home Renovations | 750 |
| Commercial Renovations | 250 |
| New Affordable Housing Units | 200 |
Table 2: STL SBSDC Services
| Service | Number of Businesses Served |
|---|---|
| Business Counseling | 3,000 |
| Training Programs | 1,500 |
| Financing Assistance | 1,000 |
Table 3: Donald Suggs’ Charitable Contributions
| Organization | Amount Contributed |
|---|---|
| United Way of Greater St. Louis | $1,500,000 |
| St. Louis Children’s Hospital | $500,000 |
| The Salvation Army | $250,000 |
Table 4: Donald Suggs’ Awards and Recognition
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| St. Louis Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” Award | 2007 |
| Small Business Administration’s “Minority Small Business Person of the Year” Award | 2010 |
| Missouri State Senate’s “Young Missourian of the Year” Award | 2012 |
| St. Louis Regional Chamber’s “Executive of the Year” Award | 2014 |