February 19: Quentin Thompson

BHM
Photo credit Audacy

Quentin Thompson was born January 20, 1969, in Greenville, SC. He graduated from Wade Hampton High School and then went on to further his education as an undergraduate at South Carolina State University while playing football and receiving his Bachelor of Science in Engineering in 1994.

Quentin moved back home to Greenville and worked for the City in the Community Development Department as a Housing Inspector for eight years. After he left the City, he tried his hand in the Arena Football League where he played for two local teams: The Carolina Rhinos and The Greenville Force. Although things did not go as planned, he started his own business as a handyman doing repairs before returning to the City of Greenville as a Park Maintenance worker.

Upon his return, Quentin quickly moved up the ladder and completed several certifications before transitioning into the role of Park Maintenance Supervisor. With this new title, he handled tasks like inspecting the City’s playgrounds and ensuring the safety of children in the community. However, something was still missing. He continued working and working, but felt that he wasn’t in a position where he would ever own or be able to leave something to his family.

When the pandemic hit in 2020, he decided it was time for another change. He took to social media and uploaded videos of himself creating a food truck business. He knew he had to do it alone due to the lack of financial support and the amount of free time he had to invest in the project. His social media following grew which ignited his drive to succeed. He then decided to leave The City again, and start on a new venture, The Naked Vegan.

The Naked Vegan is a food truck business that offers plant-based vegan meals. His customer base quickly grew and the feedback encouraged him to keep going.

Today, you can find Quentin doing something he loves while helping an entire community eat healthy. Quentin offers the following advice for those struggling with the same issues he dealt with, “If there is something you want to do, do it. No talking about it! Put in the work and things will fall in place for you. It all happens inside your mind first. It is up to you to follow through. We all fall but we get back up. Keep pushing. See you soon at the Naked Vegan Healing Spot.”

It's Black History on The Block powered by Healthy Blue South Carolina and CommunityWorks.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Audacy