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VIA: FLYPAPER.com

Written/Interview by Megan Lorrain –

Imagine growing up in a household where your father is known for being a world class sprinter, who took his speed to the Major League Baseball Organization, to now currently own a few McDonald restaurants and a minor league professional football team? Some of us would think to ourselves: “Wow. I have an awesome birth right.” Or you honestly may think to yourself: forget going to college, I am already rolling in the money!!! Well, if that’s your mindset, it is obvious that you are not Terrell and Ari Washington, the children of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Washington.

I had the pleasure of interviewing two phenomenal young people who are not walking in the shadow of their successful parents. Instead they are making their own foot prints beside them by becoming 2nd generational entrepreneurs! It is not often in the African American households of today that we have examples of someone who has started their own Public Relations Firm, and another who is preparing to add many McDonald’s restaurants to their portfolio — under the age of 30! I learned not only about the personal lives of Terrell and Ari Washington, but more importantly what it is that truly motivates them to be successful. As a reader of FlyPaperNews, you will not only be inspired by the story of the Washington siblings, but you will definitely become motivated to find your passion and make it come to past by all means necessary!

Megan Lorraine – I know that you both grew up partially in Youngstown, Ohio, but where are you originally from?

Ari- Born and raised in Rochester, New York; but, you’re correct we grew up in Youngstown, Ohio. I now reside in Miami, Florida.

Terrell- I am currently in Youngstown, Ohio.

Megan Lorraine – Ok Ari, you appear to be the more outspoken one out of you and your brother. So, I will begin with you, what made you relocate yourself in Miami?

Ari- Miami, is where my public relations boutique firm is based, Double Coverage PR firm. I also have another office located in Cleveland, Ohio. But my home office is located in Miami.

Megan Lorraine – How long have you been in the public relations industry? And, what influenced you to go into this field?

Ari- I have been in the public relations industry for almost two years. I knew I always wanted to be in the sporting industry, especially growing up in a household where sports are such a huge part of my life because of my father. Once I entered college at Michigan State, I did begin my college program studying broadcasting. But, I made a switch into public relations after completing a ton of internships.

Megan Lorraine – Who were you able to intern with during college?

Ari-Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and American Airlines Arena, Youngstown Steelhounds (CHL), and working in the front office for the men’s basketball department and Coach Tom Izzo at Michigan State University.

Megan Lorraine – Wow!!! Those are all awesome organizations to intern with! I know you gained a lot of experience with each one of those sporting organizations. Young people of our generation don’t seem to understand the importance of obtaining an internship while studying in college. I am glad you are an example of how getting an internship can truly help your career in the future.

Ari- Internships are very important; we offer internships with Double Coverage firm for students. And, if the students are located in different states we have done satellite internships as well where students work for us by performing tasks through the internet, etc.

Megan Lorraine – Well that is very impressive and a great way to give back to the community as well. Let me get some questions in with you Terrell.

Terrell- My sister has always been a social person. I remember one time in high school she scored tickets to a Chicago Bulls game! I asked her how she did that, because she was so young. Her response was “Oh! I spoke to so and so…” She has always been networking even at a young age; so, she is in the perfect field.

Megan Lorraine- Terrell, you as well appear to be in the perfect field. Did you know growing up that you wanted to own many franchises like your father? Where did you study your degree and in what field?

Terrell- I obtained my pre -law degree from Michigan State. And I discovered during my junior year of college right before a spring break trip that I knew I wanted to go into the McDonalds business.

Megan Lorraine- Ok, wait! You have a Pre Law degree???

Terrell- Yes, I do.

Megan Lorraine- I honestly thought you were going to say your degree was something in business, even finance, but not Pre Law. Ok, so what was it about preparing for a spring break trip that made you realize you wanted to go into the restaurant business?

Terrell- Before I left for my spring break trip, I went to see my father to ask him for some money for my trip. That is when my father asked me what I was going to do with my life. It was at that moment during our conversation that I knew I wanted to be a part of the restaurant business; however, with the opportunity to own a multimillion dollar business at the age of 25.

Megan Lorraine – Outside of running the McDonalds restaurants, are there any other aspirations that you have within your career?

Terrell- I have always enjoyed politics, and I believe one day I will try to run for Congress. But, right now I am just focused on establishing and running the McDonalds business.

Megan Lorraine – Have there been days for the both of you when you wanted to just give up? If so, how did you change that energy around and push yourself to keep going?

Ari- In this industry it can become hard to find potential clients. And, as a publicist you can give your presentation to the prospect client in hopes that they will sign with you, and they can suddenly have a change of heart. So, there are struggles within this field. Being a female in such a male dominated industry it can be definitely harder. However, for me, it has not been as hard because of the respect I receive from the athletes due to my knowledge of sports. I know the game very well and men respect that.

Megan Lorraine – Ari, what advice would you give another female who would like to go into the sporting industries public relations field?

Ari- Know your client, and know the game that they play. You have to be able to build that relationship with your client in order to be able to discuss important aspects of the business with them.

Megan Lorraine – Terrell, what about you — have there been moments when you wanted to give up?

Terrell- There are frustrating days where I want to do things and my father may have me wait. It is all about having patience, and knowing everything that I want will come with time.

Megan Lorraine – Terrell, did you play any sports while attending high school or college?

Terrell- Yes. I ran track while in high school, and I attended Michigan State to run track to represent the school. However, I became very ill while in college with crohn’s disease and that unfortunately prevented me from running track.

Megan Lorraine – Wow! I am sorry to hear that. When did you find out you had crohn’s disease?

Terrell- While in high school I became very ill for months. Doctors didn’t know what was wrong with me. Finally, I was diagnosed with crohn’s disease. In high school I was still able to run track and participate in events. However, once I got to college, I became ill to the point where I couldn’t run track anymore.

Megan Lorraine- Naturally the Ronald McDonald House would be a source of community service for you, Terrell. With the illness that you have battled, are there any other organizations or causes that you would like to be a part of to get more information out there about crohn’s disease?

Terrell- Yes. Ronald McDonald House is my choice of organizations to give back to within the community, and I am working with McDonalds to do more collaborations.

Megan Lorraine – Ari, how are you able to give back to the community through Double Coverage? I know you mentioned the internships for students. Are there any other ways you are able to give back?

Ari- At Double Coverage, we make sure all our clients have charities created to give back to the community. At times we have children shadow me at work, which is one of my favorite things to do. I wish I had someone to shadow while I was in high school.

Megan Lorraine – Changing the subject, do you both have any sibling rivalry?

Ari- I don’t think there is any rivalry between us. We have such a small family; therefore, we focus on building each other up and being successful.

Terrell- I would say yes and no, because we both work in different industries. When playing spades, someone is guaranteed to get into an argument and walk away. But, I do commend her on her success with getting out of school so quickly and starting her own business. However, if Ari were to get noticed by Black Enterprise Magazine before me, I would work hard to beat her next year at something else.

Megan Lorraine – If you have a daily routine, what would you say it is?

Terrell- It varies. I roll out of bed and begin checking emails. If there is an urgent phone call from the night before, usually I return the phone call as soon as possible to rectify the situation. Then, I go straight to the restaurant or office depending on the needs for that day or moment. But, the majority of the day is spent in the restaurant working with the managers and crew members.

Megan Lorraine – Terrell what is your actual position or job title?

Terrell- My father and I own a McDonalds together. It is my goal to own my own restaurant by the end of the year.

Megan Lorraine- Wow! That is a great goal to have. Ari, what is your routine?

Ari- ESPN is the first thing I turn on before I get out of bed around 7:00 am. While ESPN is on, I check my emails and follow up with my clients. I also may take time in the morning to communicate with the fans to check out games, etc. I also email companies in order to gain endorsement contracts for clients. Or, I communicate with the media outlets to get photo shoots to get the players out there. Overall, my schedule varies from day to day.

Megan Lorraine – Ari, how many employees do you have employed with Double Coverage?

Ari- Two part-time employees. I also offer internships for students as well in Miami and via satellite depending upon their location.

Megan Lorraine – Now it is time for the fun questions! What are you listening to in your cars?

Ari- Wale’s mixtape, but I am a super R&B fan, soul music such as Anthony Hamilton, Jill Scot, Ledisi and Adele. And every once in a while some Rick Ross, if I am preparing to go out.

Terrell- All of Drakes new music. I have been listening to Drake since 2007. A little bit of Trance, which is a mellow electronic music, and Waka Flaka Flame. It all depends upon my mood.

Megan Lorraine – What are your favorite fashion staple items? What are the things that you can’t live without in your closet?

Ari- For me it depends on the season; however, I am known for wearing huge stiletto heels. Outside of that, I am enjoying wearing blazers and over-accessorizing with jewels.

Terrell- A staple piece in my wardrobe — linens and boat shoes in the summer. Fall and winter, I wear cardigans; they are my must-have. I just got back from Europe, and I controlled spending a lot on cardigans, although it was hard. I bought myself some tailored suits.

Megan Lorraine – Ari, where do you see Double Coverage PR in the future?

Ari- Expanding with staff, clients, and branching into more sporting industries. I do want to keep a boutique public relations firm with nothing more than 20 clients signed to us.

Megan Lorraine – Terrell, I previously asked you what a goal was for you. I would like you close out our interview by sharing advice with today’s generation on how to be successful?

Terrell- The reason why I am successful is because I am doing something that I love. And the success, “I want it” and if you don’t want it you may just float around in the business that you work within. It may be a part of my nature of knowing that I can achieve much more. My view on success is this: When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, that is when you will be successful. And, that is what I live by every day!

VIA: FLYPAPER.com

Written/Interview by Megan Lorrain –

Imagine growing up in a household where your father is known for being a world class sprinter, who took his speed to the Major League Baseball Organization, to now currently own a few McDonald restaurants and a minor league professional football team? Some of us would think to ourselves: “Wow. I have an awesome birth right.” Or you honestly may think to yourself: forget going to college, I am already rolling in the money!!! Well, if that’s your mindset, it is obvious that you are not Terrell and Ari Washington, the children of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Washington.I had the pleasure of interviewing two phenomenal young people who are not walking in the shadow of their successful parents. Instead they are making their own foot prints beside them by becoming 2nd generational entrepreneurs! It is not often in the African American households of today that we have examples of someone who has started their own Public Relations Firm, and another who is preparing to add many McDonald’s restaurants to their portfolio — under the age of 30! I learned not only about the personal lives of Terrell and Ari Washington, but more importantly what it is that truly motivates them to be successful. As a reader of FlyPaperNews, you will not only be inspired by the story of the Washington siblings, but you will definitely become motivated to find your passion and make it come to past by all means necessary!Megan Lorraine – I know that you both grew up partially in Youngstown, Ohio, but where are you originally from?Ari- Born and raised in Rochester, New York; but, you’re correct we grew up in Youngstown, Ohio. I now reside in Miami, Florida.Terrell- I am currently in Youngstown, Ohio.Megan Lorraine – Ok Ari, you appear to be the more outspoken one out of you and your brother. So, I will begin with you, what made you relocate yourself in Miami?Ari- Miami, is where my public relations boutique firm is based, Double Coverage PR firm. I also have another office located in Cleveland, Ohio. But my home office is located in Miami.Megan Lorraine – How long have you been in the public relations industry? And, what influenced you to go into this field?Ari- I have been in the public relations industry for almost two years. I knew I always wanted to be in the sporting industry, especially growing up in a household where sports are such a huge part of my life because of my father. Once I entered college at Michigan State, I did begin my college program studying broadcasting. But, I made a switch into public relations after completing a ton of internships.Megan Lorraine – Who were you able to intern with during college?Ari-Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and American Airlines Arena, Youngstown Steelhounds (CHL), and working in the front office for the men’s basketball department and Coach Tom Izzo at Michigan State University.Megan Lorraine – Wow!!! Those are all awesome organizations to intern with! I know you gained a lot of experience with each one of those sporting organizations. Young people of our generation don’t seem to understand the importance of obtaining an internship while studying in college. I am glad you are an example of how getting an internship can truly help your career in the future.Ari- Internships are very important; we offer internships with Double Coverage firm for students. And, if the students are located in different states we have done satellite internships as well where students work for us by performing tasks through the internet, etc.Megan Lorraine – Well that is very impressive and a great way to give back to the community as well. Let me get some questions in with you Terrell.Terrell- My sister has always been a social person. I remember one time in high school she scored tickets to a Chicago Bulls game! I asked her how she did that, because she was so young. Her response was “Oh! I spoke to so and so…” She has always been networking even at a young age; so, she is in the perfect field.Megan Lorraine- Terrell, you as well appear to be in the perfect field. Did you know growing up that you wanted to own many franchises like your father? Where did you study your degree and in what field?Terrell- I obtained my pre -law degree from Michigan State. And I discovered during my junior year of college right before a spring break trip that I knew I wanted to go into the McDonalds business.Megan Lorraine- Ok, wait! You have a Pre Law degree???Terrell- Yes, I do.Megan Lorraine- I honestly thought you were going to say your degree was something in business, even finance, but not Pre Law. Ok, so what was it about preparing for a spring break trip that made you realize you wanted to go into the restaurant business?Terrell- Before I left for my spring break trip, I went to see my father to ask him for some money for my trip. That is when my father asked me what I was going to do with my life. It was at that moment during our conversation that I knew I wanted to be a part of the restaurant business; however, with the opportunity to own a multimillion dollar business at the age of 25.Megan Lorraine – Outside of running the McDonalds restaurants, are there any other aspirations that you have within your career?Terrell- I have always enjoyed politics, and I believe one day I will try to run for Congress. But, right now I am just focused on establishing and running the McDonalds business.Megan Lorraine – Have there been days for the both of you when you wanted to just give up? If so, how did you change that energy around and push yourself to keep going?Ari- In this industry it can become hard to find potential clients. And, as a publicist you can give your presentation to the prospect client in hopes that they will sign with you, and they can suddenly have a change of heart. So, there are struggles within this field. Being a female in such a male dominated industry it can be definitely harder. However, for me, it has not been as hard because of the respect I receive from the athletes due to my knowledge of sports. I know the game very well and men respect that.Megan Lorraine – Ari, what advice would you give another female who would like to go into the sporting industries public relations field?Ari- Know your client, and know the game that they play. You have to be able to build that relationship with your client in order to be able to discuss important aspects of the business with them.Megan Lorraine – Terrell, what about you — have there been moments when you wanted to give up?Terrell- There are frustrating days where I want to do things and my father may have me wait. It is all about having patience, and knowing everything that I want will come with time.Megan Lorraine – Terrell, did you play any sports while attending high school or college?Terrell- Yes. I ran track while in high school, and I attended Michigan State to run track to represent the school. However, I became very ill while in college with crohn’s disease and that unfortunately prevented me from running track.Megan Lorraine – Wow! I am sorry to hear that. When did you find out you had crohn’s disease?Terrell- While in high school I became very ill for months. Doctors didn’t know what was wrong with me. Finally, I was diagnosed with crohn’s disease. In high school I was still able to run track and participate in events. However, once I got to college, I became ill to the point where I couldn’t run track anymore.Megan Lorraine- Naturally the Ronald McDonald House would be a source of community service for you, Terrell. With the illness that you have battled, are there any other organizations or causes that you would like to be a part of to get more information out there about crohn’s disease?Terrell- Yes. Ronald McDonald House is my choice of organizations to give back to within the community, and I am working with McDonalds to do more collaborations.Megan Lorraine – Ari, how are you able to give back to the community through Double Coverage? I know you mentioned the internships for students. Are there any other ways you are able to give back?Ari- At Double Coverage, we make sure all our clients have charities created to give back to the community. At times we have children shadow me at work, which is one of my favorite things to do. I wish I had someone to shadow while I was in high school.Megan Lorraine – Changing the subject, do you both have any sibling rivalry?Ari- I don’t think there is any rivalry between us. We have such a small family; therefore, we focus on building each other up and being successful.Terrell- I would say yes and no, because we both work in different industries. When playing spades, someone is guaranteed to get into an argument and walk away. But, I do commend her on her success with getting out of school so quickly and starting her own business. However, if Ari were to get noticed by Black Enterprise Magazine before me, I would work hard to beat her next year at something else.Megan Lorraine – If you have a daily routine, what would you say it is?Terrell- It varies. I roll out of bed and begin checking emails. If there is an urgent phone call from the night before, usually I return the phone call as soon as possible to rectify the situation. Then, I go straight to the restaurant or office depending on the needs for that day or moment. But, the majority of the day is spent in the restaurant working with the managers and crew members.Megan Lorraine – Terrell what is your actual position or job title?Terrell- My father and I own a McDonalds together. It is my goal to own my own restaurant by the end of the year.Megan Lorraine- Wow! That is a great goal to have. Ari, what is your routine?Ari- ESPN is the first thing I turn on before I get out of bed around 7:00 am. While ESPN is on, I check my emails and follow up with my clients. I also may take time in the morning to communicate with the fans to check out games, etc. I also email companies in order to gain endorsement contracts for clients. Or, I communicate with the media outlets to get photo shoots to get the players out there. Overall, my schedule varies from day to day.Megan Lorraine – Ari, how many employees do you have employed with Double Coverage?Ari- Two part-time employees. I also offer internships for students as well in Miami and via satellite depending upon their location.Megan Lorraine – Now it is time for the fun questions! What are you listening to in your cars?Ari- Wale’s mixtape, but I am a super R&B fan, soul music such as Anthony Hamilton, Jill Scot, Ledisi and Adele. And every once in a while some Rick Ross, if I am preparing to go out.Terrell- All of Drakes new music. I have been listening to Drake since 2007. A little bit of Trance, which is a mellow electronic music, and Waka Flaka Flame. It all depends upon my mood.Megan Lorraine – What are your favorite fashion staple items? What are the things that you can’t live without in your closet?Ari- For me it depends on the season; however, I am known for wearing huge stiletto heels. Outside of that, I am enjoying wearing blazers and over-accessorizing with jewels.Terrell- A staple piece in my wardrobe — linens and boat shoes in the summer. Fall and winter, I wear cardigans; they are my must-have. I just got back from Europe, and I controlled spending a lot on cardigans, although it was hard. I bought myself some tailored suits.Megan Lorraine – Ari, where do you see Double Coverage PR in the future?Ari- Expanding with staff, clients, and branching into more sporting industries. I do want to keep a boutique public relations firm with nothing more than 20 clients signed to us.Megan Lorraine – Terrell, I previously asked you what a goal was for you. I would like you close out our interview by sharing advice with today’s generation on how to be successful?Terrell- The reason why I am successful is because I am doing something that I love. And the success, “I want it” and if you don’t want it you may just float around in the business that you work within. It may be a part of my nature of knowing that I can achieve much more. My view on success is this: When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, that is when you will be successful. And, that is what I live by every day!