Now a small-business consultant, Jones helps small business owners get approved for business loans and establish business credit through his The Lamont Success Plan. He spoke with Amplify’s Tamora Israel.

Lamont Jones created The Lamont Success Plan to build bridges that allow small companies to thrive — even in these difficult times. Born in Boston, Lamont grew up in Falmouth and began his business career in the retail industry. He always had a thirst for more. “I always knew I wanted to help people,” he says.

Because Jones spent eight years in the Marine Corps -- from 2011 to 2019 -- discipline was no problem. His military training helped him stay focused as he built The Lamont Success Plan from the ground up.

Amplify POC: What does the Lamont Success Plan offer?

Jones: I help small businesses secure loans and other capital they need. I even help people who don't have great credit. Maybe a client has a 500 credit score. That’s not an ideal score if you want to qualify for traditional loans from a bank. So I help businesses get to the next stage even if their profits aren't increasing as fast as some lenders would like.

Amplify POC: What inspired you to create The Lamont Success Plan?

Jones: In the Fall of 2020, I was fed up with my regular nine to five job, and I wanted more. I thought about what type of profession involved helping people, making money, and being my own boss. That is what inspires me. At this moment, COVID-19 has impacted a lot of businesses. Some employees aren’t able to work and other businesses have had to close down. I want to offer companies the opportunity to access funds they may need for inventory or overhead expenses.

Amplify POC: What steps did you take to create your business? And did you encounter any obstacles along the way?

Jones: I worked in retail for several years and I was a supervisor making $15 to $16 dollars an hour. I felt like it wasn’t enough for me. I enjoyed the customer service, I enjoyed helping people, but I didn’t necessarily enjoy the feeling of not being appreciated. Working long hours and not getting full respect was a breaking point. So I started to think about what I really wanted to do. I spent some time doing online marketing, promoting different products and getting paid commission. I eventually found information on being a consultant — a profession where I can help my community and support myself. When you want to start a business, not having enough money can definitely be an obstacle. So first I figured out what I wanted to do — the right type of job, the right type of business.

Amplify POC: Have recent events and the nation’s current financial climate affected your business?

Jones: It’s all helped my business. Online businesses seem to be thriving through this pandemic. People are buying more things online and that helps companies like mine thrive.

Amplify POC: Where do you see your business in five years?

Jones: I want to branch out, beyond just loans. I see myself doing a lot more. — Tamora Israel

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On the Web: lamontsuccessplan.com/loans and Lamontjones@lamontsuccess.com
On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lamont-jones-114311207/
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lamont.monty.92
On Instagram: lamontsuccessplan