Enter 313: Detroit VS Everybody, Tommey Walker, Jr.

Born to Thomas Delano Walker, Sr. and Diane Walker on April 20, 1986. He was blessed to have two parents who loved, supported and guided him. Most importantly, they had expectations for his life. They expected him to choose a path that brings him joy. During a character defining conversation with his dad he told him to be undeniably good at whatever it is that he chose to do in life. Be so good that even if people don’t like you, they have to work with you because you represent excellence. These words he cannot forget.  They have been the source of much motivation in his life.    

Tommey has always been aware that excellence was a by-product of hard work. He was never afraid to put in the work required for his desired outcome. In elementary school he would sale his toys and song lyrics to his classmates. He would stand out in front of the grocery store and take groceries of the elderly to their car or to the senior citizen home around the corner. He got his first job at the hands of a mentor at his church working at A#1 detailing car shop at the age of twelve. He was suspended from high school once a month for selling candy throughout the school. He worked on the corner of six mile and Woodward as a cashier at a candy store; He sold bootleg CDs and DVDs. He had a gutter cleaning business that his friend and he started; his father made them stop because they were operating without insurance. He taught himself Photoshop with the aid of a mentor and opened up a freelance design company while still in high school. He was hired to create party flyers, album artwork, and posters for all of the aspiring entertainers in the area at that time. He worked with the most prestigious printing and design companies in Detroit. Def Jam, Interscope and Jive outsourced him while still in college. He branded and worked on design teams of many artists in the industry as well as businesses. Tommey has always worked hard toward living in his truth and toward his dreams. 

Tommey’s dedication to his vision and commitment to hard work lead him to become his own boss at the age of 25. In 2012 he became the owner and creator of Detroit VS Everybody. Detroit VS Everybody was introduced as an apparel line but has been adopted by citizens as the cities motto. In five short years, Detroit VS Everybody, also known as DVE, has grown from an online retail store, to six storefront locations. Tommey owns Saluki Printing, a manufacturing company that prints for DVE as well as many companies and brands throughout the country; as well as world-wide recognition through the ever expanding the VS. Everybody brand. His brands are proudly known for their authentic connection with the people and being able to connect with the old and the young alike. Not many brands can do that. 

He is no overnight success. His relationship with God, his families support, the insight and direction of mentors, his innate spirit of hard work and hustle, and his desire to leave a legacy for all those who are inspired by him and his works have made him who he is today.

Learn more about Tommey Walker, Jr.: IG + FB.

Thank you for listening! Will you contribute to the show? Every penny helps as we continue to create the content that you love. Contribute whatever is comfortable for you HERE. Thank you!

Share your thoughts and follow Klay on your favorite social media: @PlanAwithKlay and use the hashtag #PlanA101. Want more Plan A? Subscribe to Klay's website: KlaySWilliams.com.