Brent Williams is the co-founder of Reach Supported Living and a Leadership Tri-Cities class 22 alumnus. He started his business seven years ago, shortly after his Leadership Tri-Cities class graduation. The company has since grown from one local location to seven branches across three states – Washington, California, and Nevada.
“The growth has been a bit crazy, to be honest,” he said with a chuckle.
Brent, a father of 6, is an affable character who deeply cares for his family and the community.
“I moved to the Tri-Cities from Chicago in 2011. We didn’t have much at the time we moved – it was struggle. But, my wife is my rock and best friend, and got us through the hard times.”
Brent Williams (left) and Patrick Conrad (right) are Class 22 alumni.
He was working as a manager at a local supported living facility when he decided to apply for Leadership Tri-Cities.
“I was blessed to be sponsored by Tri-Cities Residential Services – they made such a difference in my life by giving me that opportunity.”
It was at the Class retreat and on the ropes course where he started to feel some connection with his new class.
“There were just really good, genuine people in the class, and I thought, if I take nothing else away from this experience, these conversations and connections are worth it.”
The class retreat provided a solid foundation for the entire LTC program.
“My confidence really started to develop over that year – I didn’t think that I was up to being a person at the front as a leader. But, being in that room, and learning, I think I just soaked up some of that confidence.”
Shortly after his Leadership Tri-Cities experience, a friend pitched a business idea about starting a Supported Living business.
“Before my LTC experience, I don’t think there’s any way I would have made that jump to being a business owner. But, going through the program really clarified things for me – and I knew I had the skills and knowledge of the Tri-Cities to be successful.”
Reach Supported Living helps developmentally disabled adults live in their homes with the support of professional care providers.
“Our goal is to empower our clients with life skills and in-home assistance. We want them to live a full life in their home,” he said.
You can hear Brent speak at the Leadership Tri-Cities Amplifying the Ripple Effect Breakfast Fundraiser on February 6th.