Today we’d like to introduce you to Darnell Alexander.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Darnell. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’m originally from St. Louis, MO but the side of the tracks I grew up on we referred to the STL as “Tha Durrty Mo” my childhood was surrounded by drugs, thugs and slugs. Most of my high-school acquaintances either got murdered, drug and alcohol addicted or locked up. I was fortunate enough to get by on the skin of my teeth and I decided to join the United States Marine Corps, where I served eight years active and three reserves. I excelled in the Marines and grew to LOVE the Corps, earning numerous awards, including two combat action awards, Meritorious Mast, Good Conduct Medals x3, Navy Unit Commendation, Humanitarian Medals and many more. I traveled across the World, living in Japan, traveling throughout Europe and parts of Asia. I eventually ended back up in the States stationed at Marine Corps Air Station – Tustin, CA. My personal life was like a whirlwind. I ended up divorced before I was married… BUT all wasn’t lost as God lead me to my beautiful wife of 20 years now, Tylon, Ty for short.
We eventually relocated to Dallas TEXAS from St. Louis MO by way of VA. Beach, Virginia and we have been blessed ever since. I’m a father of 3 (1) son and (2) step-daughters, a grandfather of five actively raising four grandchildren and I love all of them. They give me inspiration and drive because of what I do. I do for them. THEY ARE MY LEGACY!!
I started my new venture after selling a restaurant called “PHAT WINGS” located in Mesquite, TX. I began looking for a new challenge. I started out as a logistics company acquiring multiple contracts with companies such as FedX, Hot-Shots, Diligence Logistics just to name a few. I still felt like I worked as an employee for these companies so I decided to add-on to my Brand with an eCommerce store (vetruns.com) and a physical storefront, which is located in Mesquite as well. Seeing how things in our World began to turn and Covid-19 was destroying lives, I quickly implemented PPE products and services to my portfolio.
I have blessed a few struggling small businesses in Mesquite and plan to help more with my Disinfecting Services. I also offer Cleaning, Sanitation, Safety, Medical and janitorial supplies and equipment online and at my retail store. My store is currently under construction and we are looking to be fully operational this Fall 2020. (late September/early October). My motto is “MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.”
Has it been a smooth road?
By no means has it been a smooth road. My wife and I are raising our daughters four children, Jayden 9, Josiah 7, Skye 5 and Jeriah 2 going on 22. We had no plans on this being the case and as you can imagine, it takes up a lot of our time and energy but since their mother/nor fathers aren’t in the picture (the reason I’d rather not mention), we have taking this daunting responsibility on. BUT!!!! WE LOVE OUR BABIES!!!! and they give us the drive to do what we were doing. We want to create a LEGACY for them by breaking generational curses and doubt since both my wife and I grew up with financial challenges and family struggles. She in upstate NY and myself in the inner city of St. Louis, which is currently leading the Nation is homicides. I’m also a disabled veteran. BUT GOD has opened doors for Vet Runs and things have been progressing… despite all things.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My business has ran for the past two years solely as a logistics company – my motto, “MISSION ACCOMPLISHED,” is what I live by. We started offering Disinfecting and Sanitizing services for business, residential and auto. We have an online eCommerce store that offers PPE, cleaning, sanitation, safety and medical supplies and equipment. We will be adding services on and our goal is to become an All-Around Cleaning and Sanitation Conglomerate.
We plan on taking our business to levels unheard of. We are a 100% veteran owned and operated business and my plan is to utilize the same discipline and techniques that I learned as a United States Marine to prove that Honesty, Integrity and Trust in small business/business is still paramount and a priority for Vet Runs.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I literally came here with intentions on starting a business and since 2010, I have successfully started multiple businesses/partnerships with great success. I love the DFW area and I believe that even with adversities and challenges such as Covid-19, we will still strive we learn daily to adapt and overcome.
I definitely recommend Dallas and it’s surrounding areas as a place for entrepreneurs to explore. The city is so rich with knowledge, new technology and business equality. From Frisco to Terrell, you’ll find growth and as the cities of the DFW continue to do business as usual.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1900 Oates Drive
Ste. 144 Mesquite, TX 75150 - Website: vetruns.com
- Phone: 9034133590
- Email: vetrunsllc@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vetruns/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bossmanxan
Image Credit:
Whitney Dawn Photography
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