About Me – The Story of Diijay

Welcome to my world of business, ambition, and relentless growth! My name is Diijay, and I was born in Chicago Heights. From an early age, I was wired differently—I didn’t just dream about success; I worked for it. I refused to let circumstances dictate my future, and I built my career on resilience, determination, and a refusal to settle for mediocrity. Today, I’m the proud owner of ten companies across various industries, employing over 2,700 people and growing. But my story is far from over—this is just the beginning.

The Journey: From Lawncare to an Empire

My entrepreneurial spirit didn’t start in a boardroom—it started on a lawn. As a child, I worked alongside my father, pushing a lawnmower that was nearly bigger than me. At first, I was so small that he had to help me push it, but as I got older, I took over. It started with my own yard, then my neighbor’s yard, and before I knew it, I was cutting lawns for the entire block. My skills caught the attention of people beyond my neighborhood, and soon, I was getting calls from homeowners and businesses who were willing to pay top dollar to have their lawns cut by a kid who took his work as seriously as a seasoned professional.

By the time I was 13 years old, I had built a legitimate business: Boss Dogz Lawn Service. I wasn’t just mowing lawns anymore—I was an employer. I managed 163 contractors, expanding the business beyond what I could handle personally. It was my first real taste of entrepreneurship, and I learned firsthand what it meant to lead, manage, and scale a business.

The First Million: Betting on Myself

While many people start their careers with safety nets, I started mine with nothing but grit and an unstoppable work ethic. At a young age, I worked part-time at Sonic, flipping burgers and serving customers, but my mind was always on bigger things. I wasn’t just working a job—I was chasing a dream.

I made my first million dollars selling 100% Clean Energy, and selling Pest control after leaving a highly lucrative pest control company and joining their competition—strictly on commission. No salary. No safety net. Just my ability to sell, strategize, and outperform the competition. That million didn’t go toward luxury or excess—it became the foundation for launching my first company as an adult

Building Businesses & Changing Lives

With my first company successfully running, I wasn’t satisfied. I wanted more—not just for myself, but for the people I could employ and uplift. After earning my associate’s degree, I launched Dooema (Dreams of Our Entrepreneurs Made Actual), a company focused on helping others build their businesses. But I didn’t just help them grow—I secured partial ownership in the businesses I worked with, turning their success into mine as well.

After I started my construction business, I soon opened my first franchise. Fast-forward to today, and I now own ten businesses, including (But not limited to):

•Three McDonald’s franchises

•A nationwide construction company

•A waxing company

•One Tropical Smoothie franchises

My portfolio keeps expanding, but for me, success isn’t measured by the number of companies I own—it’s measured by the lives I impact.

Education & The Power of Never Getting Comfortable

My drive for success was never just about money—it was about growth. I never wanted to stay stagnant, so I pushed myself beyond limits:

•I graduated high school at 14.

•I earned my associate’s degree by 17.

•I obtained my D.B.A.  (with a minor in behavioral science) by 26.

Along the way, I developed a philosophy that I live by every single day:

“Live life legitimately and never get comfortable.”

Why? Because the moment you become comfortable, you stop growing. And when you stop growing, you start failing. Comfort is the enemy of progress, and I refuse to let complacency rob me of my potential.

My Mission: 50,000 Strong

I don’t just build businesses—I build opportunities. Right now, I employ over 2,700 people, but my vision is much bigger than that. My mission is clear:

Before I retire, I will employ 50,000 people.

This goal isn’t just about numbers—it’s about changing lives. Every job I create helps someone put food on the table, support their families, and build a better future. That’s what keeps me pushing forward.

Beyond Business: My Love for Animals & Living with Purpose

While business is a huge part of my life, I also have a deep love for animals. I believe in showing compassion—not just in business, but in every aspect of life. Whether it’s taking time to care for animals, mentoring young entrepreneurs, or investing in my community, I believe success means giving back.

The Future is Bright

I’ve built companies, created opportunities, and changed lives—but I’m just getting started. The future is filled with new ventures, greater challenges, and bigger wins. I refuse to slow down, and I refuse to settle.

To those who have supported me on this journey—thank you. And to those who are just getting to know me—stay tuned.

This is only the beginning...