Breaking New Ground: Mother-Daughter Duo Transforms the Office and Construction Supplies Sector
When June Perry-Stevens founded the New Concept Self-Development Center in 1974, she didn’t just create a business; she set a precedent for women in entrepreneurship. Nearly five decades later, Perry-Stevens continues to break barriers, now alongside her daughter, Krystle Rogers, as co-owners of Best Ed Business. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Best Ed Business is not only thriving but also transforming the office, school, and construction supplies landscape.
From Nonprofit Trailblazer to Business Innovator
In 2004, Perry-Stevens co-founded Best Ed Business, located at 1916 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, with a mission to fill a significant market gap: providing quality supplies to companies seeking to engage with minority and women-owned businesses. This vision stemmed from her previous success with New Concept, which, before closing in December 2022, served thousands of families through a variety of impactful programs.
When Perry-Stevens retired from New Concept in 2006, she didn’t slow down. She ventured into a new business realm, recognising a unique opportunity to supply classroom materials to Milwaukee Public Schools and later expanding into office supplies and PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) for construction firms.
Focus on Community: A Business Model with Heart
Best Ed Business is renowned not just for its product range but for its unwavering commitment to community support. The company collaborates with local organisations such as Running Rebels, Sojourner Family Peace Center, and Outreach Community Health Center.
Dawn Barnett, co-executive director of Running Rebels, praises Best Ed Business for its personal touch and dedication. “They come to your space and talk through what you’re envisioning,” Barnett said. “You don’t get that type of personal customer service when you shop online.”
The company’s relationship with Gilbane Building Co., another major client, highlights its role in providing essential supplies like safety vests, further establishing its reputation in the construction industry.
Standing Out in a Traditionally Dominated Field
Operating in sectors typically dominated by non-minority businesses, Perry-Stevens and Rogers embrace their distinctive position. “Furniture is not sold by African American women, and PPE is also not a common field for us,” Perry-Stevens remarks. “We offer these services and eliminate excuses for companies looking to do business with minorities and women.”
Rogers adds, “We want to stress that we have just as much capacity as non-minority businesses. Actually, we do it better.” This bold stance not only sets them apart but also drives home their message of excellence and capability.
Paying It Forward: Supporting Other Entrepreneurs
True to their roots, Perry-Stevens and Rogers are committed to supporting other minority and women-owned businesses. “If it’s a product that we can buy from another minority or women-owned business, that’s what we are going to do,” Rogers says. This ethos of mutual support strengthens their community ties and fosters a network of collaboration.
Entrepreneurship: A Family Tradition
Entrepreneurship runs deep in the Perry-Stevens family. Perry-Stevens reflects on her family’s business legacy, including a grandfather who was the first Black licensed electrician in South Carolina. This rich heritage of business acumen has clearly influenced her own entrepreneurial journey.
Before joining Best Ed, Rogers ventured into business with her own ventures, including a bakery and Martin Perry Coaching and Consulting. Her background in psychology complements her mother’s social services experience, creating a powerful synergy that drives their business forward.
Building on Relationships: The Key to Success
The success of Best Ed Business can be attributed to its strong community relationships. Rebecca Gaylord, president of Creative Business Interiors, highlights Perry-Stevens’ knack for building connections, which continues to benefit their joint projects, such as furnishing the Dr. Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy.
The Perks of a Mother-Daughter Partnership
Working together brings unique advantages. Rogers notes, “Managing the partnership is easy because she is the person who knows me best in the world.” Their combined skills and deep understanding of each other’s strengths enhance their business operations and client interactions.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Innovation and Community
The story of June Perry-Stevens and Krystle Rogers is one of innovation, community commitment, and breaking boundaries. Best Ed Business not only excels in providing essential supplies but also sets a high standard for minority and women-owned businesses.
By continuing to support and uplift others, Perry-Stevens and Rogers ensure their business legacy extends beyond their own success. They prove that with determination and community focus, it’s possible to excel in industries traditionally dominated by others.
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