Anthony Reeves – “The World’s Greatest Cheerleader”
Anthony Reeves, Esq. is the owner and CEO of the A.nthony R.eeves E.xperience in Kissimmee, Florida. Surmounting great odds on his road to success, Reeves is an avid motivational speaker, addressing the keys to self empowerment, self achievement, and personal excellence. Reeves is also a passionate supporter of youth initiatives and youth programs.
The best words to describe Anthony Reeves are ‘ingenious’ and ‘optimistic’. After graduating from a small town high school in rural Arkansas, Reeves set his sights on attending The University of Tampa, turning down multiple scholarship opportunities to further his education in Arkansas, to attend this small private University nestled in the heart of downtown Tampa, Florida. As the son of a single parent, Reeves entered the University of Tampa with limited scholarships, few financial resources, high tuition and costs. During his freshmen year, financial strain nearly forced Reeves to return to Arkansas. Determined to graduate from this university, Reeves promised his mother that he would pay for the remaining 3 years of college if she could help with his first. Reeves made good on his promise by becoming a resident advisor, securing student loans, participating in college work study, and obtaining an Army ROTC scholarship. With the cost of attending U.T. taken care of, Reeves focused on maximizing his college experience. During his college years, Reeves became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., UT Diplomats, and the Association of Minority Collegians. At the end of his undergraduate career, Reeves had coordinated the first Martin Luther King, Jr. Ball & Fashion Show at the University of Tampa, had been named Who’s Who among American College Students, Commissioned as a US Army Officer (reserves) and recognized with one of the University of Tampa Spartan Spirit Awards for outstanding senior leaders. Reeves culminated his undergraduate experience with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology in 1991.
With Biology degree in hand and no intent on going to medical school left very little opportunities. So that summer after Graduation, Reeves arrived at Ft. McClellan, Alabama for the Army’s Officer Basic Course. Upon returning to Tampa, Florida, Reeves secured employment with the Florida Division of Safety Headquarters in Tallahassee, Florida. Upon arrival, Reeves was immediately thrust into developing a training program to monitor the tasks and performance of the agency’s employees. Successfully creating such program, Reeves traveled the State instructing Division’s district managers. With the desire to further his academics, Reeves aggressively sought out Graduate programs. Under the recommendation of his employer, Reeves applied to the Masters of Public Health program in Industrial Hygiene at the University of South Florida, resulting in his transfer to the Tampa, Florida office. Reeves conducted group safety program development committees, traveled to employer work sites, and served as a Total Quality Management facilitator. Knowing that the State of Florida would only pay for a limited number of credit hours per semester; Reeves sought out another way to reduce the length of time it would take to complete his studies. Through research, he discovered a little unknown and little used Educational Leave program which enabled Reeves to attend school full time for a semester, and still receive his pay and benefits from the State of Florida.
During this time, Reeves did more than just simply go to work and school. Attending graduate school at the University of South Florida afforded Reeves to relive his undergraduate years, by serving as step master for his fraternity and assisting other sororities and groups in performing routines as well. In addition, Reeves was instrumental in the creation of a step competition that permitted non-fraternity / sorority students and high school students to compete in similar competitions. Unfortunately, Reeves youthful zealousness did little to improve his professional growth. Reeves’ somewhat reckless and cavalier attitude towards his job did nothing to progress him within his place of employment. Even upon receiving his Masters of Public Health degree in 1995, Reeves’ was still looked upon as more of a ‘rebel’ and ‘renegade’.
Determined to continue his growth, in 1995, Reeves was commissioned into the United States Navy as a Naval Industrial Hygiene Officer. Upon completion of Naval Officer Indoctrination training, Reeves reported to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Camp Lejeune proved to be a huge influence on Reeves as it afforded him the opportunity to take on various leadership positions and speaking / training opportunities. Reeves was instrumental in the creation of the Naval Hospital Organization of Black Affairs, conducted trainings in Navy Rights and Responsibilities, Union Grievance procedures, Diversity in the Workplace, and served as a Total Quality Leadership Facilitator. Reeves created step competitions for high school students and served as a mentor / coach for youth groups and women groups. Reeves crowning glory at Camp Lejeune was meeting the woman who would become his wife.
Reeves had learned the lesson of listening to those who care and when his friends encouraged him to continue his educational pursuit, he did. Reeves discovered a unique military program that would pay for him to attend law school. Unfortunately, an encounter with a higher ranking Commander placed Reeves’ application to the program in jeopardy, resulting in Reeves not being selected for the program. However, Reeves was already accepted to numerous Law Schools. At the same time, Reeves was selected to be stationed aboard the USS John F Kennedy. As an African American Naval officer with a “critical job”, being stationed aboard a ship was a significant career move which would have solidified a huge step towards his military career. Left with two choices, a potentially lengthy career in the military or returning to being a struggling college student, Reeves turned to the one person who continually provided him with valuable knowledge and insight, his mother. Her words were simple “Make the right choice, not the safe one”. Armed with this encouragement, Reeves resigned from active duty and entered Law School at Florida State University College of Law in Tallahassee, Florida. After graduating law school in 2001, Reeves returned to Tampa, Florida and began working at Barkan & Neff.
Since returning to Tampa, Florida, Reeves has been a dynamo in reaching out to youth groups and participating in community programs. Actively serves on the Board of Director for four different organizations, works with four different 501c3 Non Profit organizations, and volunteers his legal experience as Legal Counsel to a martial arts federation as well as a 501c3. Reeves has served as co-chairperson for a large regional youth competition as well as served as a presenter for various programs. Reeves regularly speak to groups and individuals about taking unique opportunities and different pathways to completing your goals and achieving your tasks. He is also a highly sought after speaker.
IN THE KNOW - Wednesday nights from 8:00pm to 9:00pm EST.
www.blogtalkradio.com/intheknow
IN THE KNOW with Tony Reeves, Esq. has insightful dialogues with noted professionals and community leaders to provide people with the opportunity to instant message or call in to the show. Past guests have included Dr. Michelle Rice-Green, Ingrid Hooglander, Esq., Political Consultant Keisha Carter, and Keevin Williams – President, FBBIB. Listen to this show at www.blogtalkradio.com/intheknow
