*In business, it’s not what you know, but who you know. So, when yours truly (Steffanie Rivers) had the chance to meet Daymond John, in 2013 I didn’t hesitate. He was in Dallas to promote his book, The Brand Within.
I was one of the few people at the event who got an autographed copy of the book before John hurried off to another event. That was twelve years ago. And I’ve always remembered the lessons learned from the pages of the FUBU founder’s book.
Although I’m not a household name (yet), I’ve accomplished milestones along my entrepreneurial journey. As an FAA-certified drone pilot, I was the first woman in Texas to register a drone technology company; In 2022 I was accepted into the JP Morgan-Chase Small Business Mentorship Program where I received expert advice about business growth strategies from Fortune 500 business executives. In 2023 my firm, TCB Drones, LLC, was recognized as an Emerging Small Business by Famous Amos ‘Ingredients For Success’ business competition. That same year I traveled to Dakar, Senegal as part of the National Black Chamber of Commerce delegation to explore international business opportunities. And in 2025 I was accepted into the RICE Supply Chain Accelerator Program.
I can proudly say that my business success goes beyond just building a profitable company, as I want to train the next generation of drone pilots so they can participate in the global growth of STEM. That’s why TCB Drones, LLC has developed a drone curriculum.
Now I have the chance to meet Daymond ‘The Shark’ John again. As a contender in the Entrepreneur of Impact competition, vote for Steffanie here: EntrepreneurOfImpact.org/2025/steffanie-rivers.
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I have the chance to win a 1-on-1 mentorship session with John, an advertorial and photo spread in Forbes Magazine, and win $25k prize. I led the competition in the first round of voting. The contest gets more challenging the further along it goes. Voting is allowed just once every 24 hours, but voters can cast a ballot every day to help boost their candidate’s chances of winning. With your help, I want to be the last person standing!
During a recent interview, I shared my thoughts about what keeps me motivated, my mentors, and more.
Who or what is your inspiration in business?
I am inspired by entrepreneurs who realize their dreams of success long after others have given up on them; people such as Madam C.J. Walker whose passion for helping Black women improve their image and self-confidence led to her success as the first Black woman millionaire at 51 years old; people such as Harland Sanders who franchised his chicken recipe when he was 62; and people such as Daymond John who didn’t allow the ups and downs of FUBU to keep him from multi-millionaire status after 50.
How do you stay motivated?
The first lesson I learned growing up as the only child of a single mother was ‘Nobody is coming to save us! We must save ourselves.’ While it’s always encouraging to team up with others who have the same mindset, there’s a little voice inside me that reminds me: If I want to see results, I must do the work – regardless of who else is on the team – at the gym, in business, and life. Only after others see my self-motivation and commitment, will they support my goals.
What would you do with the $25,000?
If awarded the $25,000 a portion of it will be used to purchase drone software that will convert aerial images to 3D models. This will allow us to be more competitive when vying for corporate contracts. Another portion of the award money will be used to purchase a drone with thermal imaging capabilities. This will allow us to participate in search and rescue missions at night, instead of just during daylight hours. The rest of the money will be used for payroll for the marketing team.
You can cast your vote for me, Steffanie Rivers at https://entrepreneurofimpact.org/2025/steffanie-rivers
To find out more about Steffanie Rivers and TCB Drones, LLC follow her on all social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter) @tcbdrones
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