My Story

What I Do, The Bennetta Slaughter Short Story

Many people journey to the great American dream. I made that journey and for me being self-employed was the most important stepping-stone. Self employment is that phase of life where you get the opportunity to put your skills and work ethic into application without having to consult anyone about anything. From that expression of individuality comes the wealth of innovation and new business models that drive all western economies.

I started working in the mortgage industry, first as a broker and then later in a mortgage bank, finally working to set up a branch office for a mortgage bank just outside San Francisco. It was there that I had the earth shattering realization that California was not for me. Literally earth shattering, because in Oct 1989, while the earth shook and buildings fell during a 10-15 second 6.9 scale earthquake in the bay area, I decided it was time for me to return home to Texas. In Dallas, with my husband and a close friend, we collaborated on Agent Media Corporation, which was developed to service a very tight niche within the insurance industry. At the time, the business model was completely new and because we were first into the niche, we expanded rapidly. This is where I learned the power of finding a unique niche and once this was done myself and everyone involved moved quickly into high-income levels. At the end of 10 years of hard driving work, I was making a 7-figure income while spending only a few hours a week overseeing my company. I reached the point where I could do what I wanted with my life, without any significant financial constraints. I threw myself into civic activities and then in Jan 2002, while still one of the owners of AMC, I took on the position of CEO Applied Scholastics International, an independent non-profit with an educational mission. I headed up APS for 5 years and was instrumental in establishing their signature campus and creating their business model and I was proud to be involved in a cutting edge educational project. Then in 2007 I turned my position over to my associate Craig Barton, who took over from me and who is presently the CEO of APS.

Currently I am not a member of any of the civic boards or activities I had previously involved myself in and AMC was sold, and then re sold.

Now I am looking again to the next un-explored niche, and together with my daughter I am embarked upon a new marketing adventure.

My new company is 24Seven Media, established Oct 2009 and we are in ramp up right now. Once again, the business model is new, and unique. Our new home will be Austin, TX. And starting in 2010 I will have a new challenge. This website will tell the new story.

Bennetta Slaughter