Enterpreneur Al Underwood Speaks to Rotary Club of North Jackson

Club member and entrepreneur, Al Underwood, spoke to the Rotary Club of North Jackson at its January 12, 2016 meeting. The subjects of his talk were the creation and success of his firms, Shady Al's Sunglasses and Franklin Eyewear. He attributed his success to his tenacity and hard work in finding market niches and filling them. The sunglasses are sold primarily by convenience stores in the Southeast. Franklin eyewear items are sold in pharmacies nationwide. Al discussed the sourcing of his products, and the relationships that he has developed with his suppliers and his customers, both of whom he calls "first generation" Americans. Al is shown in the accompanying photo with Club Member Billy Walton who gave him his first job in his pharmacy. Since working for Billy, Al has not had another boss other than his
customers and he himself.