Donald Dowridge

1956, he came to existence in Baltimore, Maryland. Reared in numerous foster homes that left him torn, delusional, destruct, and ravaged with pain, he went on to find himself on the short end of a good education that would eventually leave him believing that it would be favorable to bring a end to his meaningless life.

1968 saw Little Donald being rescued by his biological father. As a result of this rescue and moved to The South Bronx, N.Y., Donald’s ambitions took a detour towards the road of juvenile delinquent. Rambling through the dimness of Hell’s Kitchen begat a run in with a fatal knife wound, law enforcement and ultimately having to experience the cinder blocks of incarceration for three years.     

1974 through 1978 relocate to Tampa, Florida to escape a premature demise. DLD obtains his High Diploma and enlists in the U.S Army; Donald began to discover great attributes about his character. With this new awareness he forges forward and proudly display his leadership traits and earn distinguish awards before making his departure from the Army as a Sergeant.

1983 through 1991, after receiving his Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Army, Donald returned back to Tampa where he would begin an eleven-year stint with the U.S. Post Office. Donald would make Postal History by becoming the first African-American promoted to Manager of the OCR/BCS Section.   Overseeing 20 employees and in charge of expediting 15,000 pieces of mail daily, Donald was commended for regularly meeting the projected goal.

1991 through 1995 brought a new endeavor. Guest Speaking at his only son’s fifth grade class opened Pandora’s Box of “Motivational Speaking.” Going on and creating DLD Enterprises in 1992, he would also enroll into FMU and receive his degree in Marketing Management and eventually retire from the U.S.P.O.

1996 through 1999, conquering the mountain, creating opportunities, motivational billboards, mentoring, developing award winning curriculums, and penning several books, DLD saw itself emerging as Tampa’s number one business to inspire a people, business, church group, etc. The Guru as he became known for his high energy, knowledge, and passion, left his audience “Truly Empowered.”  

2000 through 2006 DLD experienced unfortunate personal and business issues coupled with 9/11 saw DLD on the brink of packing it in and going off into the sunset. Despite continued small speaking opportunities, it was not enough to spark interest in DLD services. Could Donald/DLD’s time have come and gone?

2008 and currently in the 16th year, the passion is fresh as day one. Donald/DLD is currently heard on two radio stations (WTMP & WRXB) in the Tampa, St. Petersburg, Florida market airing “The DLD Motivational Moment,” as well as writing for the Florida Courier Newspaper. Scheduled to premiere in the 2008-09 year is two new books and DVD, find out more at www.dldenterprises.org.  It would be wise not to close the lid on Donald/DLD just yet!