Mr. Randolph "Randy" Martin

Randolph “Randy” T. Martin is a Commissioner for the Port of Port Arthur, his native home town. Martin has always had a passion for his small community and hometown and the desire to contribute to its growth and economic development. As commissioner, he contributes to setting port policies and guiding executive staff to ensure that the port continues to lead as a powerful economic engine for the region, and the nation. 

Randy joined the United States Army in 2001 as a Water Purification Specialist, Military Occupational Specialty 92W. He retired in the 2019 Sergeant First Class of the United States Army. His duties as Sergeant First Class include: Non-commissioned Officer in Charge, S4, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, Platoon Sergeant of 3rd Platoon in the 3rd 158 in Katterbach, Germany, Platoon Sergeant of 3rd Platoon in the 20th Quartermaster in the 101st  Sustainment Brigade, Master Driver Senior Instructor in the 101st Division Headquarters, Battle Staff Lead instructor in 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, and Petroleum Water OC/T NCOIC 2-410th BSB Camp Shelby, Mississippi.  His military education includes:  Hazard Material handling, Recruiting Management, Sling Load Inspector, Battle Staff, Master Driver Trainer, Advance Leader Course Basic Instructor Training, Demonstrated Senior Logistician Contracting Requisition Sr. LDR Course, and Sharp Course Master Resilience Trainer Combat Life Saver course. He graduated at the highest level of training at the Army Logistics Non-commissioned Officer Academy. He served 6 tours in forward deployed war zones in Iraq, along with several overseas tours.

In addition to being commissioner, Randy was selected by the Port Arthur City Council to the Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeals where he hears appeals of decisions and interpretations of the building officials to consider variances to the construction codes. This board also hears cases concerning unsafe or dangerous buildings or service systems. Martin also serves as the Environmental Chair for the Port Arthur City PTA Council and on The Port Arthur Independent School District Early College Selection board. Randy was co-owner of Support Operations Services, a general contracting company. In 2019, Randy was awarded top 50 Black Professionals and entrepreneurs of Southeast Texas. 

Randy Martin also accepted a special calling on his life and serves as a licensed Associate Minister for Eastern Star Missionary Baptist Church in Port Arthur, Texas. He uses his gift in prison ministry at the Richard P. Leblanc State Prison. Randy is the youngest of six siblings of the late Mr. Philip H. Martin and Velma R. Martin. He is also the proud father to Miss. Kaydence Camille Mart

Q.  What are your top three priorities in life?

GOD, FAMILY, AND THE REVITALIZATION OF THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR!

Q.  You are actively involved in giving back to your community. Why is community involvement so important to you?

A. YOU HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF GOD'S PEOPLE!

Q.  What changes would you like to see in your community? Why?

A. I'd like to see more industrial businesses move south of 73 into downtown/inner city Port Arthur. More business means more jobs and more people will be able to provide for their families.

Q.  What advice do you have for 2020 graduates?

A. Pay strict attention to the fine print. Error on the side of overtly paying attention to detail early in life. This will make for a greatly rewarded skill set later on. Always follow through! 

Q.  What advice would you give to your younger self?  Why?

A. LISTEN MORE, TALK LESS.  STUDY OPPOSITION CLOSELY. STRIKE WHEN THE IRON IS HOT.  WORK HARD WITH CLARITY AND CONCISION.  These are a few skills that most people lack and if you start to work on them early on it becomes you.

James E. Payne is a board-certified personal injury attorney. He started out as an associate for Vinson and Elkins before beginning his tenure at Provost & Umphrey Law Firm in 1995. Payne is certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. The National Board of Trial Advocacy certified him in 2001 as a Certified Civil Trial Advocate and in 2012 as a Pretrial Practice Advocate. 

From 2003-2020, Payne has been selected for the Texas Super Lawyers list by Thomson Reuters. Texas Super Lawyers represents only 5 percent of the lawyers in the state. He became a certified member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Additionally, Payne has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© listing every year from 2006 to 2021 and has been recently named “Lawyer of the Year” for his work in Product Liability Litigation on behalf of plaintiffs.

Payne is a member of many legal organizations including the American Board of Trial Advocates, International Society of Barristers, American Association for Justice, Jefferson County Bar Association, and Texas Trial Lawyer Association. He is also very involved in civic organizations and is a lifetime member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Additionally from 2012 to 2014, he served as the Grand Sire Archon of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Payne developed the nationally recognized “Buy 90 Campaign” which was designed to economically empower the Black community in Southeast Texas. He has also created numerous campaigns as part of his “Get Out to Vote” effort. These include “1 Reaches 7 Challenge,” a social media challenge designed to encourage voting and “Payne in Politics,” a video campaign where Payne sits with elected officials and candidates discussing their roles and educating the community on the importance of voting. Payne is highly sought after as a motivational speaker by many organizations, schools, and churches. Payne also authored a book, I am Healed, But I am Still Sick?

Q.  If you could change anything about Southeast Texas what would it be and why?

A. I would like to see our community become unified. Unfortunately, there are still too many people in elected and selected positions that evaluate people and communities based on skin-color and/or socioeconomic status. If we are ever going to advance as a united community, we must learn to communicate with each other. We don’t have to agree on every issue, but we should be able to discuss our differences. 

Q.  What advice do you have for someone who may be considering a career as an attorney?

A. If you want to be an attorney, spend time speaking with one regarding their daily responsibilities. With how attorneys are portrayed on social media and reality shows, many people have a false perception of what lawyers actually do. Learn the profession (whether it is a lawyer or another career) and you can either become more focused on achieving your goal or realize that this career path may not be for you. 

Q.  What is your favorite motivational quote? Why?

A. “I play to win”—I am a very competitive person. While I realize that I cannot always win, I can always give my best to win. I can’t imagine losing a race before it even starts. So, why play this game of life, without striving to be the best there is?

Q.  What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?  Why? 

A. Always believe in you! People will challenge and sometimes even underestimate your ability. But, with God on your side, there is nothing that you cannot accomplish.

Q.  What advice do you have for kids heading back to school during this difficult time? 

A. Remember the reason why you are there, to get an education so you can have a voice and make a difference. Enjoy seeing your friends and try to make new ones. Most importantly, stay safe and make good choices. 

Hilton Kelley is currently one of the top Environmental Justice activists in North America. Prior to starting his environmental justice journey, Hilton Kelley was in the United States Navy. He served his country with great honor and pride for 6 years. Due to his outstanding workmanship, and attention to detail he was awarded the sailor of the month award in 1983 aboard the USS Roanoke. He was honorably discharged in 1986. 

After his honorable release from the military, Mr. Kelley pursued his life's passion of working in the film and television industry. He was inducted into the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) in 1991. During his acting career Hilton worked on movies including Dr. Doolittle with Eddie Murphy, Bicentennial Man with Robin Williams, and TV Shows such as Midnight Caller and Nash Bridges. He performed in the musical play Brother Dap by F.D. Jackson, Don’t You Want To Be Free? by Langston Hughes and wrote and directed What Goes Around Comes Around. Hilton even has a digital character (a Roman guard) modelled after him. 

After more than a decade in the acting business, Mr. Kelley took a trip back home to Port Arthur, Texas. The disheartening conditions he found there inspired him to take action to rebuild and revitalize his hometown community. In 2000, Hilton founded the Community In-Power and Development Association Incorporated (CIDA Inc.). With this organization Hilton has been able to amass a long and impressive list of accomplishments benefitting the environment and the Port Arthur community. Hilton began to challenge the environmental violations of the plants that loom over the community he calls home. CIDA Inc. collects scientific data from the emission sources and educates residents of Port Arthur about the toxic burden they shoulder. While fighting locally, Mr. Kelley also arranged for CIDA to join the International Shell Global Accountability Campaign and spoke at three Shell Annual Meetings in London, United Kingdom and The Hague, The Netherlands. 

In 2002, Mr. Kelley testified before the U.S. Senate on behalf of impoverished communities across the nation. In 2011, Hilton made history by winning the “Green Nobel Prize”: the Goldman Environmental Prize. Hilton was the first African American man to be the recipient of this prestigious award. He received this award in recognition for his accomplishment in reducing the amount of toxins refineries in Port Arthur, Texas put out in the air. In the course of his work, Hilton has developed an unsurpassed track record of organizing communities, lecturing for educational institutions, such as Harvard and Rice, public and motivational speaking, and protest rally leadership. Hilton currently has over 1500 followers on social media. CIDA Inc. and Hilton Kelley have received recognition from a wide variety of environmental organizations, lawmakers and even from the President of the United States of America, personally. 

Throughout Hilton’s environmental justice fight, he maintained his passion for the performing arts. He produced several music albums with various artists, wrote screen plays and used his original poetry, such as “My Toxic Reality” to enforce his message of environmental justice. His autobiographical book, “A Lethal Dose of Smoke and Mirrors” depicts Hilton’s life prior to answering the call of Environmental Justice activism. Since then, Hilton has helped inspire and write several other books: “The Sacrifice Zones: The Front Lines of Toxic Chemical Exposure in the United States” by Steve Lerner, “Visit Sunny Chernobyl: And Other Adventures in the World's Most Polluted Places” by Andrew Blackwell and an upcoming book by Jim Blackburn. For more information about Hilton Kelley and CIDA Inc., visit www.CIDAInc.org

Q. How has your business been affected by COVID19 and how have you worked to adjust to the new normal?

A. My business, like many others, is closed until we get through the COVID-19 pandemic. We have transitioned into a “Helping Hands Assistance Group” to our community. In other words, we look for opportunities to help those in need in our community. When it comes to food, clothing, home repairs etc. we match those in need with those who can assist. Also, when it comes to feeding those in need we’re always on the lookout for monetary support and resources to help fulfill that need. More often than not, we are successful.

Q. Why is community involvement so important to you?

A. Community Involvement is important to me because most of my work revolves around helping the people in our community and others that are in need of housing, clothing, education and job training. Also, in the political arena, when it comes to social and civic responsibilities, environmental justice, and civil rights, we aid in helping people navigate through the bureaucracy within local, State and Federal bodies so that their voices can be heard and policies/laws can be changed to help create a better quality of life for the citizens in an adverse situation; in many times it is due to no fault of their own. In order to move communities forward, the people from the communities must be at the table to tell their story and to help push the agenda forward and foster change.

Q. As a parent, how has the recent events of police brutality affected you and your family?

A. As a parent and grandparent, we have had the “talk” with the grand kids and made them aware of the hidden dangers within our society. I have been a victim of police brutality and racial profiling, but we learn to navigate as best we can in this forever changing world. With a new administration comes new tactics. 

Q. What is your favorite thing to do to unwind after a long day?

A. I enjoy going out and swinging out, it’s a couple’s dance. I also enjoy line dancing.

Q. What is your favorite motivational quote? Why?

A. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was quoted saying, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” This is one of my favorite quotes. 

Christopher “Chris” Senegal is a 36-year-old entrepreneur, currently focused on business development consulting, real estate investing, and passionately encouraging others to pursue entrepreneurial ventures.  Born in Lake Charles, LA, he was a highly gifted student but was expelled from the 8th grade for selling alcohol at school (overcoming bad decisions is a part of life). Chris unexpectedly became a full-time father at 16, but he did not let it deter him from a successful future. He earned a full academic scholarship for engineering to Southern University where he pledged Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.  Post-baccalaureate, he worked in corporate America for 10 years, and concurrently invested in real estate beginning in 2009. After a promising corporate career in Engineering, Industrial Operations, Sales and Business Development, Chris left to pursue his entrepreneurial passions full time in 2015. Chris has been credited with facilitating several people into entrepreneurship and developing countless partnerships that created multiple income streams for others. He passion and focus has been on revitalizing communities and real estate development.

Q.  What is one thing that you know about being a business owner now that you wish you had known when you started?

A.  I did not need my own: 1. knowledge, 2. money, nor 3. credit.  In business, the most successful entities leverage the capital, experience and balance sheets of other entities.  When you can create a mutual benefit from all parties involved, a success curve is a lot shorter.  The stresses are a lot less because all the pressures to carry the weight in all categories isn’t just on you.  If I would have known this starting out, I could’ve focused solely on the responsibilities of running the business.  Knowing that I could’ve found the money and the team I needed based on them believing in me makes a difference.

Q.  If you could give an aspiring entrepreneur one single piece of advice what would it be and why?

A.  Read the book “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill. That book was written by a newspaper journalist who interviewed the 100 most successful people alive at the time.  It was about the 13 principles and beliefs they all had in common.  These principles and beliefs are still 100 percent applicable today.

Q.  How has COVID19 affected your business and how have you adjusted to those challenges?

A.  Fortunately for me, COVID did not affect my business negatively. I have long-term stable tenants on the portfolio of rentals that I just bought. The two new construction homes that I had under construction are already sold. The real estate market in Houston hasn’t experienced a negative impact due to COVID19. Thankfully, a lot of my tenants have long-term stable employment and they were able to continue to pay their bills. I had a great relationship with them before, so they saw no need to take advantage of those opportunities to not pay their rent.

Q.  Entrepreneurs usually have very busy, long days.  How do you juggle all your ventures and activities?

A.  For me, every business venture I have is something that excites me and I’m passionate about. I enjoy every minute I spend doing what I do.  I focus on the solutions to the obstacles I face instead of throwing pity parties when obstacles occur.  I prioritize the important activities every morning and always stay flexible for unforeseen changes.

Q.  To who or what do you owe your success?

A.  God first and my life’s circumstances, including becoming a teenage father.  My inherent drive for excellence and my passion to be an example to others who desire to become their own boss but need guidance from someone with a higher risk tolerance.  Some people need someone like myself to be willing to bump my head to prevent them from bumping theirs.

Rev. J. D. Roberts is a native of Beaumont, Texas. He attended Beaumont Charlton Pollard High School, Lamar University, and the Therapon Institute of Louisiana. As an entrepreneurial businessman, he has worked in retail auto sales, becoming one of the top 5 salesmen in the nation for Chrysler. Rev. Roberts overcame a traumatic illness, defying amazing odds against such success. In the process of battling his illness, he chose to work to help those less fortunate than he, by focusing on children. 

Out of this work emerged Save Our Children, Children in Motion, Inc., Roberts’ non-profit group. SOC’s stated goal is to “…Save Our Future with a Hand Up, Not a Hand Out.” Through programs like, Know Your County Courthouse and Reading and Love Matters. SOC lifts children up through educational and experience-oriented activities. In addition, numerous scholarships and internships are provided to deserving students.

Pastor Roberts was humbled and excited to receive the Port Arthur MLK award in 2017. Roberts has been recognized multiple times by Stand Up for Texas Public Schools and the Texas Association of School Boards for his work with our local school children.

In recent years, Rev. Roberts has struggled with his wife’s illness as her primary caregiver and advocate, while simultaneously completing his master’s in Biblical Theories and obtaining his PCL (Pastoral Counseling License) in April of 2016. With six children of his own, Rev. Roberts clearly understands their need for nurturing in a world that clearly does not nurture all children. He maintains his perspective through the eyes of his own precious daughter, Hope, his heartbeat. Throughout his career, Rev. Roberts has had a passion for working with youth, especially disadvantaged youth. His work has helped literally thousands of children and young adults to have a better shot at a good life. In this process, Roberts has become a sought-after speaker. His experience in prison ministry and his work with SOC have provided him with remarkable insights into the human experience.

Pastor Roberts says he’s so thankful to God for giving him a Mother and Grandmother who believed in giving to those in need and with a sharing and caring heart. If you run into Pastor Roberts and ask him how he’s doing, no matter how he’s feeling, you’ll probably hear his favorite quote: I’m Holding On, Instead Of Hanging Up!

Q.  As a business owner, what are your top three priorities?

A. 1) Trying to keep God first. 2) Understanding the needs of others. 3) Making sure that every child has a chance to make it if they want to.

Q.  How do you handle the stress of your day-to-day life?

A. I pray all the time and I always think about those who mean the most to me.

Q.  If you could change anything about your journey what would it be and why?

A. The only thing that I would do different is say yes to the calling earlier. I’ve learned how people really need to know God for themselves. 

Q.  What advice do you have someone who may be considering entrepreneurship?

A. Make sure that God is first in all that you do. And, when He bless you, don’t forget where your blessing came from!

Q.  What is your favorite motivational quote? Why?

A. I’m holding on, instead of hanging up! It means having patience to wait! 

Benjamin “Ben Collins Sr.” was born and raised in Beaumont, Texas. He graduated from Hebert High School Class of 1978. Ben attended Lamar University and majored in Criminal Justice. He began his law enforcement career with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department in 1981 as a Correctional Officer. In 1983, he was promoted to desk sergeant and graduated from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Academy in 1983 as a Deputy Sheriff. In 1984, he was promoted to Lieutenant and assigned as shift supervisor in the corrections department. Mr. Collins served the sheriff’s department from 1981 until 1991. During that time he served as a Deputy Sheriff, D.W.I. Task Force Officer, Fugitive Warrant Officer, and Under Cover Narcotics Officer.

In 1991, he transferred to the Jefferson County Constable Officer where he has served for the last 22 years as a Deputy Constable, Lieutenant & Chief Deputy Constable. Mr. Collins retired from the Constable’s office in 2012 and returned to the Sheriff’s Department as a Deputy Sheriff and Field Training Officer. He was elected as Justice of the Peace in 2019 for Precinct One Place Two, becoming the First Black Justice of the Peace for Precinct serving the north and west end areas, Bevil Oaks, Northwest Forest, Willow Creek and the Washington West area Beaumont.

Q. If you could change anything about your hometown what would it be and why?

A. If I could change anything in my community it would be to provide more career training and financial opportunities for our youth and young adults. This would help to keep more local, talented individuals in our community instead of losing them to larger cities with better financial opportunities.

Q. What advice do you have for citizens while we are experiencing the COVID-19 epidemic?

A. My advice to citizens during this COVID-19 epidemic would be to follow guidelines given by the authorities, the CDC and just use common sense. 

Q. What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?

A. I would tell my 18-year-old self to stay in college and complete your degree before going into the workforce. Working full-time while attending college is extremely stressful.

Q. If you could switch careers, would you? If yes, what would you like to switch to?

A. I would not switch careers because I really enjoy helping others and giving back to my community and working with area charities. Performing weddings brings joy to the couples and their families. Now, I make the bride and groom judges for the day. The get to sit on the bench and hit the gavel for photos. I also have the Junior Judge Program where I mentor kids and make them junior judges. I recently obtained a robe for the kids to wear for photos to make it more memorable. 

Q. What is your favorite motivational quote? Why?

A. My favorite motivational quote is from Dr. Martin Luther King—“If you can’t fly, run. If you can’t run, walk. If you can’t walk, crawl. But, whatever you do, just keep moving forward!” It simply reminds us that life moves forward and not backwards, regardless of what you’re going through. Just keep moving forward!

Daylyn Turner currently holds the position of Vice President of Operations for JK Chevrolet and operates as the General Manager for JK Subaru. In 2003, he decided to attend college at Lamar University and majored in business. Daylyn graduated from Lamar University with a degree in Business Finance. He continued to invest his life experiences and used his retained knowledge to his advantage. He went on to advance in the auto industry. 

Daylyn’ s drive and focus soon became noticeable to others. His notability gained him a nomination for “40 under 40 Professionals” in 2013 by South East Texas Young Professionals organization. He was also recognized by U.S. Congressman Randy Weber. He became heavily involved in his community and has served on various local boards including the Jefferson County chapter of Habitat for Humanity, the Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce and Beaumont Main Street. Daylyn also sits on the board of directors for Lamar University’s college of business with Dean French and is a recent graduate from the National Automotive Dealer Academy in Tysons Corner, Virginia. 

During his time outside of work, Daylyn enjoys being a Dad, driving sports cars and motorcycles along with exploring nature and sports. He constantly seeks opportunities to take his bike out on a nature trail. 

Q.  What advice do you have for someone who is thinking of pursuing a career in business?

A. Enjoy and have FUN with whatever it is you decide to do. Learn all you can from those that are successful in whatever business venture you are aiming to pursue. When things get rough/tough because THEY WILL, DON’T QUIT! Quitters never win, winners never quit. See it through, make appropriate adjustments and tweaks when necessary and adapt to change. Don’t end up in a situation like big brands. Some may remember Blockbuster, Toys R’ Us and Sears. Many could argue they would still be in business today if they were flexible and met new market demands. When the market shows you how they want to do business, pay attention to the signs and give the market what they want so you secure yourself a future in business.

Q.  What is one thing that you struggle with as a business man and how do you work to combat that struggle.

A. Currently I struggle with work and homelife balance. In a very competitive industry, it is easy to find yourself living at the dealership. Being a father is a highlight of my life, so taking time to also invest in my kids to ensure they understand that they are very important to me is necessary. I take a long weekend off each month to focus on them and I try to do what they enjoy doing no matter if it is just playing with dolls, riding bikes, playing video games or taking them on a memorable trip somewhere they want to go.

Q.  If you could change anything about your hometown what would it be and why?

A. Well I grew up in a small community outside of Dallas called “The Colony.” If I could change anything about it, I would say slow down on the growth. I don’t even recognize the place anymore. It is so large now compared to how it was when I lived there. I don’t believe they would listen to me about that though. (lol)

Q.  If you could change anything about your journey, would you? Why or why not?

A. If I could give advice to my younger self, the only thing I would repeat is what my Dad (mentor) always tried to get me to understand. Always go with your first mind! When you have intuition about a decision, if something doesn’t feel right, or if you get the inclination to take action on something, DO IT! Don’t wait, don’t go back and forth about it. Do it now and don’t worry about how, just focus on the why. Why are you about to do what you have an inclination to do? Who will it help and is it important enough for you to see it through? God will handle the how as long as you combine some work with that faith in your (why) and keep pushing, knocking down any barrier that would try to stand in your way! My biggest failures in life have come from me not listening to my internal wisdom about critical business and life changing moments and taking action on it without wavering.

Q.  What is your favorite motivational quote? Why?

A. I have many quotes I live by. If I had to pick one I would say my favorite quote is by a master speaker by the name of Zig Ziggler who said “You can have what you want in life, if you can just help enough people get what they want in life.”

Jacob Brooks has worked at Silsbee ISD for almost 4 years and at the Hardin County Boys & Girls Club for almost 2 years. He is the Unit Director of the Hardin County Boys and Girls Club in Silsbee, a nonprofit organization. Through his position(s), he has been able to help a large number of students within the school system and club. 

As part of Silsbee ISD, Jacob has worked hard for the Silsbee basketball program assisting them with achieving back-to-back class 4A Texas state championships. He is a very strong believer that the kids of today will change the world of tomorrow. Jacob resides in Silsbee, Texas.

Q.  As someone who is in the education field what is one thing that you wish parents understood about educating children?

A. Learning does not stop at school. Kids need repetitive practice every single day, not just during school hours.

Q.  If you could change anything about your hometown what would it be and why?

A. I wish there were more economic growth. With more growth comes more jobs available in town for citizens 

Q.  Would you ever consider switching careers?  If so, what other careers interest you?

A. I do not think I would. I am serving my purpose so it does not feel like work to me. I am living my truth. It is a joy to do the work I do!

Q.  If you had the power to change anything about your journey would you? Why or why not?

A. I would not change my journey. It has molded me into who I am. I realize I am exactly where God wants me to be.

Q.  What is your favorite motivational quote? Why?

A. “When people can’t do something themselves, they want to tell you that you can’t do it. You want something? Go get it.” – Chris Gardner

It is so powerful to me you have ability to control your destiny, just go do it do not wait on anyone just attack your dreams and goals.