Michael Gomez
Growing up in the small town of Picayune, Mississippi (in a small house with eight people and one bathroom), Johnna Watson could never have dreamed up the big things that lay ahead for her. But she knew where to start.
“My grandfather always told me, ‘You can have anything you want if you work hard enough.’ I took that literally and began working three to four jobs at the age of 10. I began to save every penny I earned.”
SHOOT FOR THE MOON
Attending Louisiana State University (LSU) was a dream come true. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree and $43,000 in student loans. It took 10 years, but the student loans were paid in full. Majoring in Journalism and Advertising/Public Relations opened a door and I was selected to work for NASA in their Public Relations department. I eventually moved to Dallas and was given an opportunity to work with National Creative Group, a prestigious advertising firm. With time I was offered a position in Nashville. I did not know anyone, but was willing to make the leap. Thumbing through The Tennessean I saw an ad that read, “With a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and commitment you could make as much money as you wanted if you were willing to work hard enough.” Those words were all I need to apply. I was hired by MetLife within days and my insurance career began. Little did I know on that first day of work that I would have the same career almost 30 years later, specializing in employee benefits and retirement planning. After three years I decided to take a leap of faith and start my own business. It was tough and I was terrified, but in 1991 Pinnacle Group was born.
LOVE AND LOSS
As President/CEO I had one mindset: You must survive. Quitting is not an option. With that philosophy I grew my business to an extremely successful organization. I also married the most wonderful person I have ever met. Allen was not only the love of my life; he was an incredible mentor and friend. He believed in me in a way that I could not comprehend. I tragically lost Allen in a plane crash and my life changed overnight. I was catapulted into running my business and his at the same time. I was on my knees daily asking for strength, courage, and wisdom. Leading two of the same, yet very different companies for eight years was challenging, but it made me a stronger businessperson and negotiator. I look back now and realize I did not walk this journey alone; my faith in Christ and His strength carried me when I did not think I could make it through another day. He blessed the relentless hours, determination, and tears. With confidence I move into the next phase of my life with new dreams and inspirations. I feel like I am just getting started, and the second half of my career will be even better than the first.
A LASTING LEGACY
In honor of Allen’s passion to mentor new business owners I launched J’grey Consulting in 2017. J’grey is an innovative investment company that provides leadership, resources, and mentoring to young entrepreneurs starting new businesses. With a passion for the future leaders of our country, the Mentor Up program was born. My goal is to help young professionals navigate through the complex challenges of bringing a business from concept to reality.
HOW TO SUCCEED
I define success by a person’s level of happiness. I used to feel that being successful was measured in monetary value, but as I have grown in years and experience I have come to realize that true success happens when you lift others up and take them with you as you soar to meet your goals. True success is having gratitude for each and every day along the way. No one becomes successful alone. It takes numerous people for any individual to be successful. As I look back at my life as a single mom, my greatest accomplishment is my son, Alex. He is now 25, and I am extremely proud of the man he has become. He is the delight of my soul and brings me great joy.
NASHVILLE LOVE
I consider Nashville home and I can’t imagine living anywhere else. It has been a wonderful place to raise a family. My incredible friendships, my church, and my team members are everything to me. The city of Nashville has been very good to me. The charitable organizations and the caring people I have the honor of working with on a daily basis is an intricate part of the success of my business.
PAYING IT FORWARD
My advice to a young woman to inspire her to have a career is to always be prepared and committed, but the most important advice I can give is to find good mentors and believe in yourself. Learn to think big, be fearless, and make sure to breathe along the way. Life is a journey; embrace the journey.