Q&A With Tyrone Johnson, Director of Deke Inc.

Tell us a bit about Deke Inc. Deke Inc. is a 501 (c)3 Christian community outreach organization.

We exist to serve communities in need. Currently we are feeding the homeless/low-income in Cleveland TN. Our Mission is to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those in need. Our motto is “Others Matter” and that’s why we exist.

What gave you the idea for your business and how did it start?

Deke was started from my conviction after reading James 2:17; where it says “So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.” As a Christian, I believe I can’t I love God, and not want to serve those in need. So I set out to impact the world; by being the hands and feet of Jesus by fulfilling Matthew 25:35-36 “For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.” We have big goals to one day end need, but we got started two years ago; by just coming to the local homeless park, bringing a grill and a smile every single Saturday showing up and telling those we serve “God loves them, cares about them and we do too!.” Over time; we have progressively worked from just coming every Saturday bringing hamburger and hotdogs to now leading volunteer teams, giving away clothes, toiletries and nonperishable goods.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

I love that every morning I wake up I get up to serve God and His people.

What are your keys to making yourself productive?

I always keep the mission in mind. Some of my days are very long, and I don’t always feel like doing work; but I remember the reason why I work, and that is serve those in need.

Tell us one long-term goal in your career.

My goal is to have Deke’s nation wide.

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned through the course of your career?

Consistency and fearlessness are what is needed to make progress. You have to be consistent in your actions, even when it seems like it’s not paying off and that you have to be ok with failure.

What advice would you give to others aspiring to succeed in your field?

Ministry is not about the flashing lights, it’s about people having a tangible experience God.

What are your favorite things to do outside of work?

I love spending time with my fiancé and working out.

Name a few influential books you’ve read and/or websites you keep up with that you’d recommend to readers.

I am a huge fan of John Maxwell, and I am always on classy.org