by Dean J. Miller
djmillercommunications@gmail.com

Current headlines underscore hard lessons of history as they are dusted off and the nation learns them once again. Tariq Collins, Sr. is helping to teach a better outcome.

“If you’ve been blessed with the vision to see a problem, you’ve an inherent responsibility to make a change,” said Tariq. “To the Black community: Stay educated, know yourself, and have a vision of who you want to be. For others who want to help: Assist in whatever way you feel necessary that paves the way without creating a handout; To everyone: if you see something, do something.”

Spoken slowly and with conviction, these are the words of Colorado Springs businessman and veteran, Tariq Collins, Sr. The Bronx native, raised in Atlanta, settled his young family in the Pikes Peak region following Army service at Fort Carson. Today, Tariq helps lead a growing conglomerate of family businesses in Colorado Springs, Atlanta and Miami.

“Through our family’s efforts, we guide and inspire others to take control of their lives and become their own boss – that’s the drive,” said Tariq. “Our business lines place us in crucial areas: food that contributes to health; safe transportation; financial, business and logistical success, and a strong real estate effort.”

In Colorado Springs, Tariq and other members of the family shape the success of Business Service & Solutions, Inc., to empower individuals and cultivate entrepreneurs with tax preparation, business consultants, bookkeeping, business plan development and more. But he is equally involved in family businesses that buy and flip property; provide private car services; operate a farm-to-table restaurant model; and provide custom product packaging.
“Growing up, we didn’t have wealth; our parents were our greatest assets,” said Tariq, one of 11 siblings. “Our parents taught us right from wrong and we listened.”

In 2019 Tariq completed certification to teach Google’s nationally acclaimed, “I am Remarkable,” course and conducted it for the Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center.

“The course allows everyone to help minorities and people of color – the groups society likes to put labels on – to be seen, heard, and express themselves,” said Tariq. “It’s a great program, but not a cure for the hard social challenges the nation struggles with; but it’s a start.”

The 90-minute session allowed the audience to stand and share their own truth as powerful testimonials. Tariq is proud to deliver the popular course at no charge.

“It’s important to give back — both as an entrepreneur and as a business owner,” said Tariq. “Information like this should be given out; this is how you make the world a better place.”