Why the name?
Where the roots run deep—Rayville, Louisiana
Recently, a friend asked me about the name of my business: Black Guy Next Door.
It’s a question I’ve thought about plenty—sometimes with a little anxiety, wondering how much of myself I’d have to explain, how to make it land the right way. But this time, my first answer came easy:
Because I wanted to.
That response—simple, a little cheeky—felt honest. And yet, it stayed with me. I realized I didn’t want to just brush off the question. I wanted to answer it fully, with intention, because it says a lot about who I am, the kind of work I do, and the kind of energy I bring into a space.
I started this brand to carry the spirit I try to bring into every project: thoughtful, grounded, and real. Black Guy Next Door is about the approachability of the guy across the street, the one you wave at, borrow tools from, call when something needs fixing—or dreaming up. It’s also about the solution-oriented ingenuity I’ve learned to navigate as a Black man moving through this world. It’s not just a business name. It’s a philosophy.
My people. My beginnings. Still teaching, still shining.
Where It All Started
I’ve always been a city boy with country roots. Rayville, Louisiana—a town where I began to understand what it means to be family and where I spent long stretches of my childhood. Whenever I take a trip back, it reminds me of everything this brand stands on: community, humility, grit, and care.
From walking to a neighbor’s house to borrow tools, to watching my uncles work on cars in the yard or even taking pound cake across the street after a funeral. Rayville taught me that being close to people—physically and emotionally—was part of how we survived. And not just survived… we built.
A Name That Carries Weight
I know that naming a business Black Guy Next Door might raise eyebrows. It might even alienate some folks, or make others pause. But I’m okay with that. Because the name isn’t just meant to be clever—it’s meant to be clear. This is who I am. This is how I show up. This is the lens through which I create, build, manage, and design.
My friend’s follow-up question—“What does it mean to do this work as a Black man?”—lingered in my mind. And the answer is this: it means I bring a legacy with me. A history of uncles, cousins, fathers, and friends who were always building something—be it a house, a business, a moment of peace, or a better future. Black Guy Next Door is a tribute to them, and to the generations still to come.
What I Do—and Why I Do It Differently
This brand lives at the intersection of creativity and logistics. I manage projects, design spaces, lead renovations, offer creative services, and bring ideas to life. But underneath that, my real work is about being intentional—about listening closely, asking the right questions, and bringing people’s visions to life in a way that’s thoughtful, functional, and real.
I’ve been told time and time again that the difference with me is in the conversation: the care, the communication, the results that last. And that means something to me. My clients aren't just buying a service—they're trusting me with part of their vision. That matters.
Doing good work shouldn’t have to cost a fortune or fit a mold. It can be as simple as finding it next door.
Who I Do This For
I created Black Guy Next Door for folks who want to work with someone who gets it. For homeowners who’ve inherited a family property and want to honor its story. For professionals who don’t want to explain themselves five times just to be understood. For people who want soul and structure in the same space. For folks who’ve never quite felt fully seen in the design or renovation world—and are ready for something different.
Why Now
Representation matters. So does timing. This moment, this season of my life, felt like the right time to bring my whole self into my work—to stop splitting between who I am personally and how I show up professionally. Black Guy Next Door is the culmination of those parts coming together: creative instincts, project discipline, cultural storytelling, Southern charm, and a get-it-done attitude.
There’s power in being rooted. And there’s freedom in naming things for what they really are.
At the end of the day, this is for people who want their spaces—and their stories—to reflect who they really are. My services are for anyone who values the time, energy, and creativity it takes to make something your own. The kind of representation I bring hasn’t always been easy to find in creative spaces. This is my way of bringing my own stamp to the mix.
So if you’ve ever wanted to work with someone who’s real, resourceful, thoughtful, and a little bit unexpected… you might just find what you’re looking for next door.
Want to bring your ideas to life with someone who gets it?
Let’s talk. Whether you’ve got a full renovation in mind or a project you’ve been dreaming about, I’m here to help make it real—with care, creativity, and clarity.
Reach out: knock@blackguynextdoor.com or slide over to the Contact Page and let’s get started.