By Andrea Stevens
AFRO Staff Writer
astevens@afro.com
On Jan. 1, 2026, Will Holmes, founder of Will Holmes Consulting (WHC), will celebrate 20 years of success as an entrepreneur in the world of consulting and leadership. Holmes says the milestone reminds him of the purpose that drove him to leave corporate America and start the firm in 2006.
“I really wanted to be more free to create solutions and make more of an impact with different companies,” Holmes says. “At first, I didn’t really understand how to get capital, but once I figured it out, I started telling everybody else how to do it so they could grow faster.”
Holmes says the company’s roots trace back to free Wednesday night training sessions he used to host in a Baltimore restaurant. Those early conversations formed the foundation of a curriculum for more than 700 students in more than a dozen counties across Maryland.
As WHC expands, Holmes reflects on what 20 years in business means to him. He calls his son his driving force and his true legacy.
“Staying open through recessions has been hard. We have won awards from governors and mayors but being a good father is what I am most proud of,” he says. “I wanted to create a life that was stable and supportive so my son could focus on school and prepare for his future.”
WHC has won over 15 awards in the past two decades, Holmes points to the 2024 SBA Maryland Business of the Year award as a highlight.
“I wanted that award for a long time. To win it we had to make a huge impact on the economy in Maryland and we did that,” he says. “It is a testament to my team and our commitment to creating jobs and helping entrepreneurs grow.”
Cheri Henry is owner of RK Exclusive Catering and a graduate of WHC’s Park Heights program. She said the anniversary reflects the impact the organization has on individual business owners.
“Will Holmes and his team provided expert guidance and mentorship that builds real confidence,” she says. “I graduated from another program still not knowing how to do a profit and loss statement or complete a full business plan, but from the moment I met Will, he’s been mentoring me.”
Henry now describes her company as stronger and more strategic. She expresses gratitude for Holmes commitment to help entrepreneurs.
“The WHC program helped me move from vision to execution with clarity and accountability,” she says. “I am deeply, deeply grateful to Will Holmes for his commitment to helping entrepreneurs like me build sustainable success.”
Looking ahead Holmes says he plans to expand the curriculum into more states and deepen the firm’s technology work, including an AI phone system designed for businesses.
“My mom used to say, you’re here to work and serve, and when your work is done, you go home,” he said. “I’m not ready to go home yet. I want to keep working.”