Kipp Hayes was the CEO and owner of University Pawn & Jewelry. From 1998-2015 he opened his business doors and discovered he was the first African American in the state of Florida to apply for a pawn broker’s license.

He is an awesome, motivational community leader who demonstrates commitment to helping children, both boys and girls better themselves. By an example of a community leader he is able to give back to the community mostly using his own money and resources. Mr. Hayes was the Vice President of Board of Directors for Big Brothers & Big Sisters. Then promoted to President where he served as a Volunteer for over 7 years. Today, through the program Kids In Positive Places he helps kids, who may be considered “At Risk” or following the wrong crowd, to stay on the correct path for a better future. Kipp has been an inspiration, especially to the male youth in the communities of Gainesville, Ocala, Wildwood just to mention a few. He is not only a Big Brother to the young boys and girls in his nonprofit but a mentor and teacher as well.

Talking points:

The need for men In children’s lives

What, why, where and how

Origin of the nonprofit organization

Curriculum

Board Members

What makes us different

Wants/Needs sponsorships/endorsements

Commitment