From Side Hustle to Legacy Builder: Jarmaine White Is Rewiring Thomasville’s Future

Tuesday, August 19

7:00 a.m.

DeShay Williams

Spark Thomasville Executive Director

Meet Jarmaine White—the spark behind Legend Power Group LLC  and living proof that:

Jarmaine White receives his Certificate of Completion from Dr. Sharon Edwards after completing the DBE/MBE Certification Cohort in Thomasville.

>>>Thomasville’s entrepreneurial spirit runs thicker than Georgia clay<<<

This commercial wiring expert isn’t just installing circuits—he’s laying the foundation for generational wealth through Spark’s Building for Success DBE/MBE Certification Cohort.

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The Current Before the Spark 🔌

For 17 years at Cleaver-Brooks, Jarmaine mastered industrial electrical systems while nurturing a side hustle.

“I wanted to be the first in my family to own a business—to show my kids what’s possible,” shares the Southern Regional Technical College grad.

But like 83% of minority entrepreneurs nationwide, he faces invisible barriers: 

📑 Complex certification processes

💸 Mixing personal and business finances 

🏛️ Limited knowledge of government contracting

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The Spark Ignition 🔥

That changed when Jarmaine enrolled in the Building for Success DBE/MBE Certification Cohort, an 8-week business development bootcamp designed to help entrepreneurs secure federal certifications, build sustainable operations, and prepare for public contracting.

Led by Dr. Sharon Edwards, Executive Director of the Community Outreach Training Center and main cohort facilitator, the program also included business plan and financial training support from Spark Thomasville, TCDC, InvestTVL and the Partnership for Inclusive Innovation.

“One of the things they were adamant about was to keep our business and personal bank accounts separate—that changed everything.” - Jarmain

Jarmaine now walks away with: 

✅State-aligned business documentation

✅A contract-ready capability package

✅A completed DBE certification application

✅Strategic banking relationships

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A Model of Community Helping Community 🤝

This cohort reflects a deliberate effort to address Thomasville’s dual challenges: the shortage of both affordable housing and certified local contractors, and the need for entrepreneurs to receive technical training to meet that demand.

With over 40% of housing in Thomasville’s Urban Revitalization Zones either blighted or vacant, participants are being equipped to contribute to revitalization and meet the growing need for workforce housing while building sustainable businesses.

The success of this initiative is the result of true community collaboration—coming together with local entrepreneurs to create lasting impact.

Why This Matters to Thomasville ❤️

When Jarmaine secures his first government contract: 

➡️Skilled labor stays local 

➡️3 new jobs will be created by 2025 

➡️$217K+ in contracts will recirculate within the community

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Final Connection ⚡

“This isn’t just about me—it’s about proving our community thrives when we invest in hidden potential,” Jarmaine says, application packet in hand.

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Your Turn 👇

Which Thomasville business deserves their Spark moment?

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