DeAndre L. Rucker is an author, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, philanthropist, and proud father. The south side native is CEO of Rucker & Rucker, a management company that serves a diverse portfolio of more than two dozen businesses.
Specializing in areas including Real Estate, Brand Development, Business Management, Consulting, Fashion, Engineering, and Investment Planning, Rucker has built a phenomenal model of what modern business can be. He and his team handle an impressive load of responsibilities and continue to look for ways to expand the company with a slew of new projects such as Rucker Academy, Rucker Athletics, and a new water brand, Rudiment H2O for the High Achievers, all in various stages of launch.
N’DIGO recently sat down with the on-the-go CEO to discuss his background, business philosophy, and breakthrough business moment after turning his one-bedroom apartment into a successful manufacturing plant.
N’DIGO: In your own words, who is DeAndre L. Rucker?
DeAndre L. Rucker: DeAndre L. Rucker is a self-motivated entrepreneur dedicated to building communities and bringing awareness to communities that need development!
Did you always see yourself as a successful businessman in your younger years?
I always knew that I was destined to be my own boss! Whenever someone offered me a job, I always took it upon myself to get in the door and figure out how to make it a partnership.
What was the turning point that changed the trajectory of your life and set you on the path to business?
The moment I found a way to become a third-party vendor for a major automotive company! I identified the issue they were having, and instead of me working under them to fix it, I became a vendor. I turned my one-bedroom apartment into an entire manufacturing plant. I checked parts in my front room, tagged them in my kitchen, and my bedroom closet was my office! I was determined not to be a worker but a partner. From that moment on, I never looked back! Every step forward has been to build my business to reach a higher plateau!
Please tell us about your company, Rucker & Rucker.
Rucker and Rucker is a management company that develops operational and investment plans for new entrepreneurs and existing business owners. Our unique approach to developing programs that fit each business is why we are a step ahead of every other management company. We believe that no company is the same, and in order to be successful, you must dive deep into every aspect to get the best results.
Can you walk us through a typical day and some of your duties as CEO?
My day starts at 3 am every morning. I wake up and give thanks to Allah. I head to the gym by 4 am and out by 6 am. I head home to be a father to my children. After seeing them off to school, I prepare my day and ensure that my team has direction on what the plan is for the week. I have 15 mins of motivational conversation with my team to get them fired up. After that, I’m in meetings most of the day, building relationships and closing deals. My lunch is a success, and my snacks are getting connections. Every part of my day is about building the business and bringing it to the next level! I make it home and spend time with my babies. I cook, put them to bed, and work on emails and research until 1 am. I nap for 2 hours, and I’m back all over again!
You have taken on several Philanthropy causes. Why is Philanthropy so important to you?
It’s important to me because I grew up with no parents. My mother passed away when I was two, and my father was murdered when I was 3. I know what it feels like not to have, not to know, so I make it my business to be that for every community I do business and the community, I was raised in. Children are my soft spot, and if I can create opportunities for them and ensure their parents/guardians have the means to sustain what I started, then I have done my part. It takes a village!
What are three of your personal keys to business?
1. Never take no for an answer
2. Ask for forgiveness, not permission
3. Surround yourself with individuals who are where you want to be, not where you’re currently at.
How do you maintain your mental health with so much on your plate?
Believe me, this is hard and something I work on daily. Mentally, I’m constantly trying to be on the move. I try not to think about the things that consume me. Meditation is the key to my mental health. Being positive and surrounding myself with positive things helps with my mental health. But every day requires me to regroup and move forward because my work is never done.
Can you name a book that changed or impacted your life?
I honestly have two books. One has gotten me where I am, and the other is helping me elevate to the next level. The 48 Laws of Power is a MUST-read! It helped me build a solid foundation for myself and my company. The Lean CEO is showing how to use what I have to dominate and expand as a business without watering down my business. Cut where it needs to be cut and invest in the people who will be critical in reaching the next level.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
I’m an engineer by trade. I’m into all the tech things some may describe as nerdy or geeky. I can break down a computer, reprogram it, and put it back together. When it comes to technology, I know the ins and outs.
Best advice or words of wisdom to young entrepreneurs?
Never stop striving to be better! Always make it your business to be better than you were the day before. It would help if you sacrificed who you are today for who you want to become.
Favorite quote or affirmation?
“Things may come to those who wait…but only the things left by those who hustle. – Abraham Lincoln
What’s next for De’Andre Rucker and Rucker & Rucker?
I recently purchased a 38,000-square-foot building that will transform into a state-of-the-art workout facility for youth and adult fitness. Our staff will specialize in every sport; basketball, boxing, football, golf, gymnastics, martial arts, baseball, and strength training. Not only are we focused on physical but mental as well. The facility will have mental health professionals, a nutritionist, and a full kitchen for your meal-planning needs—currently, no facilities in the southland offer what “Rucker Athletics” is bringing. I’m very excited to bring this to our communities as it is needed for our families.
For more information on De’Andre Rucker and Rucker & Rucker, please visit www.ruckerholdings.com.
