About JQ
Early Life and Influences
JQ was born and raised in Flint, MI, an upbringing largely characterized by the power of community, grit, and the Black church. Financially speaking, his family came from humble beginnings, but there was never a shortage of love. JQ’s father always stressed the importance of ownership and writing your own paycheck, which JQ enjoyed the feeling of from a young age. After JQ lost his best friend to gun violence at the age of 12, he went on to start the largest chapter of Students Against Violence Everywhere (S.A.V.E.).
JQ and his father, Bill R. Quarles
JQ and his father, Bill R. Quarles
Education
JQ attended Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) on a full scholarship, where he earned both a BA in Business and Public Policy and an MBA. During his time there, he served as the President of NAACP, joined the Beta Nu Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc. and was a Presidential Ambassador. JQ was also asked to be the chief lobbyist for all matters related to FAMU’s student government, which led to the creation of The BTL Group’s predecessor, CommonLink Consulting Services. JQ is a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and a certificate in Strategic Management from Harvard University.
JQ as an undergraduate student at Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU)
JQ as an undergraduate student at Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU)
Professional Journey
JQ is an accomplished entrepreneur, CEO, and international affairs activist. As Founder & CEO of The BTL Group, he has facilitated significant value creation for clients through private and government contracts, grants, and strategic partnerships. The BTL Group operates domestically and internationally. JQ also founded Quartz Water Source, a company focused on the global water crisis. In the last several years, JQ has actualized his dream of becoming an author with the completion of Making Dollars While Making Change, a half-memoir, half playbook on using business as a platform for social impact.
Expertise and Passion
JQ’s expertise lies in building bridges between people and ideas, and “untying knots” in complex business environments. Known as a global connector, he’s been called to problem-solve in many high-impact situations in the U.S. and internationally.
JQ presenting to international exchange program participants in Casablanca, Morocco
JQ presenting to international exchange program participants in Casablanca, Morocco
Personal Philosophy
and Approach
JQ has always put people and relationships first. Known for his uncanny ability to connect with people across cultural, racial, religious, and lingual lines, JQ has excelled at building strategic coalitions and bringing groups together for good.
Mission and Values
JQ’s work is underpinned by three core values. The first lies in the importance of making dollars while making change. Money is never the mission, but money is certainly helpful in funding the mission. The second is rooted in the global nature of the world. Leaders have got to start thinking globally, as the boundaries between countries and industries are blurring, and the barriers to information have come down. The third is about mental health. It’s really hard to show up for anyone else if you haven’t showed up for yourself. Guided by these seemingly separate, but highly intertwined values, JQ has forged his path as an international power broker, businessman, and social impact agent.
JQ participating in office hours with students in Tetouan, Morocco
JQ participating in office hours with students in Tetouan, Morocco
