Conversations with Nnaemeka Anene

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nnaemeka Anene

Hi Nnaemeka, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
As a kid growing up in Dayton, Ohio to Nigerian immigrant parents, there was a strong emphasis on education. Ironically, though, they were ultra-involved in the community, leading several different business ventures and holding leadership roles in several organizations. I, the oldest of my twin brother and younger sister, saw all of these things and was immediately inspired to follow suit.

Through elementary and high school I stayed involved as a multi-sport varsity athlete while still being a member of student orgs. In college, everything naturally took another step. I was still a sports junkie, but no longer a varsity athlete; I had my hands full in regards to student involvement while working multiple jobs and majoring in Materials Science & Engineering at The Ohio State University.

Graduating during the pandemic, and a short stint in the clothing industry with Social Introvert, I took the forced-isolation time to realize the motto I now live by: “Allow you 9-5 to fuel your 5-9.” I took the opportunity to begin leading a revamped Homecoming experience for students and alumni at my alma mater; after forming THE COMMITTEE, a collection of alumni and current students, we shifted the focus of Homecoming to maximizing The Tailgate/Watch Party, while incorporating both social and networking events to the mix. I can confidently say that after Year 3, we have succeeded in making OSU Homecoming a weekend to circle on the calendars of both Buckeyes and the like.

From this, “Nnaem & Friends,” a part of Anene Logistics, was formed (way too late, but better than never). A photobooth business and tech company, Premier Photo Booth Ohio and More4Tech, seemed to (almost) round out my extra-circulars of adulthood, apart from the multitude of basketball leagues I frequent while I’m not traveling around the country as a Continuous Improvement Operations Supervisor at OTC. But, true myself, as a “Doer of Many Things,” I still had a dream I desired to fulfill.

My greatest passion comes in the form of my non-profit, Things That Matter Foundation. Starting a little over 2 years ago, we focus on education, homelessness, and professional development. We target the younger generation of adults, potentially tunnel-visioned on their careers, inviting them to serve the communities they assisted in high school and college. How do we make this attractive? All of our events are incentivized, from a gift card to your favorite small-business coffee shop, to free entry into the hottest event in the city. We find a way to “merge what you need to do with what you enjoy.”

Throughout this whole journey, my greatest gift has been my community and faith. They’ve seen me through my best and worst moments, supported me despite my flaws, and taught me invaluable lessons that have empowered me to improve and grow.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In college, I was stretched thin, and trying to maintain grades in OSU’s rigorous College of Engineering was a task. I eventually lost the very scholarship that caused my parents to force me to attend OSU in the first place, and I saw myself looking at costs higher than any amount of money I had ever seen in my life. My response? I took a step away from a few positions, causing some disappointment and frustration from others. Instead, I took on 3 jobs, splitting between working on campus and overnight. I was still too involved for most people’s liking, but I found a way to fight through for a year in that setting before earning some new scholarships, including the Corporate Connections Scholarship from Nationwide.

In business, I have failed more than a few times. In both my non-profit and for-profit ventures I have been the victim of unsuccessful fundraisers and events. Through it all, I’ve maintained my word, paying out planning teams, DJs, and like, regardless of the money lost or made. I’ve watched relationships that I thought would last forever result in losses of monetary funds, attempts to negatively portray my character, and most importantly, losses of trust. I contrast, I have leaned on many amazing mentors, peers, and mentees, who have instilled confidence in me through my worst time, and provided me with the advice I needed to continue striving to succeed.

In all these moments I maintained a vow I made to myself to remain transparent. If I could do all the failing and share enough to prevent the next leader or member of society from repeating my mistakes, I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity to tell my story.

I would be a liar to say it has been smooth, even now there are consistent and ever-evolving issues and roadblocks. A lover of quotes, a few continue to guide me in these moments and keep me from becoming overly stagnant. “Nothing worth having comes easy,” my mother often echoes; “You are the author of your own fortune and misfortune,” my father told me at a very young age, and it has stuck with me forever. Finally, “By any means necessary,” is a quote from Malcolm X, a transformative leader who changed his ways a number of times, yet still misrepresented in history. These quotes and more help keep me centered, regardless of how high or low I get.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I claim to be a “Doer of Many Things.” As founder of my non-profit, Things That Matter Foundation, an event organizer, most notably helping to lead in the curation of Ohio State Homecoming Weekend’s events, and part owner in a number of other businesses, I keep my hands full. During the day I work as a Continuous Improvement Operations Supervisor, traveling throughout the country applying lean-level concepts and increasing efficiency at OTC Industrial Technology’s sites around the country.

I feel I specialize in making things happen. There’s never not enough time to make something happen, and there’s no task too impossible to find a way to provide impact. I think this flows into exactly what sets me apart; I’m willing to do the unattractive work to make something great. Success has many forms; for me, I’ve always focused on the experience of my peers, the experience of the customer. My fun and happiness come from the “job well done”‘s and the flowers I may not always get. Knowing I’m working in my purpose excites me and gives me the push to keep going.

I am most proud of starting my non-profit. Although the stresses and costs to run it currently are high, the ability to serve my communities and truly be able to give back in a creative way is an amazing feat to realize. In two years we’ve done things I would have never imagined, from working with OSU organizations directly to aiding elementary students in New York before hosting a Yacht Party Fundraiser and crossing the Statue of Liberty, the rewards of the group and I’s work are appreciated.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
My abilities to be transparent, resilient, and to observe have been the most important to my success. I’ve had many long nights, failed many times while maintaining honesty when asked about them, and have watched and noted the movements, wins, and trials of many amazing people I see as role models and mentors.

Pricing:

• Donate to Things That Matter Foundation here: https://www.zeffy.com/donation-form/12b2cceb-ba2d-4e1a-bf97-7916a3dd7699
• Event Organization/Curation: Negotiable, email nnaemeka.anene@gmail.com
• Premier Photo Booth Pricing: https://premier-photo-booth.square.site/
• Social Media: Negotiable, email nnaemeka.anene@gmail.com

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ttmfoundation.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nigerian_dunker/
• Twitter: https://www.x.com/nigerian_dunker