When I first sat down with Omar Ali, I immediately knew I was in the presence of someone who moves differently. He’s not just another entrepreneur with a success story—he’s a man on a mission, walking in the footsteps of his father’s vision while carving his own path. Omar Ali is a multi-faceted entrepreneur from Griffin, Georgia—a true country boy at heart—deeply rooted in family values that have shaped his journey. His story isn’t just about business; it’s about legacy, discipline, and a generational blueprint for wealth that goes beyond just making money—it’s about keeping it.
The Kid with the Briefcase
Before he was building empires, Omar was the kid walking around with a briefcase full of toys. While most kids were focused on playing, Omar was already thinking like a businessman. That briefcase wasn’t just for carrying toys—it was a symbol of his early entrepreneurial mindset. He may not have fully understood it at the time, but that briefcase was the first sign that he was wired for ownership.
A Father’s Influence: The Entrepreneurial Blueprint
Omar’s path wasn’t something he stumbled upon—it was a direction set for him by his father, Yusuf Ali. Yusuf was a general contractor specializing in demolition and asbestos abatement. Growing up, Omar watched his father navigate the business world, laying the foundation for what would become his own journey.
His father had a unique philosophy about success. When Omar was just 11 years old, his father sat him down and asked, “What do you want to do with your life?” When Omar didn’t have an answer, his father gave him a year to figure it out.
his 12th birthday, Omar still wasn’t sure, and that’s when his father gave him the most defining lesson of his life:
“You CAN’T be anything you want—except a business owner.”
That one statement planted the seed for a legacy built on ownership, not just participation. His father wasn’t limiting his potential—he was expanding it. Real wealth, he explained, wasn’t in having a high-paying job—it was in creating opportunities that others work for. That lesson would be the foundation of a generational cycle that will outlive them both.
A 300-Year Plan: Thinking Beyond a Lifetime
One of the most powerful concepts Omar’s father instilled in him was the 300-year plan. While most people think in terms of five-year goals or, at most, a retirement plan, Yusuf Ali was thinking centuries ahead.
A 300-year plan isn’t just about making money—it’s about sustaining wealth for generations to come. It’s about setting up systems, businesses, and assets that will continue to grow and support the family long after he’s gone. This type of long-term thinking is what separates those who make money from those who build dynasties.
During our conversation, Omar made it clear that he’s baffled by how, as a people, we still haven’t overcome police brutality and economic inequality. But instead of just discussing the problems, he offered solutions on how we can move forward.
He believes that balance is key when marketing businesses and choosing products. Instead of creating products solely for the Black community, he emphasized the importance of making products that serve everyone. He explained that true economic power comes from inclusion—if all genders, races, religions, and social classes can benefit from our products, then we gain greater influence.
“Let’s move away from being excited about having a Black section in Target. Instead, let’s build essential businesses that create jobs for our people and keep recycling our dollars within our community.”
This kind of thinking shifts the narrative from seeking representation in someone else’s space to owning and controlling our own industries.
The Target Boycott & the Power of Sacrifice
We spoke about Pastor Jamal Bryant’s leadership in the Target boycott, and while Omar respects his friend’s stance, he believes it’s not enough. In his words, real change requires sacrifice—the kind of sacrifice our ancestors were willing to make during the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
“We will not impact change until we’re willing to sacrifice—no matter how long it takes or what it costs us.”
His words resonated with me deeply because they came from a place of sincerity. Omar isn’t just talking about change; he’s actively working to create it. I had to take my personal notes to make sure I didn’t miss the gems he dropped and this was an inspirational and educational moment in my career.
Artificial Intelligence & the Future of Work
As we dove deeper into conversation, I asked Omar about his thoughts on cybersecurity and AI’s impact on the job market. His response was simple:
“We shouldn’t worry about it because we can’t change it.”
At first, this statement caught me off guard. But then he explained. Instead of fearing AI and automation, he believes we should adapt—just like the women in Hidden Figures who had to learn computing when human calculators and typewriters became obsolete.
“Instead of seeing AI as a threat, we need to get ahead of the curve and learn it. The ones who adapt will be the ones who succeed.”
Government Contracts & His Most Impressive Project
One of Omar Ali’s most impressive business moves has been securing government contracts. His company has played a crucial role in major projects, but the one that stands out the most is his work on the U.S. Embassy.
To be awarded a government contract to build an embassy isn’t just business—it’s history. Embassies are more than just buildings; they are symbols of international relations, security, and national strength. The fact that Omar Ali, a Black entrepreneur from Griffin, Georgia, is involved in such a prestigious project speaks volumes about his capabilities and the magnitude of his work.
This accomplishment alone puts him in a league of his own, solidifying his status as a true power player in business and development.
The Legacy Continues
Omar Ali isn’t just a businessman—he’s a visionary, a builder, a leader, and most importantly, a father who is preparing the next generation to think beyond their own lifetime. He carries his father’s wisdom with him in every decision he makes, ensuring that the wealth and knowledge passed down to him will continue for generations.
This is just the beginning of his story, and there’s so much more to unpack. Be on the lookout for Mr. Ali’s cover story in the next issue of In the City Magazine, where he’ll share even more insights for business owners who want to create generational wealth.
Omar Ali isn’t just building businesses—he’s building history.
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