Is the Founder and President of Shepherd’s Haven Community Development Corporation. Originally from Miami, Florida, Sam now resides in Spring Lake, North Carolina with his wife, Ebony, and their two amazing sons, Samuel III and Samar.

From a young age, Sam developed a heart for helping others. Raised in a single-parent household, he saw firsthand the power of perseverance and was determined to support his family in any way he could. That same spirit of service led him to a 21-year career in the United States Army, from which he honorably retired.

Sam holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Post University, an A.S. in Architectural Technology from Fayetteville Technical Community College, and is currently pursuing an MBA in Entrepreneurship at Fayetteville State University. In addition to his academic background, Sam is a certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB) through the U.S. Small Business Administration and a Minority-Owned Business certified by North Carolina’s Historically Underutilized Businesses (NC HUB) program.

Sam has always had a love for young people, but in 2010, God placed it on his heart to begin a youth mentorship program. Though he took a brief break from the work, now that he is retired, he has fully locked back into the assignment given to him. He currently serves as the youth ministry leader at True Vine Ministries in Fayetteville, NC, and continues to pour into young lives through mentoring, guidance, and faith-based leadership. Since returning to restart the youth program, Sam also took the initiative to lead the Future Rich Uncles program—recognizing that men, too, need a healthy community of support, accountability, and purpose.

His involvement in community service includes leading youth outreach efforts, participating in the Adopt-A-Street program, and supporting local youth recreational events. He is also an ambassador of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber.

Sam is a man of faith who believes in holding steadfast to core values: Faith, Family, and G.O.L.F. Faith provides the foundation, keeping us grounded and purpose-driven. Family serves as the reminder of what truly matters. G.O.L.F. (*Goal of Life Forever*) shapes how we approach relationships, work, and life, emphasizing continual improvement and discipline to strengthen all other values. And yes, Sam’s love for the actual game of golf serves as an enjoyable reminder of these principles.

In addition to his nonprofit work, Sam is the owner of SWG Enterprises LLC, which provides services in home inspections, residential repairs, and architectural designs. He also owns SWG Property Solutions LLC, which manages his rental properties. As part of his commitment to helping families build generational wealth, Sam operates under the DBA The Seed Wealth Group, an initiative created to help families plant financial seeds through effective management strategies (SEED), develop and protect those resources through trust (NURTURE), and ultimately leave a lasting legacy (HARVEST).

What sets Sam apart as a leader is his unwavering commitment to the success of others. Whether partnering with local organizations or supporting programs back home, Sam’s heart for service remains at the core of everything he does. He believes in the potential of every young person and every man seeking purpose—and is willing to do whatever it takes to help them reach their goals. For Sam, investing in people is more than a mission—it’s a lifelong calling.