Features

Perspective: Kimatni D. Rawlins

Kimatni D. Rawlins
President
Automotive Rhythms
Burtonsville MD

Job history
My very first job as a teen was manicuring lawns for the neighbors in Voorhees, NJ. At the time I was thirteen; so I was always a hustler so to speak.
From there, I learned the Colonel's secret while frying chicken at Kentucky for all four years of high school.
In college I really didn't work since I played D1 football; only for one summer during the Olympics in Atlanta. We drove the athletes around in passenger vans.
After graduation, I went on to corporate America, landing a position with Jaguar Cars in Mahwah NJ. That lasted all but a year.
Then I received a call from my father to come help run his car magazine, African Americans On Wheels. I ran the special projects division for five years.
I then left to start my own company, Automotive Rhythms, a one-stop gateway for up-to-date information on new cars and trucks, customization projects and the community issues within the auto business.

What are you currently working on?

Organizing sponsorship opportunities for automotive companies to brand their products within urban markets.

Your day-to-day responsibilities?

Connecting with decision makers, delegating authority; or traveling the globe test driving a new vehicle.

What inspires/motivates you?

My one year old daughter MiKaiya Maat. Ever since she arrived I have been refreshed with new energy and flavor. My thoughts are broadened, my mind is focused, and my heart is kinder. Plus there's no time for kidding around. She has to eat healthy, dress accordingly, and travel the world with her father and mother.

What are your biggest challenges or the downsides of what you do?

I'm always on the road. Sometimes that causes too much interaction with unstable energy. When home, I'm at peace.

How do you balance your personal and professional life?

My wife takes care of that. I work long hours. When she sees that I'm pushing it, she rescues me from my Dell.

What career achievement are you most proud of?

Starting the only automotive test drive media company for young urban consumers. No one is doing what I'm doing because it's more than jumping into fancy cars and cruising the block. Automotive Rhythms is creating a platform for young students to aspire too. So the fact that the message is being caught is what makes me most proud.

What was your biggest personal/career mistake and what did you learn from the experience?

Well, it's not just one mistake because each instance, you work with a different individual or company. I believe they may have mistaken my kindness for weakness. In the past, individuals from these companies either have run with our automotive sponsor ideas and tried to cut us out of the picture or they failed to deliver quality product. Most of the time it's all hype just to pick our brains. So now, I'm all about the contracts. No more gentlemen agreements for me.

Was there ever a time where you thought you might not succeed in what you're doing or if this was the right thing to do with your life? Please explain.

No. I'm born for this business. The industry loves what we're creating and I love what I'm broadcasting for the industry and the urban market.

Guiding principles?

I have a few. Mostly Eastern philosophy with the Most High leading my spiritual crusade.

Birthday? Where you grew up? Where you went to school?

My birthday is November 11, 1973. I grew up in the rough city streets of Camden NJ. I went to Eastern High in Voorhees NJ. And the attended Georgia Tech in Atlanta, where I lettered in football. Yellow Jackets baby!

Message Kimatni D. Rawlins and tell him what you think

Ray Tamarra

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