Lafayette Crawford BIO

Lafayette Crawford III - Board Member, Gwinnett County Community Development Corporation

Lafayette Crawford brings a wealth of experience, and a dynamic skill set to the Gwinnett County Community Development Corporation, making him an invaluable asset to the organization. Lafayette's early years were characterized by active participation in sports. He was born in Yeadon, Pennsylvania, and raised in Philadelphia and southern New Jersey. He was a high school athlete, playing football for four years, including three years on the varsity team. Lafayette also ran track, specializing as a sprinter and pole vaulter, and participated in wrestling for one year. His involvement in the Bible study club and exceptional performance in architectural drafting, a 4-year program, further highlight his dedication and versatility.

Lafayette pursued higher education at Camden County College, studying Criminal Justice, and later graduated from Rowan University with a Bachelor's degree in Law and Justice, a minor in Psychology, and a concentration in early child development. His academic background laid a strong foundation for his diverse professional career.

Lafayette's career spans various industries, including collections, customer service, and restaurants during his college years. He also gained valuable experience in security with Homeland Security and local college venues. Lafayette's professional journey in insurance and financial services spans over a decade, where he started in recruiting, moved into corporate and agency training, and eventually became an agency manager and financial advisor through FINRA and SEC qualifications. His dedication to helping entrepreneurs and businesses achieve success is evident in his transition to the private sector, where he leveraged his extensive experience to provide invaluable tools and strategies.

As the founder of Crawford Business Consulting, Lafayette successfully grew the firm into an A+ rated and accredited business, recognized for its excellence in business strategy consulting. His leadership led to significant client portfolio expansion and high client satisfaction, contributing to the success of numerous small businesses. Lafayette's role as a Leadership Council member for the National Small Business Association underscores his commitment to representing small businesses in Georgia and impacting businesses across the nation.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Lafayette is deeply involved in his community. He serves as the Co-Chair of Deacons at Snellville Christian Church and as an Assistant Instructor at Choe’s Hapkido Grayson. His certifications include Disruptive Lean Six Sigma, HR Recruitment Metrics, Management Consulting, Digital Marketing, and Growth Strategies.

Lafayette Crawford's diverse background, professional achievements, and community involvement make him a pivotal member of the Gwinnett County Community Development Corporation, poised to contribute significantly to its mission of providing transitional housing and support services to those in need.