Calvin Mills Jr., Founder, CEO and President of CMC Technology Solutions LLC, formerly C&V Technologies of Louisiana, is not just another dynamic young man who rose from humble beginnings to make his mark. Certainly he fits comfortably into that mold as an award-winning entrepreneur in the highly competitive Information Technology arena. But his inspiring and instructive personal narrative chronicles so much more – a path of high achievement against the odds of low expectations; of opening doors of opportunity initially closed to him; of constantly challenging himself to go to the next level; and, most significantly, of uplifting others in his own quest to make a positive difference in his community, his state, the nation and ultimately, the global society.

 Mills’ compelling journey began in New Orleans’ Third Ward, barely a mile from the Calliope housing projects  that later gained notoriety as the home of hip-hop mogul Master P. But his mother, a widowed schoolteacher, was determined that her son’s exposure would not be affected by the limitations of the neighborhood or her own resources. Through her efforts and “huge sacrifices,” as well as concerned mentors along the way, young Calvin learned to play soccer and golf; received musical training that uncovered his talent as a saxophonist, and attended Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. 

When Hurricanes Katrina and Rita struck in late summer 2005, everything changed for CMC Technology Solutions, as well as the residents of New Orleans and South Louisiana, including Mills’ own family, who were affected by the devastation of the storms.  He had proactively researched the protocols for doing business with federal agencies and was prepared when the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus contacted CMC Technology Solutions to supply the hardware and software needed to set up a vital call center to track evacuees. In the following months, his small company won a $350,000 contract to supply FEMA and other agencies around the state with computer equipment and services. When the post-Katrina and Rita awards for CMC’s outstanding performance under pressure rolled in, triumph had emerged from tragedy.  

With his forward-thinking professional approach, people-focused philosophy, and strong work ethic, Calvin Mills has propelled his company to the forefront of recognition by federal, state and local agencies. He has put his name and credibility behind the newly minted CMC Technology Consulting, as well as the other CMC entities, all of which are poised for even greater public and private sector success in the coming years.