Albert C. Black, Jr. was born on July 24, 1959. This prominent American businessman founded On-Target Supplies and Logistics back in 1982. His journey is marked by more than just entrepreneurial success. Black became the first African American to chair the Dallas Regional Chamber. He has also participated in numerous trade missions and led important institutions, including the Baylor Health Care System and the Dallas Housing Authority. Read more at dallas-yes.
Early Life and Path to Entrepreneurship
Albert C. Black, Jr. was born in 1959, the youngest of seven children. He spent his childhood in the Frazier Courts housing project in South Dallas. Albert’s father, Albert Black, Sr., worked as a doorman at a hotel in downtown Dallas. Through this job, he met many of the city’s influential business leaders. Returning home from work, his father would often tell Albert Jr., “I want my children to be like those leaders who run the city and improve the lives of others.” These words became the first source of inspiration for Albert. It was then that he decided to become an entrepreneur, volunteer, and civic leader.
Albert Black’s business journey began very early, at just ten years old. He and his friends borrowed a lawnmower and founded the Best Friends Lawn Service. They charged $2 per lawn. Soon, they became the first in their neighborhood to purchase an electric lawnmower, a testament to their success.
Albert attended high school in the Dallas Independent School District. After graduating, he continued his education at the University of Texas at Dallas, where he earned a Bachelor of General Studies, focusing on business and political science. Later, Albert enrolled at Southern Methodist University, earning a Master of Business Administration from the Cox School of Business.
In 1982, Black co-founded On-Target Supplies & Logistics. Initially, it was a janitorial supplies distribution company. The business grew slowly, so Albert took a night job in the information systems department at Texas Utilities to fund his own company. For ten years, he worked at On-Target from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, then went to his night job from 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM. This dedication helped the company grow.
Business and Community Leadership
Albert Black led On-Target Supplies & Logistics, dramatically transforming it. It grew from a small two-person startup into a large enterprise with 190 employees. The company expanded its services to offer outsourced logistics solutions, supply chain management, and value-added reselling.
In 2006, Albert Black launched ReadyToWork, a professional development service by On-Target. ReadyToWork offers job placement, training, job readiness preparation, and educational resources. It has already trained over 2,200 people. That same year, Black also founded the company’s charitable arm, OTSL Charities. This organization dedicates its time and resources to local communities and collaborates with other charitable foundations.
In addition to his entrepreneurial activities, Albert Black is actively involved in community work. In 2010, he became the chairman of the Baylor Health Care System in Dallas. Under his leadership, the Baylor Diabetes Health & Wellness Institute was established.
Albert Black has served as treasurer for Texas State Senator Royce West, Judge John Creuzot, and Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi, a national public service fraternity, as well as a member of New Hope Baptist Church.