In a recent stunning ceremony at The University of Southern Mississippi’s Trent Lott National Center, USM’S College of Business and Economic Development celebrated its annual Entrepreneur of the Year Award, a tradition aimed at honoring outstanding individuals who have made a significant mark in the world of entrepreneurship.
Established in 2001, the award serves a triple purpose: to showcase success in business and industry, to bring nationally recognized entrepreneurs to engage with students and faculty, and to highlight the university’s commitment to entrepreneurship as an academic pursuit. Notably, nominees for the Entrepreneur of the Year do not have to be alumni of the University of Southern Mississippi, opening the doors to entrepreneurs nationwide who have demonstrated exceptional drive, integrity, and success.
This year, the esteemed award found its deserving recipients in Doug and Susan (Fasano) Williams, the visionary owners of Kalalou, Inc., a distinguished home furnishings and décor wholesale company headquartered in Jackson, Mississippi. Boasting a catalog of over 1,500 products, Kalalou has successfully penetrated over 10,000 retail stores and mail-order companies across the United States.
“Oh, it’s a definite honor,” Doug stated. “We’re, you know, we’re alumni from ’78 and ’79, and to come back here and to be given this honor is quite special.”
Susan shared her sentiments about the award.
“We’re so honored,” she said. “And, you know, I guess that’s a cliche, but it truly is a great honor.”
The Williamses’ journey into entrepreneurship began nearly four decades ago during a vacation in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Inspired by the vibrant local market, they transformed their ideas into an international wholesale empire that spans nine countries.
“We’ve worked through many economic turns in the industry and the world,” Doug said. “And 2008 was our biggest turning point. We’ve never looked back when we changed our name and remarketed ourselves.”
When asked about future projects, Susan hinted at what’s on the horizon.
“So we are always looking for the next big thing, and we’re trying to start more businesses in Central and South America and not be so dependent on Asia,” she said. “So that’s sort of our project. The next few years, we’re trying to get out of China for obvious reasons, and we’re thinking if we can do 10% less every six months, just reduce our footprint in China somewhat.”
Susan also relayed advice to students aspiring to be entrepreneurs.
“We say go after your dream,” she said. “You have an idea. If you want to be an entrepreneur, build and go after your own business. But don’t quit your day job. We work 20 hours a day. For four years, we worked 8 to 5 jobs, came home and worked two, three and 4:00 in the morning in our garage, slept four hours and returned to the 8:00 job. So. We kept that routine until we felt financially stable enough to go the whole hog into our company.”
When asked about mentors, Doug acknowledged the influence of family.
“My grandfather and my dad obviously were a big influence on my business life,” he stated.
He also mentioned a mentor in the industry, Randy Eller, who provides valuable advice.
Reflecting on working with his wife, Susan, Doug expressed joy.
“People always ask that question,” he said. “How do you work with your wife? We have worked together 24 over seven for the last 40 years, and we’re honestly very blessed to be able to do that. We give each other space, do what we do best, and it all works out great.”
Doug also emphasized the importance of resilience.
“In business for almost 40 years, I think there’s your success right now in the middle of craziness in this world, not knowing what’s going on around the corner,” he explained. “To be able to get past those humps and bumps in the road and just not get overpowered by all the negativity out there and just put blinders on and keep moving forward.”
The Williamses attribute their success and entrepreneurial spirit to their time and education at The University of Southern Mississippi. Both graduates with art majors credit their education and the creativity cultivated at Southern Miss for shaping the business they lead today. As a token of appreciation and generosity, Doug and Susan have given back to their alma mater by funding the Doug & Susan Fasano Williams Stage in the Joe Paul Student Theater.
As cheerleader partners for the Golden Eagles, Doug and Susan find a connection between their spirited college cheering days and the unwavering entrepreneurial spirit that defines their business success.
The Entrepreneur of the Year Award recognizes outstanding individuals and is a testament to the university’s commitment to fostering innovation, creativity, and excellence in entrepreneurship. Doug and Susan (Fasano) Williams embody these values, making them worthy of this prestigious award.