Mon,
11/20/2023 – 10:12am | By: Van Arnold
University of Southern Mississippi (USM) alumni Doug and Susan (Fasano) Williams have
been recognized as the 2023 Boardman Distinguished Entrepreneurs of the Year by the
University’s College of Business and Economic Development. The couple were honored
during a luncheon on Friday, Nov. 17 at the Trent Lott National Center on the Hattiesburg
campus.
The Williams are owners of Kalalou, Inc., a home furnishings and décor wholesale company located
in Jackson, Miss. With a catalog of 1,500 products and counting, Kalalou sells to
more than 10,000 retail stores and mail order companies nationwide.
“Forty-nine years ago when we graduated, we had no idea where our great education
from USM would take us. With our two Bachelor of Arts degrees, we developed a very
creative business spanning the globe,” said Susan Williams. “To be honored by the
College of Business and Economic Development is the icing on the cake for our journey.”
Nearly four decades ago, while vacationing in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, the Williamses became
inspired by items they found at the local, vibrant market square. Their ideas of creating
a thriving business flourished into an international wholesale company with a reach
that spans nine countries. The couple continue to travel the globe in search of new
additions to their product line.
Added Susan Williams, “As art majors, it is very special for us to also be recognized
for our business acumen. We grew our business one step at a time by merging our art
degrees with “by the seat of your pants” business techniques…And, here we are today. “Thank
you USM for our great foundation and thank you College of Business and Economic Development
for this great recognition.”
Additionally, the Williams have established charitable projects in several of the
countries where they conduct business, including the Doug and Susan’s Kids Foundation
serving children in Haiti, Honduras, Colombia, and the Philippines. Additionally,
one hundred percent of the proceeds from the sale of certain products go directly
to medical care, childcare, and other modern amenities for developing nations and
their communities.
“With unwavering dedication and a shared vision, Doug and Susan Williams exemplify
the epitome of the entrepreneurial mindset as they are honored as our Entrepreneurs
of the Year,” said Dr. Bret Becton, Dean of USM’s College of Business and Economic
Development. “Their steadfast commitment to transforming a humble idea into a flourishing
home furnishings and decor empire showcases not only their business acumen but also
their ability to turn dreams into reality. Beyond the boardroom, this dynamic duo’s
philanthropic endeavors underscore their commitment to making a positive impact, weaving
compassion and kindness into the fabric of their success story.”
The annual event is sponsored by the late Joseph Boardman Jr., a 1953 graduate of
Southern Miss, where he majored in marketing. A past president of the Southern Miss
Alumni Association and former member of the USM Foundation Board, Boardman also served
18 years on the Harrison County Development Commission. In 1972, he was elected to
the Hancock Bank Advisory Board and served as a member of the Hancock Bank Holding
Company Board until 2007, including chairman of the board from 1987 to 2007. From
2008 to 2009, Boardman served as Hancock Holding Company Board member emeritus.
To learn more about the College of Business and Economic Development, call 601.266.4659.
Source: usm.edu