The Power of Labels | Franklin Cruz | TEDxLakeland

As a child, Franklin Cruz was mistakenly labeled as a "slow learner" and sent to a school for other students who were considered learning disabled. But for a shocking incident that served as a wake-up call, he might never have become a decorated soldier and successful entrepreneur. Here, he talks about the insidious danger of using labels in ways that limit choice and restrict opportunity. He advocates for empowering people, especially children, to challenge the labels that are applied to them. Franklin Cruz is a veteran, author, entrepreneur, and real estate investor with more than 18 years of business investment experience. He is the founder and CEO of True Investors Education, LLC, as well as co-founder of several other businesses. He is the author of several books, including a children's book on investing, and has appeared on a number of investment-related TV shows. Franklin grew up in New York City where his personal tragedies and challenges taught him to be an advocate for himself and others. After serving with the U.S. Army in Iraq, he returned to the U.S. and began his career in real estate. He lives with his wife and two sons in Lakeland, where he is passionate about mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs and giving back to the community. He co-founded Hope for Homes Project, a highly-rated charity providing remodeling and improvement work on homes owned by working class families, which is now a part of Current Initiatives, a Tampa-based 501(c)(3) organization. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx