THINK BIG
About Us
Our team at Think Big! is a diverse group of passionate professionals dedicated to empowering minority-owned businesses
Meet The Founders
DR. SHEILA HILL
Co-Founder
Sheila has made it her personal mission to teach others to live their lives with purpose.
Dr. Sheila Hill is a Rockford native, with a passion for entrepreneurial engagement, strategic planning, and community engagement and God's people. She is currently the President of Hill and Hill Enterprises Inc. providing residential and commercial property management and maintenance services. She is also the Co- Founder of Think Big Corporation a non-profit Minority Business Accelerator and Incubator providing business development and resources for minority and women- owned businesses. Dr. Hill is the Co-Founder of Women & Wealth a leadership program cultivating women’s personal and professional development. And Dr. Hill is also the Co-Pastor at the Park Church, where she helps people meet God and discover His purpose for their lives. Dr. Hill received her Doctor of Ministry in Theology at Life Christian University, a Master of Science in Business at Cardinal Stritch University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Management and Leadership at Judson University. She is also, a Certified Maxwell Leadership Team Member. With a passion for leadership, Dr. Hill has trained 5000+ entrepreneurs and leaders, in Nairobi Kenya, as an international speaker and instructor. She currently serves on the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce Board and the Workforce Connection Board of Directors. She has also served on a variety of boards, including the Crusader Clinic Board of Directors, Northern Illinois Minority Companies Association (NIMCA), Rockford Chamber of Commerce Minority Business Council, Bridge Ministries Executive Board, Rockford MELD, and the Washington Park Christian Church Board. Dr. Hill was nominated for WQRF and WTVO 2023 Remarkable Women awards. Dr. Sheila Hill was presented the Key to the city of Rockford and a proclamation naming October 29 Sheila Hill day by the 41 st Mayor of Rockford, IL Thomas McNamara. She also was presented by the State of Illinois Ceremonial Coin by State Representative Maurice West of the 67th House District. Dr. Hill was recognized for her innovation program development at the national level by the Illinois Public Health Association and presented the Young Worker Award for developing grassroots community-based and Faith-Based community initiatives to work on violence prevention and health issues. She was also, awarded the 2010 New Business of the year award by the Northern Illinois Minority Companies Association. As a businesswoman with over 25+ years of experience, Dr. Hill's love for business drives her to mentor women in leadership, business, and personal development. Dr. Hill is committed to helping women discover their why, articulate who they are, and identify their life mission to execute their passion and purpose. Her love for leadership drives her to coach and mentor women in leadership, business, and personal development.
DUNTAI MATHEWS
Co-Founder
Duntai Mathews is the example of channeling your passion and knowledge into a profit.
Duntai L Mathews, President of DLM Wood manufacturing was born and raised in Rockford Illinois. Working at McDonald's as a teenager to help out at home with expenses, Duntai learned the corporation’s commitment to help minority owned business and was encouraged by their support. Duntai attended college in Atlanta and upon returning to Rockford found a job at a local wood manufacturing company. Duntai learned various aspects of this business and when an opportunity presented itself to purchase the company he sought to become the owner. Duntai presented his plans to numerous banks, other financial institutions, and government programs but with little money to put into the business no one was willing to assist him. One of the current customers utilizing their wood products was Gressco Limited, a furniture company located in Waunakee Wisconsin. Gressco had a vested interest in keeping their wood source stable. They understood and trusted Duntai and his future plans with the company. With Gressco’s behind the scenes support, Duntai was able to acquire the company, Expressions in Wood, and renamed it DLM Manufacturing. One of Duntai’s first goals was to expand the existing business with McDonald’s and was able to work with them in the development of new designs of counter storage units, magazine racks, and dispensers of all kinds. Minority owned and operated for over six years, DLM Manufacturing is known for its “better than perfect” quality wood products and flexible designs for the restaurant and hospitality markets. With CNC machining capabilities and top notch craftsmanship, they deliver quality wood products that last. Duntai said, "It is our Mission to provide only the highest quality service and products to build and grow with our customers and their needs." Duntai wishes to thank God, and his family, including his Grandmother, who was a great inspiration to him throughout his life. Duntai also wishes to thank the owner and all those at Gressco for believing in his vision.
Martesha Brown
Martesha Brown, a proud Rockford native and MBA graduate of Rockford University, is the Director of Community Economic Development at Midland States Bank and the founder of MB Strategic Solutions, where she shares her expertise in strategic planning, leadership, and organizational development. With past leadership roles at RACVB, Rockford Park District, and Alpine Bank, she brings a deep passion for economic development, marketing, and community engagement. Martesha has served on numerous boards and committees, including Goodwill of Northern Illinois, Habitat for Humanity, and the Governor’s Capital Development Board. She made history in 2021 as the first Black woman elected to the Rockford Park District Board of Commissioners and now serves as its President. Her many accolades include Rockford’s “Forty Under 40,” Soul News Network’s “25 Black Leaders to Watch,” YWCA Woman of Achievement, and Northwest Quarterly’s “25 Most Interesting People.” Rockford grown and Rockford committed, she remains a driving force for positive change in her community.
Matthew Simpson
Matt Simpson is a father, entrepreneur, and Development Strategist based in Rockford, Illinois. He earned a Master's of Public Administration from Northern Illinois University, and has 15 years of experience working in economic development and neighborhood-level community development, as well as city and state government leadership/public administration. Simpson is a partner in the investment firm Eight Fifteen Capital, LLC., and is co-founder of the nonprofit Wabongo Leadership Council. He also serves as the Worshipful Master for Master Builders Masonic Lodge #33. Today, Simpson serves as Director of Economic Impact for Think Big and is the "Dean" of the Think Big School of Business!
Nathaniel Jordan
Nate Jordan is an ambitious business professional and SIUC alumnus who holds a B.S. in Plant Biology and is a proactive member of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors as well as the SIU College of Marketing's External Advisory Board. A firm believer in social impact and innovation, Nate founded Sprekk Technology Services in 2018, an on-demand phone repair company committed to community philanthropy. He also co-founded Sprekk Supply Group in 2020, a medical device distribution firm specializing in cutting-edge non-invasive pain management solutions for chronic pain patients. His expertise in creating and executing robust business plans, optimizing processes, and navigating commercial real estate transactions make him an invaluable asset for companies looking to scale and succeed. Nate's consulting capabilities are further bolstered by his Go-To-Market experience at Cleo.com, a leading SaaS B2B EDI & API integration provider, and at ToroTMS, a SaaS company focused on streamlining operations for logistics organizations. His background in diverse industries enables him to apply best practices and innovative solutions to meet the unique challenges faced by companies, ensuring they thrive and accomplish their strategic goals.
Khaneidra Horton
She operates and owns Khay Renee Enterprises LLC, a consulting firm for small businesses, where she assists entrepreneurs in catapulting their businesses. Khaneidra “Khay” Horton was born and raised in Rockford, IL. She is currently Vice President, Special Assets Manager at U.S. Bank and was previously a Mission Integration Program Manager at Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois and Director of Operations at Hill and Hill Enterprises Inc. With a passion for business, she is a Doctoral candidate for her Doctorate in Business Administration at Capella University. Khaneidra also received a Master of Business Administration from Rockford University, a Bachelor of Science from Hampton University, and a Women’s Entrepreneurship Certificate from Cornell University. She operates and owns Khay Renee Enterprises LLC, a consulting firm for small businesses, where she assists entrepreneurs in catapulting their businesses. She has volunteered at The Park Church (Washington Park Christian Church), Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois, Think Big, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee, Solid Rock International Ministries, and Oceana Ocean Conservation Group. Khaneidra is a Certified Maxwell Leadership Team Member.