In 1971, with just a $25,000 Small Business Administration loan, David M. Nero Jr. (1924-2002) founded Nero and Associates Inc., a management and research consulting firm in Portland, Oregon. Mr. Nero embodied the American dream through extraordinary service, resilience, and entrepreneurial vision. Born on his family’s cotton farm in Greenwood, Mississippi—land that had been in his family since the Civil War—he was the grandson of a slave who would become one of Oregon’s most distinguished African American businessmen. After serving with valor in World War II and Korea, where he became one of the first African American officers to command integrated troops and earned two Bronze Stars and the Soldier’s Medal for Heroism, Mr. Nero channeled his leadership abilities into business and community service.
What began with a single contract clearing brush from power line right-of-ways grew into a multi-million dollar enterprise. By 1973, he had already been named Oregon’s Small Businessman of the Year—the first African American to receive this honor. Under his guidance, the company expanded to over $17 million in annual sales with more than 400 employees across 18 states, securing major government contracts including operation and maintenance of Air Force Plant 42 in California.
Beyond his business achievements, Mr. Nero was deeply committed to expanding educational and cultural opportunities for young people of all backgrounds. He served on numerous boards including the Urban League, NAACP, Chamber of Commerce, and Opera Society, and personally mentored countless young professionals. His belief in the power of role models and his dedication to opening doors for the next generation continues to inspire us.
After visiting his uncle’s office in Portland, Benjamin W. Nero Jr. was convinced he wanted to follow in his Uncle David’s footsteps and run his own company. He was gifted business cards with the title “CEO in training” and a leather bound briefcase to complete the look. Unfortunately, like most childhood dreams, this one faded to the back of his memory as time passed and the demands of life multiplied.
20 years spent in corporate America led Ben back to that dream of entrepreneurship. With experience in multiple fields and an extensive background in healthcare financial technology, he finally decided to realize his dream and build his version of Nero & Associates, Inc. In 2021, 50 years after the original founding, Benjamin W. Nero Jr. founded Nero & Associates, Inc. to honor his uncle and his business’ legacy of excellence, integrity, and service.
