After serving in the US Military during the Vietnam War era and being honorably discharged in 1970, Willie James returned home to the United States and enrolled in Fairmont State College back in 1971 where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and Business Administration. Willie completed his studies in just three years when he successfully graduated in 1974.

It was during his senior year in 1974 that he also was a Player/Assistant Coach on the Fairmont State Falcons #1 Nationally ranked NAIA basketball team, who during the regular season were undefeated at 28 - 0. It was during this period that Willie first met the founder of Green Tech Ventures / Build Management, LLC, Don Thornton who was then a Fairmont State Freshman basketball recruit from Akron, Ohio.

Willie and Don have been best of friends ever since and have worked on several for profit and charitable industry related marketing projects over the years. Willie and Don hope to help further stimulate the "Green Economy" with Green Tech Ventures.

In his professional career, Willie's talents have carried him into various fields and personal development training. He has worked with The City of Canton, Ohio, Stark Technical College, Stark County Board of Education, Canton Ohio YMCA, Transwestern Institute, Bi Plex Corporation, Wherehouse Entertainment, and the New Los Angeles Automotive Training Corporation as the Assistant Director where he successfully negotiated over 250 Automotive industry partnerships.

In 1986 Willie founded and formed New Concept Marketing Services and Entertainment Company which provided services to the music industry. His clients included Capitol Records, A&M, Motown, Syndrome, and MCA. He was awarded over 20 gold and platinum sales awards for his work on several projects.

Willie's passion to work with at-risk youth led him to start Hoops R Us Inc. Hoops R Us is a California Sports Marketing company specializing in youth basketball programs designed to assist youth in maintaining a balance between sports, education, social and business skills. Willie is also a member of the National Association of Sport Officials (NASO), National Coaches Association, and serves as a Gift for Life board member.

He has been featured in magazines such as Forbes, People, KTLA's morning show, CBS Special Workplace America, and several local and national training publications focusing on education and training.

Willie has a beautiful wife, Beverly, and have four accomplished adult children.