Tico Duckett on entrepreneurship, drive

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — For Tico Duckett, the mindset that fueled him as a standout athlete didn’t end when he left the football field at Michigan State University. It became the foundation for a business journey now nearing a big milestone.

“This will be the 25th year in June,” Duckett said. “It’s been remarkable. It’s been an incredible journey.”

Duckett says the transition from athletics to entrepreneurship was powered by the same principle — drive.

“Being an athlete, you have the drive to be successful,” he said. “And I think just following the process was the best thing that I carried over.”

That process has carried him through economic highs, lows and moments where quitting may have seemed easier.

“I think the biggest thing is the phrase, ‘Never quit,’” Duckett said. “There’s times where you want to quit, but you can’t. It’s being able to pivot and make changes to get over those humps.”

Today, Duckett’s company, Duckett Brothers Distributing, is one of the largest Black-owned employers in Lansing. Beyond revenue or recognition, he says his focus is on job creation and helping others succeed alongside him.

“What’s the point of you being successful and no one else is?” Duckett said. “When you’re being pulled up, pull other people up. I would hate to be successful and the only person around being successful.”

He takes pride in watching employees grow, some even purchasing homes after advancing within the company. For Duckett, that impact is part of what he calls the “economic circle.”

“Job creation is huge,” he said. “Creating jobs creates a great community. If you can get people working, then they can be good citizens in the community.”

In addition to running his company, Duckett serves on the board of the Lansing Economic Area Partnership, where he helps shape conversations about bringing new companies and investment to the region.

“Now I get to see companies move into the Lansing area,” he said. “And create the environment here in Lansing that it’s a great place to raise a family, get jobs, and it’s a great community.”

As he approaches the 25-year milestone, Duckett says legacy isn’t about a single achievement, it’s about continuing to dream.

“You can attain one goal and then create another one as well,” he said. “Not just one dream, but a couple of dreams.”

His advice to young entrepreneurs, especially young Black men and women, is to find something people truly need, be passionate about it, and never give up.

“If you don’t have a passion for something, then you’re not going to make it,” Duckett said. “But having that passion, you’ll be determined to beat whatever obstacles are thrown in front of you.”

Duckett’s message remains simple: Keep dreaming, keep building, and don’t stop at just one goal.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.