Joe Edwards, Jr. is the founder of Joe Edwards & Sons, LLC (formerly Edwards International) based in Windermere, Florida. The company represents leading manufactures of specialized personal care products, including some of the world’s most notable brands for African-American consumers. Edwards is a 1971 graduate of Southern University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education. Prior to entering the personal care product industry, he embarked upon a promising career in law enforcement. He served the Dallas Police Department as its first African-American Administrative Assistant to the Police Chief, went on to join the Dallas-Ft. Worth Regional Airport’s Department of Public Safety as an Anti-air Piracy Officer, and was recommended to the Federal Bureau of Investigation by his superiors in 1976. Shortly after receiving the esteemed recommendation, a chance encounter would change Edwards’ professional trajectory. A notable Fashion Fair Cosmetics

affiliate, impressed with Edwards’ business acumen and demeanor, referred him to the company’s Vice President for hire. Edwards interviewed with Fashion Fair’s founder, John H. Johnson, and was offered a position as an Account Executive. He accepted the offer and quickly excelled in his new field. In 1977, he took on the additional role of Manager of Military Sales and Western Domestic Department Store Sales. In this capacity, he directed business relations with top retailers like Dillard’s, Macy’s, and Saks Fifth Avenue. He also established the Army Air Force Exchange Service European Distribution Network, managing accounts in the USA, England, Germany, Italy, Greece, Crete, Spain, and Belgium. Most significantly during his time with Fashion Fair, Edwards was instrumental in boosting sales for the first line of fine cosmetics for women of color in Neiman Marcus stores. Seeking new opportunities for growth, Edwards migrated to the position of Key Accounts Manager with industry giant Johnson & Johnson in 1979. The following year, he signed on with Flori Roberts Cosmetics in the same capacity. Then in May of 1983, he founded Edwards International as an independent business consultant and manufacturer’s representative. The new platform allowed him to propel groundbreaking products into the marketplace and further establish himself as a driving force in the industry. Edwards’ catalog of current and former clients boasts innovative pioneers and prominent brands, including: African Royale Always Natural Ambi American Beauty B’s Organic Oils Black Thang BumpStopper Colomer USA Cosmetics Specialties

Donnie’s Cosmetics Duke Hanes Hosiery Hollywood Beauty Jane Carter Solution Johnson-Johnson Kiwi Shoe Care Mahogany Image Cosmetics Maybelline

Mixed Chicks Mother Boykin Murray’s Pomade Namaste Labs LLC Natural Essence Nubian Heritage Palmers Cocoa Butter Parnevu Brands Pink Oil

Pro-Line Corporation Rapunzel Raveen Rice Hosiery S-curl Shea Moisture Skin Tight Shaving Soft & Beautiful VanishMax

In 2002, he co-founded Power Mark Sales Group, LLC, a sales and merchandising company, to strengthen service offerings to his clients in the southwestern region of the United States. The company is now owned an operated by his sons, with Edwards functioning in an advisory capacity. Now a 39-year veteran sales professional, Edwards remains passionate about his career and making a difference in the lives of others. He is recognized as one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the personal care products industry and has received numerous awards for his accomplishments. These include the 2006 Distinguished Brokers Award from the American Health and Beauty Aids Institute and the 1994 Distinguished Service Award from Luster Products, Inc.