“The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” is a saying that means a child will often share similar traits or characteristics with their parents, essentially implying that children tend to resemble their parents in behavior and personality. Just as an apple naturally falls close to the tree it grew on, it signifies a close resemblance between generations.
The theory of the apple and tree rings true for business entrepreneur Christopher King. The owner of the restaurant Charter House Grille and ODS Transportation learned at an early age about the art of business.
“I come from a family of entrepreneurs. Both my parents are in business for themselves,” King said. “My mother is a business owner still and I always knew watching them that I would go into business for myself as I grew up.”
King credits his mother with shaping him into the man he has become today.
“When I was 15, I can remember my mother letting me make business decisions for our family business,” King said. “Her influence on me was so huge that I never could see myself working for someone else.”
King has an appreciation for the value of himself. He always felt like no one should be able to define his worth. Because he saw his parents succeed at an elevated level, King knew when he became an adult that he would create his own value for himself, and that value would be defined by he himself.
“I knew it was going to be difficult for me to work for someone else,” King continued. “I saw my parents be able to afford what they wanted in life without issue. So, owning my own business was my only option. I am worth way more than anyone was going to be able to pay me.”
Being exposed to his parents’ work ethic and drive allowed him the confidence to embark on his own journey after graduating from Shaw High School.
The family business was in transportation, so King followed in the family’s footsteps and opened his first business in transportation himself.
The company focuses on non-medical transportation and school transportation. Serving communities all over Ohio, King is quickly becoming one of the rising stars of young Black businessmen in the area.
ODS Transportation was started twelve years ago. Six years ago, King ventured into school transportation. When people see how young King is, they often ask him about his business track and where he got his experience.
“I have never had a 9 to 5,” the forty-year-old King said. “For my entire professional career, I have only worked for myself.”
They prepared him for the hours it took in the beginning without expecting a financial reward right away. They talked to him about how to bring on talent and trust those around him so he could advance his business.
King’s experience came from watching his mother and father get up every day and go out and thrive in the businesses that they started. The apple, falling so close to the tree, is what made King have the bravado to venture into business for himself — no jobs to fall back on in case things didn’t work out.
King never considered what he would do with his life because the plan for him was laid out at a very early age. He never considered an alternative to owning his own business because his parents groomed him to be able to handle the stress that comes with owning a business.
“My parents taught me at a very early stage that if I’m going to be successful, I have to find great talent and hire.” He continued, “I hire the best attorneys, accountants, and professionals to assist me in growing my business because I know for a fact that I cannot do it all.”
King went on to say that Blacks will quite often struggle to grow because they’re trying to do it all. Wearing multiple hats when growing a business will often kill the business or reduce how fast it becomes successful.
King warns those he mentors about the pitfalls of trying to save money, just to never grow.
According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 50 percent of businesses fail within their first five years, with only about 20 percent surviving for twenty years or more. That means the average business lifespan is five years, though this can vary significantly depending on the industry and location.
Key points about business survival:
• First year: Around 20-25% of businesses fail within their first year of operation.
• Five years: Half of all businesses close their doors within five years.
• Ten years: Around 65% of businesses fail within their first decade.
Because King had his parents for guidance, his decision-making skills were rehearsed. He can already see around the corner when it comes to growth and investment. He knows exactly what to do, and when to do it. Those kinds of skills are an asset to a businessman like King.
King recently opened his own restaurant, Charter House Grille. The business focuses on great tasting spirits and food. King has had several eateries over the course of his business career and is excited about his latest venture.
“I wanted to create something special that people could feel good about,” King said. “We need our own spaces where we can get dressed, come and have a great experience, and know that it’s for us, by us.”
Charter House Grille is quickly becoming a favorite spot for patrons to wine and dine in fashion due to its excellent menu of foods and creative drink specials.
When you talk to King, you get the feeling that he isn’t done creating award-winning businesses. He has a passion for success that borders on addiction. His mentality is that anything is possible with the right attitude.
He tends to obsess about business. He loves what he does and doesn’t apologize for his success. To keep balanced, King attends as many sporting events as he can.
“My outlet is sports,” King said. “I cannot get enough of our sports teams and I will attend as many games as I can get to. It allows me to get away from my businesses and it helps me relax and recover.”
King is also an avid golfer. When weather permits, King tries to get in as many rounds of golf as possible. With a growing child, King also makes sure that he’s around to support his son. Because he understands the influence that his parents had on him, King makes sure that his child sees him working whenever possible.
There is no doubt that King will continue to thrive in the business world and expand on the incredible things he’s doing. Do you like apples? King is quickly becoming one of the most important and successful young business owners in his community. 2026 is looking incredibly good for the kid from Richmond Heights, Ohio. How do you like them apples?
