Vince Ashford is a successful entrepreneur and the owner of Ashford Security. Ashford Security has provided security services at Walnut Way’s Wellness Commons since 2016.

Vince, who was already working in the neighborhood,  came to Walnut Way after meeting Walnut Way co-founder, Larry Adams, who was also his neighbor.

“One of my big contracts was across the street at Jake’s Deli,” Vince explained. “One day Mr. Adams called me over and said, ‘You live in the neighborhood, I see you picking up litter, I see you care. No security does that and you have a lot of pride about the neighborhood. Why don’t you come join us?’”

And the rest is history.

Vince is a Marine veteran with a background in security. He has a long history in the neighborhood.

“I lived right down the street for years and I knew a lot of people in the neighborhood,” he said.

Vince has built solid relationships within the community and has even gone door to door to connect with young men in the neighborhood.

“We were talking to young men and trying to promote health, education, and work ethic. That really started making me feel a part of this movement, Walnut Way. I started taking tremendous pride in being a part of it.”

Vince has seen the Wellness Commons from its initial phase, which was completed in 2015. Walnut Way restored a former social hall into a multi-use commercial and retail property that consists of four tenants. In December 2020, Walnut Way completed phase two of the project, a complete new building adjacent to phase one. It houses five tenants dedicated to serving the community’s needs with a focus on personal, mental, and financial wellness.

Vince continues to serve as a shepherd of Walnut Way’s properties.

“I am super proud, to have watched this and to have been a part of keeping it safe,” he said.  “Looking at this building, it’s one of the nicest structures on North Avenue.”

“I’m always going to be here. I’m vested and I’m a part of the family…and it feels good too. To work somewhere where you like being –  To be doing work that you love doing, makes it so much easier. I’m really happy and proud to be a part of Walnut Way.”