Meet Lindsberg Pettway Jr. | Automotive Expert, Mentor & Creator/CEO of the 4REAL Brand| Purpose-Driven Mentor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lindsberg Pettway Jr. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lindsberg, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind my success — and the success of the 4REAL brand — is authenticity rooted in purpose. Everything I do flows from a place of realness. I didn’t build this brand to chase hype or blend in. I built it because I knew people needed something different — something that spoke to who they are, what they value, and how they want to be treated, especially in industries like automotive, education, and personal development where trust is everything.

The 4REAL brand is built on four pillars: Relationships, Education, Authenticity, and Leadership. I live by these. I don’t just talk about being real — I lead with it. Whether I’m mentoring a new sales professional, helping a family find the right car, or guiding young men on their journey to manhood, the mission never changes: serve with purpose, lead with love, and be a light.

My journey hasn’t been easy — I’ve had to rebuild, pivot, and heal through adversity. But every setback refined me. Every struggle gave the brand more depth. People connect with 4REAL because it’s not a gimmick — it’s a reflection of who I am, what I’ve overcome, and what I believe others are capable of. Success came when I stopped trying to fit into systems and started creating my own lane.

At the end of the day, being 4REAL isn’t just a brand — it’s a lifestyle. That’s what people feel. That’s what they trust. And that’s what keeps it growing.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career has been anything but linear — and that’s exactly what makes it powerful.

I started as an educator and coach. I stepped into classrooms and onto fields not just to teach but to transform. As a Black male in education, I knew I represented something bigger than myself — a reflection of possibility for so many young people who needed to see a man who looked like them, believed in them, and held them to a higher standard. That same heart carried into my transition into automotive sales, where I found an industry full of opportunity but lacking connection, integrity, and authenticity. That’s where 4REAL was born — out of a mission to humanize the process, lead with values, and redefine what success looks like.

What sets me apart is that I never forgot who I am or who I serve. I don’t chase clout. I chase impact. Whether I’m managing a sales team at Feldman Chevrolet, mentoring young men, writing books, or speaking on stage — I show up the same way: 4REAL. Authentic. Purpose-driven. Rooted in service.

Was it easy? Absolutely not. I’ve faced job loss, unexpected surgeries, financial setbacks, and the emotional weight of caregiving. I’ve rebuilt more times than I can count. But I never quit. Every time life tried to knock me out, I answered with faith, discipline, and vision. That’s why I’m still here.

What I’m most proud of is the brand I’ve built — not just as a business, but as a movement. 4REAL stands for Relationships, Education, Authenticity, and Leadership, and it shows up in everything I do — from the mentoring programs and podcast, to my work with car buyers and young athletes. I’m excited about where this is going, but even more excited about who it’s helping along the way.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned? Your pain can become your platform if you stay faithful to the process. You don’t have to be perfect — you just have to be 4REAL. I want the world to know that I’m not a product of luck — I’m a product of resilience, vision, and obedience to my calling. My story isn’t just about selling cars or starting a brand — it’s about leading with integrity, serving with love, and empowering others to discover their value.

Because when you live 4REAL, you don’t just build a business — you build legacy.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
7-Day “Detroit 4REAL Experience” Itinerary

If I’ve got a close friend coming into town for a full week, I’m rolling out the red carpet 4REAL-style — that means soul, flavor, culture, cars, and community.

Day 1 – Welcome to the D

Stay: Shinola Hotel (downtown Detroit — classy, modern, Detroit-made vibe)

Eat: Ivy Kitchen & Cocktails — great upscale soul food to kick things off

Hangout: Quick stop at The Belt for street art + grab a drink at Standby

Nightcap: Good Times on the Ave — vibey, music, grown folks crowd

Day 2 – Motown Vibes & Motor City Roots

Morning: Breakfast at Hudson Café (downtown classics like red velvet pancakes)

Midday: Tour Motown Museum — feel the spirit of Hitsville USA

Afternoon: Stop by Feldman Chevrolet of Livonia — where the deals go down 4REAL 😎

Dinner: SavannahBlue — Black-owned, upscale modern soul food

Night: Hit Nora Detroit for unique local shopping, then chill at Delmar Detroit rooftop

Day 3 – Automotive Excellence + Sneaker Heat

Morning: Detroit Auto Museum or The Henry Ford Museum (Dearborn)

Lunch: Slows Bar BQ — legendary ribs in Corktown

Afternoon: Hit Burn Rubber sneaker boutique in Royal Oak

Evening: Catch a Tigers game at Comerica Park or just vibe in The District

Late Night: The Skip or Lumen for cocktails

Day 4 – Faith, Fitness & Focus

Morning: Gym session at Lifetime or Powerhouse Gym

Breakfast: Dime Store — elevated breakfast/brunch spot

Midday: Hit Belle Isle for peace, scenery, and a walk of reflection

Evening: Dinner at Flood’s Bar & Grille (legendary Black-owned spot)

Nightcap: The Annex Detroit for a more upbeat nightlife vibe

Day 5 – Entrepreneur Energy & Community

Morning: Coffee at The Congregation Detroit — cool café in a renovated church

Midday: Visit The Hustle House or Detroit Sip — meet local entrepreneurs

Lunch: Seva Detroit for a healthy plant-based bite

Evening: Podcast taping or live recording of The Lifeline Podcast 🎙️

Dinner: Prime + Proper for steakhouse excellence

Late Night: Lounge at The Social Club (private, chill, cigar-style vibes)

Day 6 – Art, Culture & Family Fun

Morning: Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) — one of the best in the country

Midday: Visit The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History

Lunch: Bucharest Grill — quick & iconic

Evening: Dinner at La Cultura in Ferndale

Night: Catch live jazz or spoken word at Aretha’s Jazz Café

Day 7 – Sunday Vibes & Send-Off

Morning: Church service at Brightmoor or Perfecting Church

Brunch: The Block Detroit — comfort food, cocktails, and community

Afternoon: Cruise through The Riverwalk, grab pics at Spirit of Detroit statue

Final Stop: Chill at Detroit City Distillery or take a walk through Eastern Market

Send-Off Gift: Custom 4REAL gear + a copy of The 4REAL Deal Playbook to take the city spirit with them

Final Thought:

Detroit is more than just a city — it’s a vibe, a heartbeat, a grind. It’s where culture and creativity live side-by-side with resilience and realness. This

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Without a doubt. First and foremost, all glory goes to God — the source of my strength, vision, and resilience. I wouldn’t be here without His grace. Every challenge, every comeback, every door that opened — that’s Him.

I have to give the deepest love and appreciation to my wife, Shandra Pettway. She’s my rock, my sounding board, and my constant reminder of what love, faith, and loyalty look like in motion. Her support behind the scenes has been unmatched, and the 4REAL journey wouldn’t be what it is without her.

I also want to shout out my sons Lindsberg III, Lemeul and Langston — they are my “why.” They inspire me to keep pushing, keep leading, and keep living 4REAL every day.

To my mother, thank you for your unwavering strength and sacrifice. Taking care of you these past few years has been both a challenge and a blessing, and you’ve taught me what true resilience and compassion really mean.

Big salute to Feldman Chevrolet of Livonia — for giving me the platform to lead, grow, and impact the automotive game in a way that’s rooted in integrity and authenticity.

Much love to my business coach, Frederick Bussey, who’s helped me sharpen my vision and execute at a higher level. Your guidance has been a blessing.

I also want to thank my mentor circle — those behind-the-scenes voices who remind me who I am, challenge me to think bigger, and won’t let me settle. Iron sharpens iron.

And of course, shout-out to my fellow podcasters and brothers, Barry Elliott and Trebor Powell. Our conversations are deeper than content — they’re kingdom-minded, purpose-driven, and always filled with realness. I’m proud of what we’re building with The Lifeline Podcast.

Finally, I want to thank every client, supporter, reader, follower, and believer in the 4REAL movement — you didn’t just watch the journey, you’ve been a part of it.

This isn’t just about me — this is about legacy, loyalty, and leadership… all day, 4REAL.

Website: https://www.4realbrand.com

Instagram: @lindsberg4real

Linkedin: Lindsberg Pettway

Twitter: @LindsbergP

Facebook: Lindsberg Pettway

Youtube: Lindsberg Pettway

Other: https://www.slynk.app/Lindsberg

https://pensight.com/x/lindsberg4real

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