Asking questions and listening to people is a special talent that Herb Jacobs possesses. People want to be heard, and he wants to listen.
This works out perfectly in the large amount of volunteer work he does in the community through various organizations.
Herbert Allen Jacobs is a retired Senior Professional Sales Representative. He was born in Columbia, South Carolina to the late Herbert and Lillie Mae Bickley Jacobs. He graduated from C.A. Johnson High School with honors in 1967. He received his B.S. in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia.
After graduating from college, he worked as an emergency medical technician in Columbia, South Carolina until he decided to pursue a certification in Medical Technology (MLS) at Georgia State University and Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. Upon completing certification, he spent a ten-year career as a clinical laboratory technologist, lab instructor and supervisor-manager in hospitals in Atlanta, Ga., Chicago, Il., Charleston, S.C., and Columbia, S.C.
In 1986, Herbert transitioned to pharmaceutical sales with Pfizer Pharmaceutical Company where he spent 21 years. During that time, he marketed prescription medications – including the record-setting cholesterol drug, Lipitor. He marketed Pfizer products in Atlanta, Ga., Clarksville, Tn., and in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina.
Herbert collaborated with the staff at Gordon Elementary School from 2015-2020 where he volunteered as a classroom teaching assistant, tutor and “Lunch Buddy” mentor. He has a strong commitment to childhood education and personal accountability. He has coached and mentored school-aged children in after school programs. He enjoys community outreach, playing golf and assisting individuals with matters of personal money management and financial literacy. He has been proactive community voice for the 2020 Census Count and for Covid-19 vaccinations.
Presently, Herbert serves a member of the Dillon County AARP, the Dillon County Chamber of Commerce Board and R.A.L.I. (Rural Area Leadership Initiative).
He is a member of Dillon County Health Initiative (DCHI), Latta Voter Registration Coalition (LVRC) and a number of other Dillon County community organizations. He resides in Latta, S.C. where he has lived for 28 years. He can be contacted at email: Herbert.Jacobs@mail.com and at 843-615-3326.
What inspired Herb to make a difference? “In each of the communities in which I have lived, I have sought out ways that I could contribute something of value to further grow and develop the talents, skills, dreams and aspirations of the ‘human capital’ (people) of that community,” said Herb. “The appearance of Ty’ Sheoma Bethea as the special guest of President Obama at the February 2009 State of the Union Address got my attention. JV Martin School and the “Corridor of Shame” in South Carolina were highlighted. This event helped motivate me,” he said. “All people, all communities have concerns. Fundamentally, people want others to hear them out – to listen to them. Like many people, I am curious and inquisitive. So, I have asked questions, and I listened.”
“By allowing others to get to know me, and by me getting to know them, a communication connection is established,” Herb continued. “That’s followed by allowing others to share with me the concerns that they have. Then, I ask if they would like for my assistance. I provide it as I can.”
To others who would like to make a difference in the community, Herb has these suggestions:
If one is seriously interested in having an impact in his/her community, I’d suggest:
- Be your authentic self – Be “REAL”.
- Get to know your neighbors and community members; allow them to get to know you.
- Allow them to speak and express themselves freely.
- Listen to them.
- Together, discuss and summarize your thoughts, ideas and suggestions.
- Select your agreed upon steps.
- Now, ACT!!!
“The joy of this approach is that we all grow, and the outcome is potentially greater than the sum of the individual parts,” Herb said.
