Malcolm Adams

The Purposeful Economist -

"The better off we all are, the better off we all are!"

About

I'm The Purposeful Economist—an economic maven deploying breakthrough AI to democratize agriculture and economic opportunity, unlocking prosperity in rising communities and next-generation markets.

Malcolm Adams

From homelessness to IBM Partner Firm CEO: The economic maven unlocking billion-dollar opportunities through AI

My journey from homelessness to economic leadership exemplifies my core philosophy: "Service proceeds prosperity. The better off we all are, the better off we all are."

  • Phone: 706-819-0196
  • Booking: Schedule a Meeting
  • Philosophy: "Through empathy we recognize interconnection; through collaboration we build collective prosperity; through stewardship we sustain it."

As Founder and CEO of Avid Solutions International, an IBM Silver Partner, I've pioneered the integration of artificial intelligence, IoT, and computer vision into precision agriculture. My work addresses critical challenges in food security, climate adaptation, and sustainable farming—both terrestrial and in space.

Through Adams Career Academy, my 501(c)(3) DOL-registered apprenticeship program, I've created pathways for thousands to achieve economic mobility through workforce development and career training. Our WIOA-funded programs serve communities ready to rise into high-demand industries.

Inventor, Innovator, Problem-Solver

Beyond economics and entrepreneurship, I'm an inventor—contributing to the technological advancement of agriculture and economic empowerment in real time. My work bridges the gap between cutting-edge AI, IoT systems, and practical solutions that feed communities and create prosperity.

From precision agriculture technology to workforce development platforms, I've pioneered innovations that address critical challenges in food security, climate adaptation, and economic mobility. The National Science Foundation (NSF) and Cornell University have provided invaluable support in this journey.

Malcolm Adams - Inventor

Services

Empowering Schools and Organizations to Create Economic Opportunity

For Schools

Preschool to Prosperity Pipeline®

Programs guiding students from early education through career success, creating pathways to economic prosperity and workforce readiness.

  • Career Readiness: Professional skills training
  • Economic Literacy: Applied economics fundamentals
  • Apprenticeships: Industry partnerships and pipeline development

For Organizations

Business & Behavioral Economics Consulting

Strategic consulting leveraging economic principles and behavioral insights to drive organizational performance and measurable social impact.

  • Economic Strategy: Development plans and sustainable frameworks
  • Workforce Development: Program design
  • Behavioral Economics: Psychological insights

Speaking & Training

Keynotes & Workshops

My speaking engagements and workshops combine lived experience with economic expertise, empowering audiences to transform challenges into opportunities.

  • Economic Empowerment: Pathways from poverty to wealth
  • AI for Social Impact: Democratizing technology
  • Workforce Innovation: Career pipelines

What Makes Me Different

The Purposeful Economist Difference - Why Organizations and Institutions Choose to Work With Me

Lived Experience

From homelessness to economic leadership - I understand the journey

Proven Innovation

Developing breakthrough patents in AI, IoT sensors, and agricultural technology with NSF and Cornell support

Dual Expertise

Economics + Technology - bridging theory and breakthrough innovation

Measurable Results

Provided internet service and computing equipment to 300+ homes, bridging the digital divide

Who I Empower

Economic Transformation for Those Ready to Rise

Rising Communities

Underserved populations ready to break cycles of poverty and build sustainable wealth

Forward-Thinking Organizations

Enterprises committed to profit with purpose and measurable social impact

Educational Institutions

Schools and programs preparing students for high-demand careers and economic mobility

Agricultural Innovators

Farmers and agribusinesses adopting AI-powered precision technology solutions

Policy Makers & Government Agencies

Leaders creating systemic pathways to workforce development and economic empowerment

If you're ready to move from surviving to thriving, let's talk.

Free Business Tools

Interactive assessments and calculators to accelerate your growth

AI Readiness Assessment

Discover your business's AI opportunity in 5 minutes. Get a personalized readiness score and implementation roadmap.

  • Format: 12-question interactive quiz
  • Scoring: 0-240 points
  • Deliverable: Personalized recommendations

20-Year Prosperity Calculator

Calculate the true cost of waiting. See your 20-year revenue forecast and opportunity gap.

  • Analysis: Industry-specific projections
  • Visual: Interactive charts and graphs
  • Roadmap: 4-phase action plan

Economic Mobility Pathway

Find your personalized 36-month career roadmap. Match to high-demand careers with clear training paths.

  • Assessment: Multi-step career evaluation
  • Matching: Career algorithm and fit analysis
  • Projection: Income trajectory forecast

Publications & Resources

Purposeful Economics Vol. 1

Purposeful Economics Vol. 1

2017 - Best-selling guide covering economic thought leaders

Calling Fitzgerald

Calling Fitzgerald

2024 - Leveraging Registered Apprenticeship

AI in AgriTech

AI in AgriTech

2024 - Computer Vision-Based Agriculture Engineering

OCD: Opportunity Cost Discounting

Opportunity Cost Discounting©

2023 - Strategic decision-making framework

The Better Business Book Vol. 4

The Better Business Book Vol. 4

2018 - Contributing Author

Faith into Abundance

Faith into Abundance

2016 - Contributing Author

Testimonials

What People Say About Working With Dr. Adams

Malcolm consistently demonstrated visionary leadership and a deep commitment to advancing innovation in tech-for-impact. His ability to foster cross-functional collaboration and align diverse teams toward ambitious goals stood out to me.

Sade Brown, PhD

Sade Brown, PhD

R&D Engineer/Scientist

Working with Dr. Adams was a game changer. He guided me through the USDA registration process. His deep knowledge of farm regulations and business compliance, paired with his practical approach, made everything smooth.

Shari Miles-Cohen, PhD

Shari Miles-Cohen, PhD

Strategic Cultivator | Research Psychologist

Dr. Adams is a driven, self-made, multi-talented individual, and certainly one of the brightest business colleagues I've had the pleasure to work with. His creativity is boundless. His level of integrity and honesty are beyond reproach.

C. J. Puhala

C. J. Puhala

Arrow ECS IBM Software Solutions Director

I've had the opportunity to work with Dr. Adams focusing on growing and building Registered Apprenticeship Programs in MD. This partnership with the Maryland Department of Labor is providing training and building a workforce needed in the IT industry.

Angela Harkness

Angela Harkness

Apprenticeship Navigator, Maryland Department of Labor

Malcolm has an unparalleled ability to identify challenges in digital accessibility and craft solutions that empower underserved communities. His innovative mindset and strategic approach have made a significant impact on closing the digital divide.

Tiffany Francis, MSHS

Tiffany Francis, MSHS

HR Talent & Workforce Innovator | Mindset Coach

Malcolm is a notable leader in government acquisitions and contracting—sharp, strategic, and results-driven. He excels at navigating complex procurement processes while inspiring his team to deliver beyond expectations. A true asset to any project!

Ayana Cobb

Ayana Cobb

ServiceNow System Administrator | ITIL v4 Certified