Today we’d like to introduce you to Clint Collins.
Hi Clint, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Who Is Clint Skoney Collins
“Changing His Community One Person & One Cause at a Time.”
From Tragedy to Triumph: The Inspiring Story of Clint Collins
In life, some stories are defined by obstacles. Others are defined by how those obstacles are overcome.
Clint Collins’ journey is a powerful testament to resilience, faith, and purpose.
A Life-Changing Moment
In 1992, Clint Collins was thriving as a successful car salesman when his life was suddenly and violently altered. He became the victim of an armed robbery that left him paralyzed.
For many, such a traumatic experience could have led to defeat. But while recovering in the hospital, Clint made a life-defining decision: he would not allow tragedy to dictate his future. Instead of feeling sorry for himself, he chose to focus on what he knew and loved most — music. That decision would spark a movement.
Building Studio 618:
Turning Passion into Purpose
Born and raised in East St. Louis, Illinois, Clint grew up in the church under the guidance of his father, a local pastor. Music had always been part of his foundation. After six years of research and preparation, Clint opened Studio 618 Ent in 1998 — a minority-owned Limited Liability Company located in East St. Louis. With the support of his family, he created more than a recording space — he created opportunity.
Through Studio 618, Clint has managed, produced, and promoted local artists, helping amplify voices from his community and beyond. His studio became a hub for creativity, entrepreneurship, and empowerment.
Investing in the Next Generation
Clint believes strongly in the message of “The Greatest Love of All” — “I believe the children are our future.” That belief inspired him to create the Show’Em What U Got Foundation in 2012
The foundation was launched to equip inner-city youth and young adults with real, marketable skills in:
Sound engineering
Audio recording
Video production
Offset printing
Web development
Entrepreneurship
The mission is simple but powerful:
Change destinies by equipping individuals with skills, vision, and opportunity.
The foundation understands the unique challenges faced by inner-city communities and believes that providing creative outlets and technical training can transform futures.
Community Impact That Matters
Beyond training programs, the Show’Em What U Got Foundation has organized and supported numerous community-centered initiatives, including
Annual Put Down the Guns and Pick Up Your Sons Event
Open-air concerts
Talent shows
Violence prevention promotions
Scholarship giveaways
Holiday events such as “Trunk or Treat”
The Bigg Christmas Giveback
A $2,500 Back-to-School Scholarship Giveaway
3-on-3 Basketball Charity Giveaways supporting youth initiatives
These efforts go far beyond entertainment — they represent investment, hope, and structured opportunity.
More Than a Survivor — A Visionary
Clint Collins’ story is not about paralysis.
It’s about power.
It’s about choosing vision over victimhood.
It’s about transforming pain into a platform.
It’s about using music not just for sound — but for change.
At 98.3 BPME “The Sound,” we celebrate leaders who use creativity to uplift communities. Clint Collins embodies resilience, entrepreneurship, and impact. His life proves that circumstances do not define destiny — decisions do.
THE NEW FACILITY COMING 2026.
SERVING THE COMMUNITY SOON See less
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
1.Late Nights, Early Mornings
2.You Will Be Misunderstood
3.Lots of Associates
4.Very Few Friends
5.People Will Want You to Do Good but Never Better Than Them
6.You Will Be Single Unless You’re Lucky Enough to Find Someone Who Understands Your Lifestyle
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Who Is Clint Skoney Collins
“Changing His Community One Person & One Cause at a Time.”
From Tragedy to Triumph: The Inspiring Story of Clint Collins
In life, some stories are defined by obstacles. Others are defined by how those obstacles are overcome.
Clint Collins’ journey is a powerful testament to resilience, faith, and purpose.
A Life-Changing Moment
In 1992, Clint Collins was thriving as a successful car salesman when his life was suddenly and violently altered. He became the victim of an armed robbery that left him paralyzed.
For many, such a traumatic experience could have led to defeat. But while recovering in the hospital, Clint made a life-defining decision: he would not allow tragedy to dictate his future. Instead of feeling sorry for himself, he chose to focus on what he knew and loved most — music. That decision would spark a movement.
Building Studio 618:
Turning Passion into Purpose
Born and raised in East St. Louis, Illinois, Clint grew up in the church under the guidance of his father, a local pastor. Music had always been part of his foundation. After six years of research and preparation, Clint opened Studio 618 Ent in 1998 — a minority-owned Limited Liability Company located in East St. Louis. With the support of his family, he created more than a recording space — he created opportunity.
Through Studio 618, Clint has managed, produced, and promoted local artists, helping amplify voices from his community and beyond. His studio became a hub for creativity, entrepreneurship, and empowerment.
Investing in the Next Generation
Clint believes strongly in the message of “The Greatest Love of All” — “I believe the children are our future.” That belief inspired him to create the Show’Em What U Got Foundation in 2012
The foundation was launched to equip inner-city youth and young adults with real, marketable skills in:
Sound engineering
Audio recording
Video production
Offset printing
Web development
Entrepreneurship
The mission is simple but powerful:
Change destinies by equipping individuals with skills, vision, and opportunity.
The foundation understands the unique challenges faced by inner-city communities and believes that providing creative outlets and technical training can transform futures.
Community Impact That Matters
Beyond training programs, the Show’Em What U Got Foundation has organized and supported numerous community-centered initiatives, including
Annual Put Down the Guns and Pick Up Your Sons Event
Open-air concerts
Talent shows
Violence prevention promotions
Scholarship giveaways
Holiday events such as “Trunk or Treat”
The Bigg Christmas Giveback
A $2,500 Back-to-School Scholarship Giveaway
3-on-3 Basketball Charity Giveaways supporting youth initiatives
These efforts go far beyond entertainment — they represent investment, hope, and structured opportunity.
More Than a Survivor — A Visionary
Clint Collins’ story is not about paralysis.
It’s about power.
It’s about choosing vision over victimhood.
It’s about transforming pain into a platform.
It’s about using music not just for sound — but for change.
At 98.3 BPME “The Sound,” we celebrate leaders who use creativity to uplift communities. Clint Collins embodies resilience, entrepreneurship, and impact. His life proves that circumstances do not define destiny — decisions do.
THE NEW FACILITY COMING 2026.
SERVING THE COMMUNITY SOON
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Helping Re-Build our city one cause at a time.
Because there are young people who need a path to help them reach where they want to be in the future.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://showemwhatugot.org
- Instagram: Studio618_Ent
- Facebook: Clint Skoney Collins
- Youtube: @clintcollins7629
