Cecil Williams is an accomplished entrepreneur and executive with over 20 years of experience leading successful ventures in international trade, food and beverage, retail, and ecommerce. As the founder and CEO of BTE Import-Export, LLC, he has built a respected business known for its agility, operational excellence, and long-standing relationships in the global marketplace. Cecil also leads Big Shot Travel, a full-service travel agency created to capture growth in the booming $15 trillion travel industry. His career reflects a consistent drive for innovation, partnership, and value creation across multiple sectors.
Cecil began his professional journey with a passion for media, studying radio-tv-film at San Antonio College, where he earned an associate’s degree with distinction. He then attended Trinity University in San Antonio to pursue a degree in broadcast journalism, completing two semesters while actively working. This early focus on communication would serve as a powerful foundation for his later leadership roles. However, it was his 20+ years of service in the U.S. Army as a combat medic/nurse, including two tours during the Vietnam War, that truly defined his character—shaping his values of discipline, service, and resilience.
In 1998, Cecil transitioned from public service to private enterprise, launching BTE Import-Export, LLC. Under his leadership, the company has grown into a trusted import/export and giftware operation with a reputation for excellence in international logistics, negotiation, sales, and cross-border partnerships. His deep understanding of international markets and trade processes has enabled him to navigate global complexities and deliver consistent results for over two decades.
In 2017, recognizing the rising consumer demand for unique travel experiences, Cecil expanded his entrepreneurial portfolio with the launch of Big Shot Travel. As an independent travel agent and business owner, he is now leading efforts to attract strategic partners to scale the venture, capitalizing on explosive growth forecasts within the global tourism and leisure economy.
Cecil’s skills span leadership, team building, business planning, international marketing, sales management, and manufacturing logistics. His ability to collaborate across functions and work effectively with diverse teams has made him a valued mentor and decision-maker. He is particularly passionate about supporting emerging companies that are looking to scale intelligently and sustainably. With extensive international exposure through global trade operations and travel, Cecil brings a global mindset grounded in real-world business execution.
His past board service includes appointments to a city board in San Antonio (2002–2004) and to the CASA board, where he contributed to community-focused decision-making and oversight. Although not currently serving on any formal boards, Cecil is actively pursuing new opportunities to support organizations with his operational expertise and strategic guidance.
Beyond business, Cecil is deeply engaged in social and political issues and enjoys staying up to date on the latest developments in the food and beverage industry, his core area of interest. He is open to working with both small and large companies and has no restrictions on industry sectors, provided the organization aligns with his values and skill set.
Cecil lives by the motto: “Your satisfaction is our mission.” This principle has guided his leadership style and customer-first approach for over two decades. As he looks to the future, Cecil is eager to apply his wealth of knowledge, leadership experience, and global perspective to help companies achieve sustainable growth and make a meaningful impact.
Character: Cecil Williams exemplifies integrity, resilience, and service, shaped by over 20 years in the U.S. Army and a lifelong commitment to leadership.
Knowledge: He possesses deep expertise in international trade, food and beverage, logistics, and ecommerce, built through decades of hands-on entrepreneurial experience.
Strategic: Cecil is a forward-thinking executive who identifies market trends and builds scalable business models, such as expanding into the global travel industry.
Communication: With a foundation in media and a collaborative leadership style, Cecil effectively engages diverse teams and stakeholders to drive shared success.
