In 1935, Everett I. Watson established a real estate company that offered services such as real estate brokerage, investment mortgages, property buying, selling, renting, management, construction, and remodeling. Additionally, he provided various insurance options including individual, residential, business, vehicle, and property insurance.

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In February 1937, Watson announced the opening of the Everett I. Watson Investment Loan Company after leasing an office space in a bank. This loan company offered cash loans ranging from $50 to $300. Within two years, Watson's enterprises expanded from having one full-time employee to nine part-time employees.

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Watson was credited with saving numerous properties in Detroit from foreclosure by extending loans to members of the black community who were unable to secure loans elsewhere. By 1938, Watson had provided over $100,000 in loans.