Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

Some folks who are inspiration to me in business are John Hope Bryant, Robert Johnson, and Earl Graves. Damon John and all the guys from Fubu as well, because they’re from my hometown of southeast Queens and I witnessed them go from being independent on Jamaica Ave. to becoming global moguls. It goes to show anyone can make it with vision and drive.

How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated because I’m in a leadership position as the head trainer in my personal business and with my youth mentoring Boxing program. I have to keep my head up, keep pushing and motivated, because I have people counting on me and I have to set the example that I need them to mimic. I also stay motivated to keep their morale up, because a team reflects it’s leadership.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I currently train in my home studio and have reached my fullest capacity to train people one on one in my current space. I plan on using the capital to scale up my current operation and obtain a 3,500 square foot storefront location where I can do large group training classes and charge for memberships. I’m also going to use it to purchase equipment and pay staff.