Professional athletes are some of the most respected individuals today. Millions of people from all over the globe admire professional athletes not only for their awe-inspiring athleticism, but for their hard work ethic. There is no arguing that being a professional athlete is one of the most demanding professions in the world. What is even more impressive is that some of today’s most successful professional athletes, have also taken another major step and become entrepreneurs. Being an entrepreneur is one of the few jobs in the world that can compete with the demands of being a professional athlete. This type of career is extremely time consuming and taxing, yet these athletes have been able to manage both careers. Here is a look at some of today’s most recognized professional athletes who are also entrepreneurs.
Michael Jordan- Nike Air Jordan Sneakers
Long before professional athletes started having their own brands of shoes and workout gear, Michael Jordan became an innovator when he launched Nike’s Air Jordan sneaker line. The line of basketball shoes quickly expanded to include all types of workout gear and accessories. Today, the line is still one of Nike’s best-selling lines and it opened up all types of new opportunities for professional athletes looking to launch their own line of performance gear.
Venus Williams- V Starr Interiors
Many people know Venus Williams as being one of the most successful female tennis players in history, but many people don’t know what the star athlete is also an entrepreneur. What is most interesting about V Starr Interiors is that it has nothing to do with Venus William’s tennis career. Most professional athletes start companies that have something to do with their athletic careers, whether its talent managing or opening a clothing line. However, Venus Williams decided to open a company that has to do with one of her side interests: interior design. Her Florida-based interior design company started in 2002 at the peak of her career and today Williams not only designs individual’s homes but commercial properties and hotels as well.
Roger Staubach- The Staubach Company
NFL star Roger Staubach’s organization, The Staubach Company was acquired in 2008 for a staggering $640 million payout, but his work at building the real estate company started decades ago. The former Super Bowl champion is known today mostly for his work as a real estate mogul. In the 1960s Staubach was one of the best players to play the game. In the off seasons he started to work as a real estate broker while he was still playing for the Dallas Cowboys. According to Satubach, he wanted to make sure that he had enough money to care for his family if he got hurt, as the salaries for NFL players at the time were not as high as they are now. This career exploded and now Staubach owns his own real estate company.
LeBron James- LRMR Management Company
LeBron James (check here for his greatest quotes) is often hailed as one of the best basketball players to ever play the game. While he is still playing in the NBA and enjoying one of the most successful careers of any professional basketball player, he also manages to have time to be an entrepreneur on the side. LeBron James owns and operates LRMR Management Company. This company was started with James’ childhood friend Maverick Carter. Together the two manage some of today’s biggest professional athletes and work to help manage and brand today’s biggest athletes. Using James’ unique insight into the world of professional sports and Carter’s business acumen, the company already represents some of today’s biggest names in professional sports.
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