The Profit Mogul

Jonathan Kelly is an Entrepreneur and Investor from Tallahassee, FL. He earned a basketball scholarship from Florida A&M University where he graduated with honors and earned a degree in broadcast journalism. After college Jonathan played professionally in several leagues before getting into sales full time. He has worked for three industry leading sales companies over the past 13 years. While working, networking and learning to master his craft in sales and marketing, Jonathan started several businesses of his own, which are still growing and thriving today. 
Currently, Jonathan is a successful real estate investor, forex trader and business owner that teaches people about financial literacy and how to create wealth and freedom. Jonathan believes that by changing your mindset and working hard, you can attract what you want into your life. Jonathan loves helping young people discover their passion and purpose. His life’s mission is to make a positive and lasting impact with everyone he meets and be a catalyst for growth and financial empowerment in his culture and community. 

1. Tell me about your journey transitioning to life after sports. 

My journey transitioning to life after sports was very difficult in the beginning. After I graduated from FAMU, I went to play basketball in several leagues that didn't work out. When everything was done, I had to figure out what my next move was going to be. For so long, my identity was rooted in basketball and being an athlete. I didn't know anything else and I didn't know who I was without basketball. I found something I was good at in sales. It was perfect for me because it reminded me of sports. Being a sales rep or business account executive, was based off of personal performance and competitiveness so I felt like I could still compete and most importantly WIN. 

     2. What are some misconceptions you had upon graduating from college?
Some misconceptions I had after graduating was that life would be easy. I thought I would get all types of contracts to play overseas and that didn't happen. I quickly found out that everything doesn't always happen like you plan it or think it will.

    3. Describe your mentality during those years you were trying to figure what’s next.
Honestly, my mentality was pretty bad. I was depressed for a while because I didn't know what to do or have a Plan B if basketball didn't work out. I had to do some soul searching and find out who I was without basketball and without a game to play. It took a while but I eventually figured it out.

 4. At what point did you know entrepreneurship was the route you wanted to pursue? 
I knew entrepreneurship was the route I wanted to go in 2017. I was always interested in owning a business and working for myself because I was never a fan or someone else controlling my time and income. There is so much more you can do when you are an entrepreneur and that intrigued me.

5. Do you think athletes make great entrepreneurs? If so, why? 
I do think some athletes make great entrepreneurs because it requires ambition, drive, self- motivation, discipline and many other characteristics that being an athlete gives you. When I was in college, I learned time management and sacrifice which is crucial and critical in business. When you are an entrepreneur, you will have to sacrifice and learn to work much harder than if you were an employee.

6. How has what you learned as an athlete translated to your career/business?
I learned a lot as an athlete that has translated into business and my professional career. I am very competitive in everything I do and always want to win or be the best. I push myself to reach certain goals just like I did when I was playing ball. My very first job after college was Enterprise Rent A Car. I remember the hiring manager telling me that they like hiring former college athletes because they are self-starters and disciplined. 

7. Is your approach to entrepreneurship the same as game day? Do you embody the same feelings?
I do approach entrepreneurship the same way I did in basketball. The way I look at it is, I have to play hard and drop 30 to win the game. Each day is a new game and I want to win every day and average 30ppg. I try to focus on what I can control and take care of business the same way I did on the court.

8. Why is it so important for athletes to prepare for a future without playing sports? 
I believe it is very important for athletes to prepare for a future without sports because there is no guarantee they will have a future in sports. Everybody thinks they will go pro in whatever sport they play but the odds really aren't in their favor and it is more likely that they won't make it. Being ready and prepared for that scenario is wise and a very smart move.

9. What can parents and coaches do to alleviate disappointment or those moments of discouragement most athletes face when trying to move on from their sport? 
I think parents and coaches should just be real with athletes and tell them the truth even if it hurts their feelings. They need to know if they even have a realistic shot at a career in sports after high school or college. They need to have a Plan B for sure.

10. Any financial tips for current and former athletes you would like to share? 
Always invest in yourself and your future. Start somewhere and build from there. If you learn about financial literacy and how wealth is created while you are young, then you will be in a much better position after sports and when you're older. I think this type of education should be taught in school but it's not because it is kept from us intentionally. But we can educate ourselves to benefit from all the different ways to make money and become financially free.

IG: @live_2create
​