Filed under: Professional Profiles, Celebrity News
Imagine a Compton kid that got into skateboarding as an alternative to gang life in South Central, L.A., when it wasn't cool for black kids to skate. But he is pretty good with his board, takes that skill, builds on it, and goes from novice to pro in three short years. This man is no myth. His story is a reality. Meet Terry Kennedy, a.k.a. TK, a skateboarding pro and entrepreneur whose real story seems more like fiction than fact.
TK recently gave an interview to BlackEnterprise.com in which he talked about how following his love for skateboarding positively shaped his financial destiny. For a 25-year-old man, Terry Kennedy certainly has sharp business acumen. When it comes to finances, TK makes sure that he pays Uncle Sam first. Kennedy also invests in real estate and protects his investments by retaining a good accountant. (A lot of people have lost sleep -- or even their fortunes -- due to an unscrupulous accountant.) Having a good financial foundation helps Kennedy maintain an independent source of financial security as he continues to build his brand by strengthening relationships with his present endorsers. Terry Kennedy is also working on developing his own business opportunities, using the knowledge and wisdom of others to help him grow.
For example, mentors in the apparel industry showed Terry how important apparel
is to skateboarding culture. Kennedy was a willing pupil, and always ready to learn the business so that he could have greater creative freedom. Once Terry had a working knowledge of the skateboarding apparel industry, he was able to contribute to the design and craftsmanship of products for his own enterprises.
I must say, Mr. Kennedy, I am impressed and grateful. You didn't let your
humble beginnings hold you back; rather, you let those experiences propel you toward greatness. By sharing your story of triumph with the masses, you have proven that nothing is impossible when you are doing something that you love -- even if it does not seem like a "black" thing. Also, it is refreshing for a celebrity to reflect on the work that goes into building a brand. Oftentimes the life of a celebrity, especially one of an athlete, is glamorized to the point where the lifestyle overshadows the practice, sweat and pain that went into creating the success.
I would be remiss not to mention your success in an industry that is not dominated by African Americans, skateboarding. Just like the Williams sisters in tennis, athletes like you show our versatility by walking an unbeaten path. I find pride in seeing us excel in different sports and industries and then leveraging that prowess to build a marketable brand. Even in your success, you stay true to who you are as an African American man.
I believe Kennedy's advice is transferable to any industry:
Become a fan of it. Learn it, study it. And allow yourself to grow from it. Network in the industry by going to skateboarding shows and competing. Get comfortable with your skating. Put together two minutes of video of your best stuff and present it to a company where you think it would fit. Do everything you can do on your own to gain exposure. (Black Enterprise)
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TK admits that his network opened doors for him to develop his skills and gain further exposure. Speaking of exposure and brand extension, we will be able to see more of Terry on his upcoming BET reality TV show this fall. Now how is that for flexing your business and marketing muscles?