Building Businesses, Uplifting Communities: Lessons from Jay Jackson

Dear Founders and Investors,

In this week’s Value Bites, we explore the inspiring story of Jay Jackson , a visionary entrepreneur and real estate expert who built multiple businesses while impacting communities. Jay's journey is a testament to the power of resilience, leadership, and pursuing opportunities beyond your comfort zone. Here are the key insights from my conversation with Jay on The Value:

1. From Adversity to Entrepreneurship: Planting the Seed of Ownership

Jay’s entrepreneurial journey began when a random encounter while delivering packages changed his life. He asked a homeowner how he had achieved his success, and that conversation planted the seed of entrepreneurship. Jay learned that stepping out of his comfort zone opened up new possibilities, leading him to a path of business ownership and growth. This pivotal moment changed Jay's perspective and set him on his entrepreneurial journey.

[Watch Clip]

2. The Power of Mentorship in Building Success

Early on in his real estate career, Jay struggled to figure things out on his own. That’s when he reached out to an experienced mentor, who taught him the intricacies of real estate. Although taking on a mentorship meant a pay cut, Jay emphasizes how invaluable it was for his long-term growth. The mentorship equipped him with the insights needed to open his own brokerage, a decision that would prove transformational in his career.

[Watch Clip]

3. Investing in Community: A Heart for Empowerment

Jay’s ventures in real estate and his day spa business weren’t just about making money—they were about giving back. He invested in community development, providing resources for underserved communities, and even offering free haircuts to children. Jay believes in using business as a tool for social impact, and his efforts gained recognition, including the title of "2009 Entrepreneur of the Year" by the African American Chamber of Commerce.

[Watch Clip]

4. Curiosity Drives Innovation: Expanding Business Horizons

Jay’s curiosity led him to buy a barbershop, even though he didn’t know the industry. By applying the lessons he learned from real estate, he expanded the barbershop into a full day spa. This curiosity, paired with his business acumen, allowed him to innovate and scale his ventures, proving that resourcefulness and strategic thinking are key in entrepreneurship. [Watch Clip]

5. Vision and Execution: Building RYSE Creative Village

Jay’s latest project, RYSE Creative Village, is a 40,000-square-foot tech-enabled content production studio and incubator for creative professionals in Georgia's film, entertainment, and media industries. By leveraging community support and his ability to spot opportunities, Jay acquired the property at half the price of his original target. His vision for RYSE Creative Village is to create a thriving ecosystem where creatives can collaborate, grow, and gain the business skills needed to succeed. You can support RYSE Creative Village's crowdfunding campaign by clicking here.

[Watch Clip]

These insights from Jay Jackson’s journey demonstrate the importance of resilience, mentorship, and the courage to pursue your vision despite obstacles. Jay’s story is a powerful reminder that success is built on taking risks, continuous learning, and uplifting others along the way.

If you'd like to view the full conversation with Jay, check it out [here].

Until next time, keep building value.

Best Regards,

Kevin Valley