Business

Chicago-Based Serial Entrepreneur Jonte Wells Explains the Importance of Having Multiple Revenue Streams

Published

3 years ago

October 14, 2021

The world today is far different than just a few years ago. Pandemic aside, the rapid changes occurring on a global basis are incredible. For many, the onset of the global pandemic led to disaster, failing businesses, and struggling to find a way forward. Yet, for other companies, and entrepreneurs, weathering this storm isn’t as challenging. That’s because they have multiple revenue streams, diversified enough to withstand virtually most types of ups and downs. Series entrepreneur Jonte Wells has worked hard to develop a path that enables him to not just withstand these challenges but to help others do the same.

The Value of Multiple Revenue Streams

Jonte has built several successful companies throughout his career. That includes Greater Purpose Athletics and Greater Purpose Management, the two focuses of his time now. Both revenue streams create opportunities to support each other and enable Jonte to build his success.

Why is this valuable, to have two revenue streams or more? There are several reasons. Jonte states, “I started in the inner city of Chicago with few opportunities to build success. I didn’t have access to supports facilities to support my growth. I knew then that I wanted to do more than just play basketball. I wanted to achieve success as an entrepreneur and then bring that success back to my community to support others.”

Having more than one revenue stream enables that type of aspiration to be possible. The pandemic may cause some businesses to struggle, such as how the restaurant industry was hit hard without access to customers during the pandemic. Yet, for grocers, it was a gold mine, as it was for those able to provide a digital service to their customers.

The same applies to young athletes who want to do well. “You can and should focus on building your skills on the court, but you also have to work on brand management on the side – because that’s going to help you to build more than one way to earn money.”

He continues, “What we are doing with Greater Purpose Management is providing those young superstars with the insights and support they need early on, the services I didn’t have so that they have a better chance of long-term success and growth.”

Jonte, known for his basketball career, and both Greater Purpose Athletics and Greater Purpose Management, is also in real estate. He’s created a successful portfolio of numerous properties and flips houses year-round. In addition to this, he also launched Sugaring NYC, an organic waxing studio.

It is the combination of each of these businesses that have allowed him to build a wealthy empire. Now, he’s empowered by being able to focus on helping others. That’s just what he is doing for athletes looking for a way into this industry.

What’s Holding Back Today’s Entrepreneurs?

Those who wish to open a business face more obstacles today than ever before. They are facing complications related to the pandemic itself, such as fewer routes into traditional business positions. For some, the cost of living and expenses of day-to-day life limit the reach of a potential entrepreneur. Even in a modern world, a person living in inner-city Chicago will find it challenging to find a way out, a way to build on an idea or skill that has true profitability.

With those barriers come others – the lack of access to support systems and mentorships being one. Without direction and support, it becomes difficult for any individual, regardless of where they live, to have a way forward.

Supporting the Young Business Owner

For Jonte Wells, the focus isn’t just on any person who wishes to build a business, but on the young athletes in inner-city Chicago and elsewhere that have skills and talent that they are not able to fully utilize to get them into a stronger future. For example, Jonte himself began his path towards serial entrepreneurship as a young athlete. He didn’t have access to a sports facility or a mentor to help him to get out onto the court and build up skill – and gain recognition for it. Today, he’s known as “the basketball guy” when he visits his clients, all of whom are young athletes who want to build a career in sports or fitness. These individuals come from some of the most challenging backgrounds, but they have skill, inspiration, and talent. His goal is to provide them with a way forward.

The Creation of Greater Purpose Management Hones in On Providing Opportunities

Jonte’s latest business is Greater Purpose Management. It’s designed to support those who need it the most in a positive and motivating manner. It’s not simply about finding a way into the sports world through the NCAA or professional basketball, though. He works directly with young athletes to help them to find their passion and builds their skills to build a brand and image from that point.

He says, “We work with athletes to ensure their on-court performance is the best. Then, we give them the ability to brand themselves so they can not only succeed on the court but also in numerous opportunities off the court.” Having multiple streams of revenue enables these individuals to gain confidence no matter what happens in their future.

He says, “We are very hands-on in our talent management. We treat each person like family, not just at the gym. We support them with what they need from athlete management services to working as a marketing agency to help them to build themselves on social media and digitally, creating opportunities for their future.”

Jonte didn’t have a simple path towards success as a young athlete trying to make his way in Chicago. Yet, he has worked hard to build a business model that provides numerous revenue streams for him, allowing him to not only find success for himself but to be able to give back to the community as well.

Speaking of Greater Purpose Management, Jonte says, “We make sure you’re educated regarding your financial assets, legal rights, and post-career options. We empower you with that knowledge to achieve multiple revenue streams, creating opportunities for your future long after you leave the court.”

Want to Learn More?

Connect with Jonte Wells on Instagram or find out more about Greater Purpose Management today.

Business

From Contracts to Counsel: Your Essential Guide to Hiring a Probate Attorney in Chicago

Published

2 weeks ago

March 31, 2024

Matthew Wiles

Like many people, you’ll come across the term probate after a loved one, such as a parent or spouse, passes away. So, what is probate, and why do you need an attorney for it? As defined in Forbes, probate is a legal process that occurs after death. It entails transferring the assets of the decedent (the person who passed) to beneficiaries named in their last will.

With that in mind, having a probate lawyer by your side is essential. The last thing you want to do is deal with the legal complexities of settling a loved one’s estate while grieving. A probate lawyer oversees the validation of the deceased’s will and the fair distribution of assets among family members. One challenge lies in finding a top-quality probate lawyer.

In this guide to hiring a probate attorney in Chicago, we’ll discuss the tips to identify the right legal professional for probate proceedings.

Understand the Responsibilities of a Probate Lawyer

It’s difficult to hire a talented probate lawyer when you don’t know what they do: Start by understanding the roles they play.

When you work with a Chicago probate lawyer, some tasks they might do include:

Act as an estate executor or administrator
Collect proceeds from the life insurance policies of the deceased
Identify and secure the decedent’s assets
Get an appraisal for the deceased’s estate
Pay debts and resolve estate tax issues
Prepare and file documents required in probate court
Transfer assets to rightful heirs
Represent you in litigation proceedings if someone challenges or contests the will

A probate lawyer could also help you and your family navigate state inheritance laws if a loved one dies without a valid will. That way, you can avoid unnecessary taxes or other ramifications of not creating a will, such as losing ownership rights of the deceased’s business or financial support.

Search for Lawyers Online and Offline

You’re probably thinking, where do I find the best lawyer to hire? You could seek referrals from friends or colleagues. Friends who worked with probate attorneys before might provide important details, such as how the lawyers communicate and handle the probate process.

Alternatively, do a simple online search using the terms “probate lawyer near me” or “probate attorney in Chicago.” Go through various websites or online directories and write names of lawyers with positive ratings and customer testimonials. Then, contact the potential lawyers to set up free consultations. Note that not all legal professionals offer free consultations, so make sure to ask before setting a time in your calendar.

Ask the Right Questions

A free consultation provides opportunities to ask questions to better understand if the lawyers in question have the qualifications to handle your probate case.

Four questions you might ask attorneys during the initial meeting may include:

Do You Have Experience in Probate Law?

When evaluating lawyers, prioritize experience. An experienced probate lawyer is aware of common pitfalls that can result in the probate petition being postponed or dropped by a judge. To feel more comfortable about an attorney’s expertise, ask them if they’ve handled probate cases similar to yours before.

For example, let’s say the deceased owned a substantial estate or had complicated assets like royalties and mineral stocks. Working with an attorney with a track record of successfully handling cases like that could save you time and money in the long run.

What Do Other Clients Say About You?

Experience alone doesn’t make a probate lawyer perfect for your case. Look for someone with an outstanding reputation. These reviews likely live on Google next to their business profile or are featured on their website. If you can’t find any endorsements, ask for testimonials written by past clients.

One point to focus on is what reviewers say about the lawyer’s efficiency and speed. Beyond that, does the lawyer offer expert guidance, conflict mitigation, and proper asset management during probate?

A probate attorney in Chicago, IL, should be an efficient expert in asset preservation. This can be crucial to helping avoid hefty taxes and excessive debt claims. Additionally, if the lawyer receives positive feedback on conflict mitigation, it suggests they have experience in resolving or mitigating family conflicts that tend to stall the probate process.

How Long Does Probate Last?

One way to test a probate lawyer’s knowledge is by asking them, “How long does probate last?” While the numbers vary, probate can last for a few months to over a year in many states, including Chicago. When highlighting factors that affect the duration of probate, your counsel might mention things like estate size, family disputes, debt and taxes, absence of a will, and state laws.

A knowledgeable lawyer can explain clearly why your probate case could last a few months or even years. A lawyer that makes too brazen or hard-set of promises might not be the most honest.

How Do You Want Us To Communicate?

There’s no hard rule on how you and your probate attorney communicate. You can talk via text messages, email, video calls, or phone calls. More importantly, check that the attorney communicates in simple language to help you understand your case.

In fact, one essential of a lawyer’s dos and don’ts to gaining clients’ trust is to avoid making clients feel clueless. If a potential lawyer uses complex legal terms or avoids communicating directly, search for probate services elsewhere.

Conclusion: Finding a Probate Attorney in Chicago

Reviewing the will of a loved one after their death and ensuring fair distribution of their assets often involves complex legal issues. For this reason, consider hiring an attorney who specializes in probate law.

To maximize your chances of finding the right probate lawyer, familiarize yourself with their responsibilities. Next, search online for lawyers within your state or ask for recommendations from people you trust. Then, interview prospects to help ensure they possess experience, a remarkable reputation, communication skills, and knowledge of probate law.

Settling the affairs of a loved one who has passed on can be an overwhelming time. A probate attorney can help lift some of the pressure off your shoulders as you focus on grieving and healing.