Joshua Mercer is a true Chicago visionary with a heart for the community and a knack for entrepreneurship. A graduate of Howard University with a degree in marketing, he later received a master's in elementary education. His journey has been marked by impactful ventures, from founding Swish Dreams Sports and Educational Foundation to pioneering the largest black bar crawl with the Movemakers. His commitment to youth empowerment and community engagement is unparalleled. Not stopping there, he ventured into insurance with the Joshua Mercer Insurance Agency, serving thousands in the Chicagoland area, and later expanded into real estate with Mercer Capital LLC, now boasting over 135 units and a luxury lounge, The Hue Chicago. Beyond business, Joshua is deeply involved in organizations like 100 Black Men and finds joy in family moments with his wife, Kenya, and their two children.In this episode Dante and Joshua discuss:Joshua's motivations and journey in his diverse entrepreneurial venturesThe shift from traditional employment to thriving as an entrepreneurStrategic problem-solving and partnership building across various businessesThe pressures of entrepreneurship and the resilience needed to push through challengesEssential advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, including reputation management and the balance between professional growth and giving back to the communityKey Takeaways: Understanding how the desire for freedom and financial autonomy can drive the leap into entrepreneurship, while also highlighting the importance of utilizing one's unique skill set to address market needs.The narrative of shifting from teaching to entrepreneurship accentuates the critical role of strategic problem-solving and partnership formations in cultivating business growth.Examining the intense pressures of entrepreneurship reveals that the immense financial and personal investment often makes quitting a viable option.This insightful discussion delves into the complexities of serial entrepreneurship, from sustaining brand integrity and achieving work-life balance to effective team building.Offering invaluable guidance for budding entrepreneurs, Mercer touches upon the pillars of a strong reputation, clear problem identification, adaptability, leadership, and the impact of giving back to the community.“The true mark of a leader is somebody who makes other people better. You can lead from the front, the middle, or the back, but if you're not making other people better, you're not a leader.” - Joshua MercerConnect with Joshua Mercer:Websites: https://www.movemakerevents.com/ , https://www.homecomingathoward.com/ , https://hue-chicago.com/ , https://www.listwithmercer.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuamercer/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoshuaMercerInsurance/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josh4insurance/ Connect with Dante Royster:Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/“The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKTRWLRPLinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedInTwitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoysterYouTube: Epic Spotlight Email: dante@epic.mortgageThe 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/TexasShow notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul TagamaAudio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
