Black-Owned Brands

Black-Owned Brand: A Journey of Innovation, Perseverance, and Success

For the past 40 years, I have dedicated my life to inspiring people through fitness. Unlike conventional jump ropes, we developed a game-changing technology—one that allows the rope to turn freely in all directions without friction or drag. This training tool enhances speed, balance, coordination, reflexes, and agility, giving athletes a competitive edge. More importantly, jump rope training builds confidence, shaping the mindset needed for success in sports and life.

From the Olympics to Building a Black-Owned Brand in Fitness

The jump rope has transformed my life. It propelled me to the 1992 Olympics in Greco-Roman wrestling. A few years later, I had the honor of sharing the stage with the President of the United States as part of an Olympic student-role-model program. In 1996, I carried the Olympic torch, an unforgettable moment in my journey. Since then, I have served as a fitness ambassador, advising governments worldwide on youth fitness programs.

Despite my accomplishments, I faced significant challenges in business. As a Black-owned brand, securing financial backing was incredibly difficult. I qualified for only a share-pledge loan, which required me to have the same amount of money in the bank before borrowing. Unlike larger competitors with unlimited marketing budgets, I had to rely on innovation, determination, and quality products to make my mark.

Humble Beginnings & A Life-Changing Introduction

I was born in Birmingham, Alabama, and raised in Richmond, Virginia. My father, a Vietnam veteran, was not the same man after returning home. With six children to care for, my mother carried the weight of our struggles. Many days, we went without food, but those hardships shaped my resilience.

Everything changed when my next-door neighbor, Mr. Herbert Rainey, introduced me to rope jumping. A fourth-degree black belt in karate, he was jumping rope one summer afternoon. He handed me the rope before 5:00 P.M., and I didn’t put it down until after 9:00 P.M.. From that day forward, the rope went everywhere with me—school, basketball courts, and wrestling training. It became my secret weapon, helping me win state, national, and world military wrestling titles.

Inventing the Swivel-Bearing Jump Rope

Determined to take jump rope training to the next level, I teamed up with a business partner to invent the swivel-bearing jump rope. After years of refining the concept, we patented the technology in 1997. Inspired by the ball-bearing system in fishing rods, we applied it to jump ropes and tested it on athletes. The results were astonishing—speed and conditioning improved drastically. Today, nearly every high-performance jump rope incorporates some form of our swivel-bearing technology.

Pioneering a Black-Owned Brand in the Fitness Industry

We pioneered jump rope training and introduced swivel-bearing technology, but challenges remain. Coming from humble beginnings, I earned a college wrestling scholarship, became a two-time All-American, joined the Marines, and was named U.S. Marine Athlete of the Year—twice. I also competed in the Olympics. However, when I entered the business world, none of that seemed to matter.

Securing funding proved nearly impossible. As a Black entrepreneur, I had to work three times harder just to be taken seriously. While larger companies with greater resources copied our technology and launched massive marketing campaigns, we stayed focused on innovation.

Making an Impact on Fitness & Sports

Despite the obstacles, we solidified our place in the industry. Our ropes became the official training tool for U.S. Olympic teams. We proudly worked alongside Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move campaign to promote youth fitness. Additionally, we partnered with CrossFit, TRX, and other fitness organizations, creating specialized training programs. However, as the market evolved, many companies introduced their own branded ropes, intensifying competition.

Overcoming Barriers & Staying Committed

Racism exists, and it is not going away. Even today, I must work harder than my competitors just to earn the same opportunities. But quitting is not an option.

As a Black-owned brand, my journey has never been easy, but it has been worth it. My mission remains the same: to help people worldwide become fit and strong—both physically and mentally. I believe that self-discipline, perseverance, and passion lead to success.

So, believe in yourself, practice what you love, never give up, and rope your way to success!