Kristian Evagelistis
Champion athlete, business mogul, and philanthropist Shaquille O’Neal is known for his success on and off the court. But did you know that Shaquille O’Neal is also an incredibly savvy investor? After earning millions in his career as an athlete, he has leveraged his success to invest in various business ventures.
In this blog post, we’ll look at how Shaquille O’Neal has made his mark in the investing world and go through some of his many ventures.
Background on Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal is an impressive example of how hard work and dedication can pay off in multiple areas. He succeeded in a highly competitive field as an elite basketball player with the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns and Boston Celtics, playing in the NBA until his retirement.
After he retired from professional sports, he successfully maneuvered into entertainment and business fields as a DJ, analyst on Inside the NBA on TNT and investor in business ventures that have helped him amass a total net worth estimated to be over 400 million dollars.
His experience is a testament that one can break barriers and make a massive success if one puts their mind to it no matter what challenges come their way.
Shaq: One of the most successful athletes-turned-entrepreneurs
Shaquille O’Neal is the embodiment of an athlete-turned-entrepreneur. After retiring from basketball, he wasted no time investing his earnings in various business ventures.
He has invested in prominent tech companies such as Google, Apple, and other high-profile start-ups and organisations. He was one of the early investors in the popular photo-sharing app, Shots, and he also invested in 9GAG, a social media platform with millions of users.
He also created Shaq-to-School, which offers a charitable back-to-school initiative providing a wide range of products aimed specifically at kids. His most innovative venture thus far is perhaps his own ShaqFu Radio station, which he proudly states employs many in his local Florida community.
In addition to his business investments, he has also been a vocal supporter of charitable organisations such as Boys & Girls Clubs of America. He has donated millions of dollars to support programs that provide educational opportunities and access to services for children and teens.
An insight into Shaq’s diverse portfolio
It is clear that Shaquille O’Neal has a successful investment strategy built around diversification. He has invested in various industries, from tech to sports drinks to franchise businesses. His strategy allows him to spread out the risk of his investments and increase returns over time.
He is also very selective with his investments, researching each opportunity carefully before committing any funds. He looks for companies with a strong track record and potential for growth and those that align with his values and interests.
By diversifying his investments and using a rigorous selection process, Shaq has built tremendous wealth over the years. He is an excellent example of how investing can pay off when done correctly.
Shaquille O’Neal’s Franchising Ventures
Shaquille O’Neal has become a true business mogul over the years and is very savvy in franchise investments. Whether it be restaurants, car washes, or health supplements, O’Neal has found success in all franchises. His goal has been to diversify his wealth and use his profile to further awareness of these businesses.
Shaq & Auntie Anne’s Pretzels
His first franchising investment was in Auntie Anne’s Pretzel franchise. He owned up 17 pretzel stands in various malls, airports, and universities throughout the country. His investment in this franchise paid off immensely, as Auntie Anne’s is now a household name.
Shaquille O’Neal’s & Papa John’s
Shaq also invested in the Papa John’s Pizza franchise. He owns 9 locations of the pizza chain, which have seen success throughout the country due to his support and promotion of these eateries. His investment in this chain has helped to grow it into one of the most successful franchises in America.
Shaq & Five Guys Burgers & Fries
His most serious franchising venture is in Five Guys Burgers & Fries. He owned and sold up to 155 restaurants which was 10% of the company. His investment in this chain has helped to grow his net worth and the brand over time.
Shaquille O’Neal & Krispy Kreme
He invested in the popular Krispy Kreme doughnut chain, which is one of the most recognisable names around. His goal was to own a franchise, and he was able to secure a popular Atlanta location that was up to 60 years old.
Shaquille O’Neal’s Car Washes
Shaq also acquired up to 150 car washes during his investing activities. While a specific brand is not involved, his investments in these will undoubtedly be advantageous as they are known to bring in consistent profits.
Other Investments
In addition to franchises, Shaq has also made some exciting investments outside traditional businesses. He is a shareholder in a range of larger brands that are in multiple industries making his business portfolio rather impressive.
Shaquille O’Neal & Lyft
His investment in Lyft was made early when it was still an up-and-coming ride-hailing company. He invested an undisclosed amount in the company as part of a broader strategy to diversify his investments.
Since then, Lyft has grown into one of the most popular ride-sharing companies in the world, and his investment is certainly paying off. His involvement with the company extends beyond just financial support, he has been a vocal advocate of the company, appearing in multiple promotional campaigns and even giving away free rides to promote the service.
Shaquille O’Neal & JCPenney
O’Neal’s investment in JCPenney was made in 2017 when he joined the board of directors. His involvement with the department store chain is significant, and his experience and guidance have been invaluable to their success.
He has served as a spokesperson for the company, appearing in television commercials and other promotional campaigns to help spread brand awareness. He has also helped to advise on restructuring efforts, as he is well-versed in finance and business matters.
Shaquille O’Neal & Forever 21
Shaq also invested in the popular clothing brand Forever 21, this was part of a broader effort to help the company restructure and turn over a new leaf after it filed for bankruptcy. He was also involved in helping to promote the brand, appearing in television commercials and promotional campaigns.
Shaquille O’Neal & Big Chicken
He recently opened Big Chicken restaurants with 10 locations across the country. This is a fast-food dining restaurant that serves chicken sandwiches in extra large portions. All these investments have allowed him to grow his wealth while diversifying it simultaneously.
Conclusion
Shaquille O’Neal proves that you don’t need to be a wall street genius to make smart investments and build long-term wealth. By using his money wisely and diversifying into multiple sectors, he has increased his net worth and influence over the years. His story is an important reminder to never limit your goals or aspirations and always invest your money for long-term wealth creation.
