lright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Edgar Evans Jr.. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Edgar, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable has been the key. Playing golf growing up I was usually one of the only if not the only African American’s out there. Over time I realized that no one was better than me and that I belonged. That has served me well in the golf industry as an adult where I now show-run a golf television show and have a golf shoe company.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I have 2 businesses that I run. A golf media company called, “Saturday Foursome” and a golf shoe company called, “Edgar Golf Shoes.”
Saturday Foursome has been up and going for 4 years. As host, I navigate the conversations between myself and 3 guest celebrities as we play golf. We laugh, share stories, and learn from each other’s journeys. The program began with me purchasing paid programming on Atlanta’s Peachtree TV. Currently, the program airs on 4 Regional Sports Networks around the country in 32 states. We also launched Saturday Foursome the Cartoon and the Saturday Foursome Podcast this year. We look to be on a major streaming service by years end!
Edgar Golf Shoes is a faith-based shoe company artistically set in the 90’s. In our 3 years of existence most of our time has been spent learning the business and finding the right partners to go on this journey with. During my 1st release last year I conducted a pre-sale and successfully delivered quality products to my patrons on time. This holiday season we will be doing another launch with inventory ready. We are also doing a public renaming of the company this holiday season which will bring new engagement and customers to the brand! Next spring, we will be releasing our 1st Golf “Dad” Sneaker and of course more golf shoes. I am so excited to build this brand, have consistent inventory, and inspire the world!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Faith: Faith is at the center of everything I do and who I am. I have thought about giving up millions of times but it’s my faith in Jesus Christ that gives me the confidence to continue moving forward. No matter your religious beliefs I think it is truly important to have faith in the most-high. As an entrepreneur it’s important to always know that you’re not in this alone and that God is with you.
Perseverance: Just like faith perseverance is so important! If you feel it in your spirit, you are doing the right thing. Perseverance will help keep you going during the tough times. NEVER GIVE UP!
Education: It is so important to always continue to learn as much as you can about your industry. This process should be happening daily! Ask questions, READ, fail forward, and listen to those who have had success.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
Principles by Ray Dalio
Each book I read I try to always take away 1 or 2 things and remember them forever. In this particular book I read something that I use quite often in my businesses.
Being RADICALLY OPEN MINDED is so important. Leaders who think they know everything can never be great. If someone has an idea and you don’t agree with it take the time out and vet, why they may be wrong. (Because they could be right) I listen to ideas and feedback from others. Also, when I negotiate with new sponsors, I let them know I am “radically open minded” to whatever it takes to close the deal.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.edgarevansjr.com
- Instagram: @EdgarEvansJr @SaturdayFoursome @EdgarGolfShoes
- Linkedin: @EdgarGolfShoes @SaturdayFoursome
- Twitter: @EdgarEvansJr
- Youtube: www.Youtube.com/SaturdayFoursome
