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Isiah Thomas, born April 30, 1961, in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., is not just an American basketball legend but one of the finest point guards the game has ever seen. With a career that took the Detroit Pistons to the pinnacle of NBA success with consecutive world championships in 1989 and 1990, Thomas etched his name in basketball history. His induction into the NBA’s 50th Anniversary All-Time Team in 1996 was a testament to his extraordinary contributions to the sport.
Celebrated for his unmatched skills as a point guard, Thomas’s journey from a promising talent in Chicago to leading the Detroit Pistons to back-to-back NBA championships is a tale of determination, skill, and basketball genius. His time at Indiana University, crowned by a national championship, set the stage for a professional career that would be immortalized by his 2000 induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
However, Thomas didn’t just leave his mark on basketball; he has also been a dynamic force in the business world and a dedicated philanthropist. After a legendary career with the Detroit Pistons, where he led the team to two NBA Championships and earned a spot on the NBA’s 50th Anniversary All-Time team, Thomas transitioned into various leadership roles, including serving as the President of the National Basketball Players Association. There, he played a crucial role in elevating the average NBA player’s salary significantly.
Beyond the court, Thomas has shown an entrepreneurial spirit. As the chairman and CEO of Isiah International LLC, he oversees a diverse portfolio, including real estate, champagne imports, and waste management, among others. His commitment to community upliftment shines through his philanthropic efforts, notably founding Mary’s Court in honor of his mother to support Chicago’s youth.
Here, we delve into nine of his successful business ventures with a closer look at his outstanding approach.
1. ISIAH INTERNATIONAL LLC
Isiah Thomas isn’t just a sports legend; he’s also the driving force behind Isiah International LLC, a powerhouse investment company he’s been growing since 1990. As Chairman and CEO, Isiah has his hands in a variety of business, from real estate to luxury champagne, and even into the hemp and cannabis products. He’s also making waves in utility vegetation management, oil and pipeline services, and the ever-vibrant sports and entertainment sectors.
Isiah has investments across multiple industries, including real estate, the world of luxury champagne, the burgeoning hemp and cannabis sector, utility and vegetation management, oil and pipeline services, and even sports and entertainment. This strategy has turned Isiah International into a beacon of success and innovation.
From the get-go, Isiah’s entrepreneurial spirit was evident through a partnership with Morley’s, which birthed Isiah Chocolate Bars, and later ice cream with Stroh’s. By 1992, Isiah International made a significant leap by acquiring American Speedy Printing, expanding its reach to more than 700 quick print stores nationwide.
2. ISIAH REAL ESTATE
Isiah Thomas, the man behind Isiah Real Estate, has a mission: to bring affordable housing to communities that need it most. Growing up in a similar environment in Chicago, he knows firsthand the importance of having a safe, secure place to call home.
Isiah Real Estate is all about creating opportunities for low-income families. In the United States, the need for affordable housing is skyrocketing. Many neighborhoods are dotted with empty lots where homes and apartments once stood. Isiah’s goal is to change that, starting with his roots.
Born and raised on Chicago’s West Side, a place that even has a street named after his mother—Mary Thomas Way—Isiah is deeply connected to the community. His company, Isiah International, took a significant step by investing in a property in Evanston, IL. But that’s just the beginning. Isiah is dedicated to transforming the west side of Chicago, bringing affordable housing to the forefront, and rebuilding the community he holds dear.
Isiah Thomas isn’t just building houses; he’s rebuilding lives, one home at a time.
3. ISIAH IMPORTS
Isiah Thomas, not just famous for his incredible sports career but also for his smart business moves and giving back to the community, found something missing in the champagne market – a truly great-tasting champagne that wasn’t loaded with sugar. His quest for a better bubbly took him to France’s Champagne region. There, he discovered that while local growers owned most of the land, very little of their champagne actually made it out of France. These growers weren’t just farming; they were artists, deeply connected to the land and its unique conditions.
Isiah’s search eventually led him to the Cheurlin family, who he now believes are among the best champagne producers in the region. He was so impressed by their dedication and the quality of their champagne that he decided to partner with them, bringing Cheurlin Champagnes to the US through his company, Isiah Imports. Isiah sees in the Cheurlins not just their skill in making exceptional champagne, but also their honesty and respect for their craft. Isaiah Imports is all about the introduction of a champagne that’s made with care, respect for nature, and without the unnecessary sugars that plague so many other brands.
4. GRE3N
Isiah Thomas, known for his diverse ventures and commitment to making a difference, owns Gre3n, a company that’s all about keeping our utilities and natural surroundings in harmony. With services spread across the country, Gre3n specializes in managing vegetation around utilities and pipelines, ensuring everything runs smoothly and safely.
At the heart of Gre3n is a commitment to excellence. They’re not just about maintaining the status quo; they aim to set the standard for how utility vegetation management should be done. But it’s not all about the services they provide today. Gre3n is driven by a larger vision – a healthier planet for our children and their children after them. They see their work as part of a bigger picture, contributing to leaving the Earth in a better state than when we found it. Thomas’s leadership reflects this blend of top-notch service and a deep care for the environment, making Gre3n a unique player in the utility management field.
5. ONE WORLD PRODUCTS INC.
Isiah Thomas is at the forefront of the cannabis industry with his venture, One World Products Inc. At its core, One World Products Inc., or OWP, is your go-to source for top-notch hemp-derived ingredients. Whether you’re in the business of creating consumer goods, whipping up food and beverages, or developing beauty products, OWP provides the high-quality materials you need. They’re all about offering a dependable and eco-friendly supply chain for businesses around the globe.
With its heart in Las Vegas, NV, and Bogota, Colombia, plus a state-of-the-art facility in Popayan, Colombia, OWP is perfectly positioned to lead the charge in the global cannabis and hemp market. Thomas’ vision for the company goes beyond just profit; it’s about setting new standards in the industry and ensuring the future is bright (and green) for cannabis and hemp products worldwide.
6. ISIAH TICKETING
Isiah International is expanding its portfolio by entering the global ticket market through a joint venture with Isiah Ticketing is a new venture co-owned by Isaiah Thomas, a platform that provides state of the art tickets with the latest in pricing and distribution tech, tailored for sports teams, event organizers, and venues. This was established in partnership with TicketVault LLC.
Thomas is currently the CEO of the new venture.
Isiah Ticketing is about creating unbeatable partnerships with top-tier sports and entertainment names. The venture is aimed at transforming how tickets are sold, making the process smoother for fans and more profitable for teams.
7. SWEETGREEN
Sweetgreen was founded in November 2006 by Nicolas Jammet, Nathaniel Ru, and Jonathan Neman, an American fast-casual restaurant chain on a mission to revolutionize fast food for today’s world. With Isiah Thomas as one of its investors, Sweetgreen is driven by core values that aim to uplift everyone involved – from customers to team members, to partners – inspiring them to positively impact the food system.
At Sweetgreen, it’s all about transparency, cooking from scratch, and fostering a community that’s passionate about real, wholesome food, with a believe that the choices we make about what we eat, where it comes from, and how it’s prepared have a direct and powerful impact on the health of individuals, communities, and the environment.
The company is dedicated to becoming carbon neutral by 2027, with a belief that the urgency for regenerative food systems is needed now more than ever.
8. POPCORN INDIANA
Isiah Thomas, beyond his fame in sports, played a key role in founding Popcorn Indiana, making it the leading independent popcorn snack company in the U.S. and the creator of America’s favorite Kettlecorn. This brand stands out because it insists on offering snacks that are good for you: no trans fats, no gluten, no preservatives, and absolutely no genetically modified ingredients. Most of their popcorn is cholesterol-free, and for those who prefer, there’s even an organic option available. Plus, they make sure to keep artificial colors out of their products.
Isiah’s journey into the popcorn business was more than just a business decision; it was personal. He’s always been driven by investments that not only have the potential for profit but also positively impact communities and families, leaving a lasting legacy. His inspiration was from his family’s reliance on popcorn as a staple food during times when other options were scarce. This personal connection to popcorn, rooted in his childhood experiences, guided him towards making one of his first investments in Popcorn Indiana.
9. MARY’S COURT
Isiah Thomas, deeply moved by his mother’s dedication to uplifting disadvantaged women and families, established Mary’s Court in her honor. The foundation is centered on making a difference in the lives of young people in Chicago and beyond, focusing on their health, safety, and success. Its goal is to open doors for families, giving kids the chance to shine as healthy, educated, and empowered members of their communities. Isaiah’s journey from poverty to success in both academics and sports fueled the drive to give back through Mary’s Court. Through the foundation, he’s been creating opportunities for young people to thrive, emphasizing the importance of living healthy, staying safe, and getting a good education.
