One on One with John Thomas

Being a blogger who is the son of an award winning basketball coach, I was utterly impressed with the journey and inspiration of John Thomas. This modern day mover and shaker is inspiring young people daily as the leader of . 

LIRM recently caught up with John and dished on life's challenges, struggles, family and much more. Check it out and get inspired: 

John, share with our readers your background. What are some of your memories as a kid that have helped shape whom you are today? 

I grew up in Buffalo, New York.  There are a lot of memories that had a hand in shaping me into who I am today. Basketball was a major part of my everyday life. I guess one memory that really stands out was during my senior year in high school where we were ranked #1 throughout the year and went on to the New York State championships as the first undefeated team in WNY (Western New York).  

In our semi final game we were winning the game easily. After a few substitutions, we gave up 12 points in 3 minutes.  The game was close to the end yet we lost and that was the end of my high school career.  I understood at that moment, you do not get many chances to achieve greatness and that you have to be prepared for every opportunity you get in life because you never know what it will lead to. 

I totally agree with you. You seem to be enormously busy. How do you balance it all? 

I enjoy doing many things at once.  I am one of those guys that listens to music, with the tv on, while on the computer and talking on the phone.  I enjoy balancing and focusing on more than one thing at a time.  My company is made up of everything that I have a passion for, education, entertainment & athletics with a focus on young people.  So, it isn't that tough. Plus, I have a wonderful wife and family which allows me to unplug when I need to.

Youth development and mentor ship is somewhat lacking in the world today. How important is this subject to you? 

Extremely important!!  If you had a chance to speak to anyone that has achieved anything in this world, they will tell you that they were influenced by someone.  If you look at the big picture, our youth are like babies in the world.  They are trying to figure it out like an infant at home. They will fall down, get into things they shouldn't and also have some success.  

There needs to be someone there to guide them and support them along the way.  Unfortunately, with the big chase for money, many adults or leaders forget that their most valued asset to the next generation is sharing their journey with those striving to become successful.  

Share with our readers how the 411 Brand differs from other organizations out there today?  

There are many successful organizations that cater to the development of our youth. Our goal is to be able to bridge the gap between successful individuals in television, music, sports, film, fashion and business with young adults striving to become successful.  Our brand is all about INSPIRATION!!

Our young people are inundated with negative images from television, music and beyond these days. How important is it for our young people to have someone to look up to?  

It is important but its more important to have someone that has a consistent presence in their life to help them digest and understand the negative images.  Negative images have been around forever.  Its those kids with the knowledge & wisdom to understand that those images will not help them reach their goals or find success.  

That comes from a great role model. Also, what we view as negative, many kids view as a normal way of life.  We have to find a balance in the images in an effort to give the kids options to choose from. Many kids in the inner city as well as other areas view success by the amount of things you have.  How you attained those things becomes less important in the short term because kids look for instant gratification.  There needs to be a voice in every child's live that explains the concept of "life is a journey & not a destination."

Absoluetly! Being a unique individual can be somewhat stressful. How do you handle stress. What keeps you sane and grounded?

I deal with stress of life by finding a quiet space and learning to be still.  I try to remove all thoughts and understand that whatever is going on in my life, isn't my life.  Its an issue that will pass, if I let it pass.  I also find that much of our stress comes from not accepting things as they are.  

I believe that we attach ourselves to an outcome in each situation and when it doesn't happen the way we envisioned it, we mentally transfer that disappointment to other areas of our life.  I also have an eight year old son who isn't really interested in my stress.  He has an idea of who his dad is and expects me to be that guy all of the time and I don't want to disappoint him. 

We live in a critical world and many judge before truly knowing the person. Many young people are committing suicide. What are some things do you believe they need to maintain these self love?  

Like I said earlier, many young people place their value in things.  That's why they will subject themselves to negative environments and negative people to have the things that represents success to them.  When they realize there isn't much value in those things, they are left with the question of "Who am I"? When I was young, my parents made us go outside and play.  Nothing specific...just play.  It was during this time we found out who we were, what we like/dislike, what we were good at, all without the pressure of a specific outcome. 

A little over five years ago, I ran a youth development program outside of Albany New York. There was a girl named Kuanna that gravitated to me while I was there. She was about 12 years old, very good in basketball and was the leader of her crew.  All the girls and boys in the neighborhood respected her because she was tough and would show you how tough.  She wasn't a bully but extremely confident in who she was to her peers.  

When I left for Atlanta, I hoped for the best for all the kids, but Kuanna was one of my favorites.  A few years ago, I received a call telling me that she committed suicide.  She was dealing with some issues and kept them to herself trying to figure them out.  It became too much and she took her life.  I went through a period of feeling that if I was still there, I could have been that person she could have talked to about her problem.  Because of Kuanna, I take my responsibility of working with young people very seriously. You never know what role you will play in their life.

Share with our readers some successful stories where your brand was heavily involved.  

I believe over the years we have had some great stories from allowing some of our audience members to sit up close and personal with some of their favorite celebrities to giving kids an opportunity to play one on one with a NBA player.  The one that I am most proud of is our 411 All-Star Weekend which is held in Buffalo New York.  For the past 10 years, this event has brought together several communities as well as several generations of basketball fans in the area for an exciting weekend.  We invite kids from all over the city to participate in our golf academy, basketball academy as well as leadership academy.  This year the event will take place August 10-12, 2012. 

Where is 411 Brand headed in the next five years? 

In five years, I look forward to our brand having a global presence in the hearts and minds of young people across the world.  Since 1992, we have tried to build a really strong foundation in each area of the company.  We recently were offered a content distribution deal with Comcast in Atlanta for our television program "411 Knowledge & Entertainment Show" hosted by Leslie "Big Lez" Segar.  We also established partnerships with the East Cobb YMCA and Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo & Atlanta for our Golf Academy, Basketball Academy and Leadership Academy.  

We want to have a strong presence on your television as well as inside your community.  Imagine the impact Oprah Winfrey would of had if she decided to create programming in the community to go along with the success she had on television.  That's where our mindset is for the future.   

How important is having a strong support system these days as you pursue successful moments?  

Extremely important.  As you follow your dreams, life goes on.  Sometimes it becomes very difficult to balance the two and you need people in your corner that will help keep you focused on the goal. A support system becomes increasingly important once you decide to have a family and there are other people that will be affected by your choices. 

My wife has been outstanding.  She has been  there for me when there were times I was unsure of my next step.  When I first started, I didn't value the little things that my family, friends and associates did for me along the way. Things like wishing me luck, praying for me in an interview or even making a call to their friend on my behalf.   Now, anything positive that comes my way in regards to this vision, I hold on to it very tightly.  Its all a reminder to keep the faith and that you are on the right path.




John Thomas is focused, empowering future leaders as well as maintaing his authenticity which is rare these days. LIRM is grateful to connect with an innovative and inspiring individual who is destined for more success and future endeavors. 

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