Stacie J. from season 2 of Donald Trump’s The Apprentice & Richelle Jones (Entrepreneur), Partner with Colonial Voluntary Benefits (A Paul Revere Insurance Company) to Launch The Jones Agency at Opia Restaurant in NYC and of course John Simon Daily was in attendance. Together the sisters will bring those seeking benefits, a wide selection of insurance (i.e. Life, Accident, Disability, etc) options for your company and employees. The launch was attended by NFL Hall of Famers Richard Dent and Eric Dickerson. Also attending were Dr. Randal Pinkett and Kwame Jackson of Donald Trump’s “The Apprentice”.
Stacie J grew up in Colorado. She has a BA from Emory University and an MBA from Mercer University, both of which are located in Atlanta, Georgia. In addition to modeling and acting, she owns a successful Subway Sandwich Shop Franchise in Harlem, New York.
We had the pleasure of speaking with Stacie J about The Jones Agency, The Apprentice, and more…
John Simon Daily: What motivated you to start The Jones Agency?
Stacie J.: I started The Jones Agency to help people. So, many people haven’t had the chance to speak to a business professional in regards to Life, Health, Disability, Accident or Critical Illness Insurance policies.
What are your long term goals for The Jones Agency?
The ultimate goal is to protect families income in the event of a unforeseen losses. Whether it’s death, sickness or job loss
It’s always challenging to work with family. It requires balance. I have owned businesses with my sister since I was 16 years old. So, we have a long history together. Sometimes there’s a struggle for who is the team leader. We always work through it.
How has The Apprentice affected how you run your business today?
The Apprentice is a tool which only helps me run my business. Having national TV exposure allows me to meet business contacts just with the mention of Donald Trump’s name. People are fascinated. It helps get me in the door, but offering a strong product keeps me in the door.
My favorite Celeb Apprentice is Star. She knows how to play the game. Very smart. I like Latoya too. She showed America that she is smart and savvy. Now, that they are both fired, I like Lil Jon. He’s creative and smart. Will we ever see his eyes?
The best advice I can give someone wanting to start their own business is to find a mentor and work for them for free. Ask them as many questions as possible. Also, do not take NO for an answer. Without risk, there is no reward.
Do you think education is important for entrepreneurs?
Yes, I believe education is important for entrepreneurs. It’s extremely important for person going into business for themselves or with partners to be knowledgeable of the type of business there are going into. If you don’t have a formal college education, read as much as possible on the business you want to start.
What is your favorite quote?
My favorite quote is….Without risk there is no reward
Who is your mentor?
My biggest mentor is a man name Mike Childs. He was influential and supportive to me while I lived in Atlanta. He taught me at age 18 that I will never get rich working for someone else. He encouraged me not to be a procrastinator. He taught me to take risks.