Business

From Professional Athlete to Entrepreneurship: Art Morrison III’s Journey

Published

3 years ago

October 7, 2021

As a former professional athlete, Morrison III has leveraged the wisdom he gained from basketball to pursue entrepreneurship.

Basketball gave Morrison III purpose and instilled the values he needed to transition into an entrepreneur who owns multiple businesses in real estate, business consulting and more.

Here are 5 values he embraced as an athlete and used to become a successful entrepreneur.

Adversity

“We don’t lose the vision or waver, because our eye is always on achieving the end goal.”

In his senior year of college, Morrison III experienced a knee injury that put him in a tough position as he had dreams to go pro. His injury made it near impossible for an agent to pick him up and help him sign with a professional basketball team. Yet, he still signed a professional basketball contract. How? With persistence.

Persistence

“If your WILL to succeed is strong enough, you WILL NOT fail!”

When no agent wanted to work with Morrison III after his knee injury, he took matters into his own hands. He pretended to be his own agent, sending emails to nearly 13,000 teams in the basketball world. He ended up receiving only 2 offers. One contract was for a basketball team in Portugal, which he took.

The same energy he put out to sign with a professional basketball team is the same energy he applies to his business ventures. No matter what your business is, sometimes you have to create the opportunities that others refuse to give you.

Consistency

“No matter how good you are, you’re not going to be able to compete with someone who is consistent, even if they’re less talented.”

Never as a kid did Morrison III think to stop playing basketball. It started as a hobby, and then became his passion, and then his livelihood. Getting up every day and practicing is what allowed him to go pro. Understanding that there are no positives without consistency is what continues to help him succeed as an entrepreneur.

Your WHY

“It’s amazing what Purpose combined with Passion can do.”

Morrison III was the first in his family to go to a 4-year college. His dream was to become a professional basketball player to make a lot of money and repay his mom for all the sacrifices she made for him during his childhood—and that’s what he did. This childhood dream is what pushed him to work hard, never give up and go after what he wanted.

Leadership

“A boss says ‘GO!’ A leader says ‘LET’S GO!!’ Ironically everyone wants to work for a leader. Team players know how to be leaders!”

In sports, whether you’re a team captain or not, you are part of a system of valuable parts. Athletes understand what it means to be a coach because they had one. They know the dynamics of a team and the important role that each member plays, including the coach and team captain. This helped Morrison III lead himself and others throughout his entrepreneurial ventures.

Get to Know Art Morrison III

Art Morrison III is a former basketball player and entrepreneur who owns multiple businesses. He is the author of the book “Overcome” and is passionate about giving back to his community through youth basketball training giant, “AboveMAX Basketball.”

He also provides small business solutions to corporations with twenty employees or less through Morrison Enterprise, LLC.

Learn more about Art Morrison III by visiting www.morrisonenterprisellc.com

Business

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke: A New Approach to Fine Real Estate

Published

4 days ago

December 16, 2024

Matthew Wiles

Photo credit: Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke.

Byline: Andi Stark

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke, a real estate platform operating across Hawaii, is rewriting how properties are bought and sold in the region. Unlike larger firms reliant on public listings and mass marketing, Private Listings’ strategy prioritizes personalization, privacy, and meticulous curation of ultra-high-end, off-market properties, including oceanfront estates, gated community residences, and architectural masterpieces.

Harold Clarke, founder of Private Listings, describes their method as one that rejects “cookie-cutter solutions in favor of understanding the nuances of both buyers and sellers.” This approach has resonated with ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) seeking refined and discreet real estate transactions.

The Hawaiian real estate market remains a hub for global investors, with the median price for a single-family home in the state reaching $900,000 in 2024, according to the Hawaii Association of Realtors. Within this competitive landscape, Private Listings is building up to be a trusted name for properties that extend beyond luxury into generational investments.

Challenging the Industry Norms

Private Listings deliberately avoids the conventions of large-scale real estate firms. By focusing on fewer, higher-value properties, the company ensures that each transaction is treated with the same level of care and confidentiality.

Public listing platforms, while effective for broader markets, often expose sellers to unnecessary attention or unqualified inquiries. For Clarke, this model is misaligned with the needs of UHNWIs. “Privacy isn’t a luxury for our clients—it’s a necessity,” Clarke explains.

This philosophy has led Private Listings to handle some of Hawaii’s most significant real estate transactions, including off-market properties valued at over $40 million. Its success is not measured by the volume of listings but by the depth of trust built with clients, many of whom return for subsequent transactions.

Adapting to Changing Client Demands

While Private Listings maintains a foundation of traditional practices, the firm also recognizes the evolving needs of its clientele. The global real estate market is increasingly influenced by concerns over digital security, with a 15% rise in data breaches targeting high-net-worth individuals in the past three years, according to cybersecurity firm NortonLifeLock.

To address these risks, Private Listings employs rigorous screening for potential buyers and uses secure platforms for communication and transactions. The firm’s “by invitation only” model ensures that clients remain protected from the pitfalls of public exposure. Clarke notes, “Our goal is not just to sell homes but to create an environment where clients feel safe and confident during every step of the process.”

The Human Element in Real Estate Transactions

Despite advancements in technology, Private Listings firmly believes that real estate transactions cannot be reduced to algorithms or automation. Unlike firms that depend heavily on online data aggregation, Private Listings emphasizes human connection and insight.

The company’s sales strategy integrates personalized client interactions, in-depth market analysis, and years of experience navigating Hawaii’s unique real estate ecosystem. Clarke’s background in managing family assets and his global perspective is significant in shaping this essence.

Future Directions for Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke

As Hawaii continues to attract global attention, Private Listings aims to expand its influence within the state while maintaining its core principles. The company is currently developing a new platform to streamline services for UHNWIs, blending their demand for discretion with seamless access to Hawaii’s finest off-market properties.

Additionally, Private Listings is strengthening its ties with local communities, recognizing that sustainable growth benefits both the company and the islands’ ecosystems.

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke has set itself apart in Hawaii’s real estate scene by moving away from the typical mass-market approach. Through a mix of traditional values and modern sensibilities, the firm continues to define what it means to transact ultra-high-value properties with integrity and care.