Business

Chicago-Based Serial Entrepreneur Jonte Wells Explains the Importance of Having Multiple Revenue Streams

Published

3 years ago

October 14, 2021

The world today is far different than just a few years ago. Pandemic aside, the rapid changes occurring on a global basis are incredible. For many, the onset of the global pandemic led to disaster, failing businesses, and struggling to find a way forward. Yet, for other companies, and entrepreneurs, weathering this storm isn’t as challenging. That’s because they have multiple revenue streams, diversified enough to withstand virtually most types of ups and downs. Series entrepreneur Jonte Wells has worked hard to develop a path that enables him to not just withstand these challenges but to help others do the same.

The Value of Multiple Revenue Streams

Jonte has built several successful companies throughout his career. That includes Greater Purpose Athletics and Greater Purpose Management, the two focuses of his time now. Both revenue streams create opportunities to support each other and enable Jonte to build his success.

Why is this valuable, to have two revenue streams or more? There are several reasons. Jonte states, “I started in the inner city of Chicago with few opportunities to build success. I didn’t have access to supports facilities to support my growth. I knew then that I wanted to do more than just play basketball. I wanted to achieve success as an entrepreneur and then bring that success back to my community to support others.”

Having more than one revenue stream enables that type of aspiration to be possible. The pandemic may cause some businesses to struggle, such as how the restaurant industry was hit hard without access to customers during the pandemic. Yet, for grocers, it was a gold mine, as it was for those able to provide a digital service to their customers.

The same applies to young athletes who want to do well. “You can and should focus on building your skills on the court, but you also have to work on brand management on the side – because that’s going to help you to build more than one way to earn money.”

He continues, “What we are doing with Greater Purpose Management is providing those young superstars with the insights and support they need early on, the services I didn’t have so that they have a better chance of long-term success and growth.”

Jonte, known for his basketball career, and both Greater Purpose Athletics and Greater Purpose Management, is also in real estate. He’s created a successful portfolio of numerous properties and flips houses year-round. In addition to this, he also launched Sugaring NYC, an organic waxing studio.

It is the combination of each of these businesses that have allowed him to build a wealthy empire. Now, he’s empowered by being able to focus on helping others. That’s just what he is doing for athletes looking for a way into this industry.

What’s Holding Back Today’s Entrepreneurs?

Those who wish to open a business face more obstacles today than ever before. They are facing complications related to the pandemic itself, such as fewer routes into traditional business positions. For some, the cost of living and expenses of day-to-day life limit the reach of a potential entrepreneur. Even in a modern world, a person living in inner-city Chicago will find it challenging to find a way out, a way to build on an idea or skill that has true profitability.

With those barriers come others – the lack of access to support systems and mentorships being one. Without direction and support, it becomes difficult for any individual, regardless of where they live, to have a way forward.

Supporting the Young Business Owner

For Jonte Wells, the focus isn’t just on any person who wishes to build a business, but on the young athletes in inner-city Chicago and elsewhere that have skills and talent that they are not able to fully utilize to get them into a stronger future. For example, Jonte himself began his path towards serial entrepreneurship as a young athlete. He didn’t have access to a sports facility or a mentor to help him to get out onto the court and build up skill – and gain recognition for it. Today, he’s known as “the basketball guy” when he visits his clients, all of whom are young athletes who want to build a career in sports or fitness. These individuals come from some of the most challenging backgrounds, but they have skill, inspiration, and talent. His goal is to provide them with a way forward.

The Creation of Greater Purpose Management Hones in On Providing Opportunities

Jonte’s latest business is Greater Purpose Management. It’s designed to support those who need it the most in a positive and motivating manner. It’s not simply about finding a way into the sports world through the NCAA or professional basketball, though. He works directly with young athletes to help them to find their passion and builds their skills to build a brand and image from that point.

He says, “We work with athletes to ensure their on-court performance is the best. Then, we give them the ability to brand themselves so they can not only succeed on the court but also in numerous opportunities off the court.” Having multiple streams of revenue enables these individuals to gain confidence no matter what happens in their future.

He says, “We are very hands-on in our talent management. We treat each person like family, not just at the gym. We support them with what they need from athlete management services to working as a marketing agency to help them to build themselves on social media and digitally, creating opportunities for their future.”

Jonte didn’t have a simple path towards success as a young athlete trying to make his way in Chicago. Yet, he has worked hard to build a business model that provides numerous revenue streams for him, allowing him to not only find success for himself but to be able to give back to the community as well.

Speaking of Greater Purpose Management, Jonte says, “We make sure you’re educated regarding your financial assets, legal rights, and post-career options. We empower you with that knowledge to achieve multiple revenue streams, creating opportunities for your future long after you leave the court.”

Want to Learn More?

Connect with Jonte Wells on Instagram or find out more about Greater Purpose Management today.

Business

How Black Banx Has Sped Digital Payments Into Its Global Phase

Published

2 days ago

March 13, 2025

Matthew Wiles

The payments industry has grown substantially in the last decade, with digital transactions now practically a given in most parts of the world. A key contributor to this globalization of payments has been Black Banx, a Toronto-based global digital bank founded by German billionaire Michael Gastauer.

Through innovative fintech solutions, a commitment to financial inclusion, and strategic investments in blockchain and artificial intelligence, the company continues to make transactions quicker and easier no matter where the sender or receiver is in the world.

The Cross-Border Payment Boom

Global transactions have never been more essential to the world economy. From businesses engaging in international trade to individuals sending remittances back home, the demand for fast and cost-effective cross-border payments has skyrocketed. In fact, FXCintelligence projects that the cross-border payments market will hit an astonishing US$290 trillion by 2030, driven by the rise of e-commerce and digital trade.

Historically, moving money across borders wasn’t simple. Traditional banking relied on a complex web of intermediaries, leading to slow processing times, high fees, and inefficiencies. But fintech has changed the game. Companies like Black Banx have introduced digital-first solutions that eliminate unnecessary middlemen, enabling instant, affordable transactions.

Black Banx’s Rapid Growth: A Testament to Demand

Black Banx has experienced explosive growth, reflecting the increasing demand for seamless global payments. By the end of 2024, the company’s customer base had expanded to 69 million users across 180+ countries—a staggering 76% growth from 39 million in 2023.

This growth wasn’t accidental. Black Banx’s success stems from its ability to offer frictionless cross-border banking, catering to individuals and businesses worldwide. It’s offerings include:

Instant Multi-Currency Accounts – Customers can open accounts online within minutes, eliminating the need for physical bank visits.
Cryptocurrency Integration – Black Banx has accepted Bitcoin and Ethereum since 2016 and expanded its crypto services in 2024 by integrating Solana and the Lightning Network, allowing for ultra-fast, low-cost cross-border transfers.
Zero-Intermediary Transfers – By leveraging blockchain technology, the company bypasses traditional banking infrastructure, significantly reducing fees and processing times.

AI-Powered Payments: Enhancing Speed and Security

If there’s one technology that has reshaped digital payments in 2024, it’s artificial intelligence. AI is now at the heart of fraud detection, customer service, and transaction optimization, making global payments more secure and efficient.

Black Banx has fully embraced AI, using predictive analytics and automated systems to streamline operations. AI-driven chatbots handle customer inquiries, reducing response times and improving service efficiency. Meanwhile, real-time fraud detection algorithms flag suspicious transactions, preventing financial losses and building customer trust.

The results? Black Banx achieved a cost/income ratio of just 68% in 2024—one of the best in the industry—demonstrating how AI-powered automation can drive profitability while maintaining top-tier service.

Financial Inclusion: Breaking Down Barriers

Despite living in a digital age, over 1.4 billion people worldwide remain unbanked, according to the World Bank. Traditional banks have long failed to serve these individuals due to bureaucratic hurdles, geographic limitations, and high fees. Black Banx has made financial inclusion one of its core missions, particularly in underbanked regions like Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia-Pacific.

In 2024, the company’s impact on financial inclusion was profound:

32% year-over-year increase in SME clients in Africa and the Middle East – Black Banx empowered businesses in these regions with seamless digital banking services, reducing reliance on inefficient traditional banking channels.
Instant digital accounts with minimal documentation – Unlike traditional banks, which require extensive paperwork, Black Banx allows users to open accounts quickly, enabling greater access to financial services.
Affordable cross-border transactions – By eliminating intermediaries, the company ensures that even those in remote regions can send and receive payments without excessive fees.

The Future of Cross-Border Payments: Crypto and Blockchain

Cryptocurrency is no longer a niche asset—it’s gradually become a key cog in the global payments machine. Recognizing this early on, Black Banx became one of the first digital banks to integrate Bitcoin and Ethereum into its platform back in 2016.

In 2024, the company doubled down on its crypto-first strategy, incorporating Solana and the Lightning Network. These technologies allow users to complete cross-border transactions in seconds while avoiding the high fees and delays associated with traditional banking infrastructure.

Black Banx is also exploring crypto-based lending services, a move that could disrupt traditional financial models even further. If successful, decentralized finance (DeFi) solutions could provide businesses and individuals with access to capital without the constraints of conventional banking regulations.

A Year of Record-Breaking Financial Success

While many tech companies faced financial turbulence in 2024, Black Banx defied expectations, posting record-breaking numbers:

Annual revenue: US$11.1 billion (exceeding the forecasted US$10.8 billion)
Pre-tax profit: US$3.6 billion (far surpassing the original US$2.4 billion projection)
Customer base: 69 million users worldwide
Cost/income ratio: 68% – demonstrating operational efficiency
Capital distributions: US$2.90 per share

Black Banx’s financial success highlights the immense demand for efficient digital banking services, proving that fintech is not just a disruptor but the future of global finance.

What’s Next for Black Banx in 2025?

Given its past success, Black Banx is setting ambitious goals to build on its 2024 momentum. The company aims to:

Expand its customer base to 100 million users – By reaching more individuals in emerging markets, Black Banx hopes to further its mission of financial inclusion.
Strengthen its presence in digital asset banking – With growing demand for cryptocurrency-based financial services, the company will continue integrating blockchain solutions.
Enhance global payments infrastructure – By entering new markets and refining its AI-driven systems, Black Banx plans to make transactions even faster and more accessible.
Lower its cost/income ratio – Through further automation and AI optimization, the company aims to improve operational efficiency.

By embracing AI, blockchain, and a relentless commitment to financial inclusion, Black Banx has clearly been key in accelerating the transition of the world to a truly global payments system.