This is an awesome story!
1) Ulysses Lee “Junior” Bridgeman, born and raised in Chicago, was selected in the 1st round of the 1975 NBA Draft by the LA Lakers.
His time in LA didn’t last long though, Bridgeman was immediately traded to Milwaukee as part of a package to bring Kareem Abdul Jabbar to LA. pic.twitter.com/ACIeL6P1oz
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) August 14, 2020
2) Bridgeman wasn’t a superstar, but with a career total of over 11,500 points and almost 3,000 rebounds, he certainly wasn’t a slouch either.
Playing 10 years with the Milwaukee Bucks and 2 years for the Los Angeles Clippers, Bridgeman excelled as a sixth man.
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) August 14, 2020
4) To prepare for life after basketball, Bridgeman spent his offseason working the drive-through at a local Wendy’s to learn more about the fast food business.
By the time he entered retirement, Bridgeman already owned 3 Wendy’s franchises. pic.twitter.com/KQlqARXAwd
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) August 14, 2020
6) In 2016, as part of a bottling and distribution deal with The Coca Cola Company, Bridgeman agreed to sell off his Wendy’s and Chili’s franchise locations.
The agreement with Coca Cola granted Bridgeman exclusive operations in parts of Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, and Nebraska. pic.twitter.com/hMrE3C5dPl
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) August 14, 2020
8) Were often fed astonishing facts about an athlete’s mismanagement of money.
With Junior Bridgeman, it’s refreshing to see a player recognize the opportunity in front of them and put in the hard work and self-education necessary to transition from NBA player to business titan.
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) August 14, 2020
That’s real hard work on, and off the court!
