You see he was thinking about business terms right from the start. Junior also held a prominent role as Co-Chair for the African American Heritage Foundation and on the Board of Directors of several programs and companies like the National Basketball Retired Players Association, Crusade for Children Foundation and Wendy’s National Advertising Board. You see Junior currently oversees the administration and operation of 163 Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburger Restaurants in five states and 24 Chili’s Restaurants through his company Manna Inc /ERJ Inc., which he is President and owner.  Junior proves out that there is life after basketball. Also if you plan well you can continue to be successful off the courts as well. He walks tall with leadership skills that others need to embrace and learn from. By hearing story’s like Junior Bridgeman can only educate and give others drive to succeed as well. Some of Juniors achievements include Bridgeman Foods awards for outstanding performance and success. Also, Wendy’s International award: The Diamond Award (most effective neighborhood marketer) Wendy Award (exemplary performance by a franchisee); the Founder’s Award (recognizing operational excellence by a franchisee) and the Jim Near Legacy Award (for employer of choice). Also in 1999, Bridgeman Foods received the Hall of Fame Award for overall achievement.

Junior has really given back to society his personal awards rank high. He received the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame award; Volunteers of America, Tribute award for outstanding Service to the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and various other awards including the Coach Wooden Key to Life Award. Junior has definitely found the right key to open all the doors he has walked through. While, talking with Junior I realized he is just a straight forward type of guy. Junior believes “You have to start with something you enjoy even if you don’t make any money at first.” He sounds like he was just made to be an entrepreneur from the start. Right from the beginning of his career he was all about developing relationships and building business ventures. Junior even found himself dabbling into the oil industry for a minute. Junior said, “you have to be willing to lose everything you have and get up the next day and start all over again.”

Sounds like this is a man that knows what it takes to be a successful business man. Being able to shift gears and continue to move forward when you need to. Junior has always been ahead of his game. By assuming risk and undertaking a great responsibility seems to make up the recipe for Junior Bridgeman a successful business man.

Center Stage: How many years were you playing basketball

Junior: 12 years but the most valuable ties were the friendships I developed with the players. The friendships that I was able to form are for a life time.

Center Stage: Have you been involved with community projects?

Junior: Yes, I helped a College get started in Milwaukee and I’m on the board of Louisville Community Initiative program.

Center Stage: What are some pointers you could give to individuals wanting to go into business for themselves?

Junior: If you don’t mind putting in long hours and enjoy what you are doing is what it takes. Get involved in something you enjoy doing even if you don’t make a billion at it. Also, having the patience in watching your business grow and develop.

Center Stage: So you’re saying you have to be prepared to take risk?

Junior: Yes, if you’re willing to take the risk and if the business is not a success I would go in a different direction. I would just garner the experience if it should flop.