Today we’d like to introduce you to Jordan Thompson.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My story, like far too many others’, is long and complicated. Even just deciding where to begin is tough. When people used to ask about my background, I didn’t really go too in depth.
Some parts were hard to tell and be open about. Eventually, it got to the point where I would open up more and more but would notice sympathetic reactions; which is not what I was wanting by any means. Really, I just wanted to be honest.
Now, however difficult my story is to tell and considering those reactions while recalling those trying times, I remember that it is our toughest times that build character. And sometimes others need to learn about our stories, if for no other reason than to realize that they weren’t alone in how they got to where they are today; or that there is still hope for them to get to where they want to be, despite difficulties of their past. In many ways we all have similar trying times; those times when you and your sibling have to take care of each other, when you successfully navigate your young and impressionable mind and body away from bad, violent, and or criminal behavior in your environment, when you become the “man of the house” and realize you have to grow up at a way too early age; it is at those moments when you forge an iron backbone with a drive to succeed despite your circumstances, and sometimes in spite of your circumstances. I left Atlanta to get away from my past. I came back to Atlanta to create a future. And every day my new story begins again.
When I graduated North Atlanta High School, I had a 3.0 GPA, but that wasn’t until after I pulled it up the 1.7 I got Freshman year, During most of high school, my father was in prison and my mother and step-father were usually traveling. When I wasn’t working, I was home alone in a new city, looking for ways to occupy my time. I was a white kid in a predominantly black high school and at first, I didn’t have many friends. But then something changed; I got involved in every school activity possible. I wanted to be a renaissance man. I needed a reason to stay out of trouble, make friends, and I needed something to keep me away from the loneliness that existed in my house. Luckily, those experiences in high school paid off. When I went to college out of state at the University of Alabama, I continued to once again get involved in every activity I had time for. This was all good fun and a great time until I realized that I was an 18-year-old kid trying to pay for out of state college tuition. I quickly realized that I was going to have to work my tail off in order to pay for it.
I worked up to 6 part-time jobs; the school gym, playing music at bars, security for Greek life parties, writing a blog for a law firm; I even enlisted in the Army National Guard and eventually Army ROTC. Through all of these outlets, I interacted with people from all walks of life. I learned how to engage in varying dialogue and work among people of a multitude of background, classes, races, and more. And I knew that I could capitalize on the lessons I learned from my interactions with them while helping others. My issue at this point was that I wasn’t exactly sure how I wanted to do that. Regardless, I stayed on the path I was on, continuing to broaden my horizons, interactions, and networks along the way.
After graduating college, I commissioned as an Army Officer and went to Infantry Officer School. This was the most mentally and physically demanding challenge I had up until this point in my life. And although the experience taught me a lot about myself and my leadership capabilities, I knew there was more learning to do. I started law school at Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law later that year and though the majority of my grades would make it seem otherwise, I graduated on the Dean’s list three years later. Again, during school, I decided to get involved. I founded the Samford Campus Veterans Association, volunteered at the VA on veteran’s legal issues, and started a non-profit called Teams For Troops, which sends sports team merchandise to deployed military units as well as promotes traumatic brain injury research. Additionally, I joined an organization called the Young Professionals of Birmingham, which turned out to be one of the best decisions I could have ever made.
YPBirmingham has monthly socials to promote networking throughout the city at cool venues with great people. I really enjoyed what the organization was doing and soon got invited to be on the board. Shortly thereafter I was elected Vice President. We then shifted focus to more non-profit outreach projects, where we were able to give a voice to many of the local non-profits in the city. YPBirmingham grew my network and allowed me to help others at the same time. It made me feel like I was making a difference in the city and propelled me to political aspirations; so much, that in 2017 I ran for Birmingham City Council. The race had eight candidates, mud slinging, name calling, and anything else you can think of that could happen in an election. In the end, I lost the election, but fortunately, I maintained my dignity.
Due to campaign obligations, I had foregone taking the Bar exam. I was also broke, living off of what little savings I had left, and I was wary about my future. I had the networks, I had plenty of opportunities, but I still felt lost. All of a sudden I got a phone call from a mentor in Atlanta that I hadn’t spoken to in a while. There was a job opening in the world of finance and somehow I was right for the position. Right then, I made the decision to move back to Atlanta and make Georgia home once again. I learned quickly; however, finance was tough.
After a year in back in Atlanta, I had bounced around from one firm to another. I had moved into different roles in finance and finally found the right one for me. During this time, I had re-grown my roots back into the city. I had been observant, networked constantly, and rubbed elbows with the movers and shakers; I was looking to see where significant change was happening, taking note of where help was being given, and where people were given the opportunity to make a difference. By one year in, I knew exactly what had to be done.
In October of 2018, we started the Young Professionals of Atlanta (YPofATL). We have a social event once a month for networking and a non-profit outreach project once a Quarter. Additionally, we promote local non-profits at our social events. We also have great benefits for our members such as clothing discounts, discounted gym memberships, and even free cover into popular clubs around Atlanta. Furthermore, we provide free tickets to Atlanta sporting events! The board consists of movers and shakers who are experts in their field. Their role on the board is synonymous with their regular 9-5. Some of the board members were also members of YPBirmingham before moving to the city, and they’re collectively responsible for nudging this organization to where it is today. The board as a whole is fantastic and without their commitment, we would not be as successful as we’ve become in such a short time.
Although we started in October, we had four board meetings before going public because we wanted to make sure everything was squared away. Without this board, I would be lost in the sauce without a paddle. Due to their efforts and support, we are able to help move the city forward through networking, non-profit outreach, and community interaction. The board and the members as well as the network that has developed, are the ones who continue my story. They are the page turners and the reason we continue to grow.
I left Atlanta to get away from my past. I came back to Atlanta to create a future. And every day my new story begins again because of this board and the network that has come of it. Thank you for helping me turn the page, Atlanta.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t think life is ever a smooth road, for anyone. But it’s the bumps in the road that cause us to get out of the car and take a second to check out our surroundings before checking the tires.
Growing up in a single family household is tough. Growing up in a home without any parents at all is tough. I had people try to influence my life in terrible ways and at the same time, I’ve had mentors who have helped pull me up from the darkest of places I could imagine. But in some way, we have all faced struggles and I try to not think about mine too much or weigh mine against anyone else’s. Instead, I try to focus on the lessons learned from those struggles and figure out ways to help others who may have experienced the same struggles.
Statistically, I should have ended up in jail, in a gang, or dead; but despite those statistics, with a ton of luck, and with the helping hands of people who were basically strangers; I was fortunate enough to take advantage of every opportunity I had in front of me. Now it’s my turn to lend helping hands and bring others up.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Young Professionals of Atlanta – what should we know?
The Young Professionals of Atlanta is a 501(c)3 whose mission is connecting professionals through networking and community involvement for the betterment of the city.
We have a social event every 3rd Wednesday of the month from 6:30pm – 9:30pm. The location will vary and is usually kept under wraps from the public until the week of the event. At those events, members and guests network with each other. The first 50 members are given a free drink ticket as well as a raffle coupon for a chance to win two great tickets to an Atlanta sporting event. The venue is usually a cool new bar or restaurant with an upscale and professional yet fun vibe. We go for professional but not boring, and fun, but not falling over intoxicated.
Additionally, we promote another local non-profit at our social event. The non-profit can have a representative there to hand out information about their organization or an upcoming event they’re having. We’ve even collected canned goods at a social for a local homeless shelter.
Furthermore, once a Quarter we provide our members with a non-profit outreach opportunity. This may be teaching professional skills to high school students, picking weeds up in the park, etc. The idea is to network with each other and grow professional relationships while giving back to the city that brings us together.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Inclusion. Atlanta is such a diverse place and there are so many people that come here from different parts of the country and the world. It is great having an organization where people can come and feel welcome, not as outsiders, but as professionals who really want to grow their networks and do good things for their community at the same time.
Pricing:
- Annual membership is $60 for 2019. This gives you free entry to social events and many other benefits.
- Guest fees for non-members at our Monthly Socials are $10
- If you’re a guest of a member, you only pay $5 instead of $10 at the Monthly Social
Contact Info:
- Website: www.YPofATL.org
- Email: Board@YPofATL.org
- Instagram: @YPofATL
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/YPofATL
Image Credit:
Chucky Kahng: ChuckyFoto, Dylan York: ChuckyFoto
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