GROWING UP in Harlem, N.Y., he told his friends he'd make it big one day. And he did just that.
Damon Dash, the son of a single mother who died when he was just 15, became the CEO and co-founder (with Jay-Z and Kareem Burke) of Roc-A-Fella Records and the founder of Rocawear clothing. He owns Armadale vodka, America magazine, Pro-Keds sneakers, Team Roc, Tiret Watches, the Rachel Roy Clothing Line, Dash Management and Dash/DiBella Boxing.
He's a moviemaker, too, having directed, acted in and produced a variety of films, including the well-received Kevin Bacon drama "The Woodsman" and several hip-hop films featuring Philly rapper Beanie Sigel.
Dash, now 35, is the ultimate hustler. This brother is holding it down!
I have great admiration for individuals who possess the free spirit of an entrepreneur, who go after and achieve exactly what they set out to do. Some may find this puzzling, but Dash reminds me of President Calvin Coolidge, who said:
"Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men of talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent."
I was simply delighted when the opportunity came up recently to interview Dash. You might be saying to yourself: What does Damon Dash have to do with a health and fitness column?
Well, the driven Dash is not only committed to a vigorous fitness lifestyle, but he is also committed to increasing awareness about a disease he has, type 1 diabetes (diabetes mellitus). He is also a national spokesman for the American Diabetes Association.
Here are some of his strategies for beating diabetes and winning in life.
Q: How did you get started in the entertainment business?
A: Well, I was always trying to figure out a way to make a lot of money without having a real job... But once I got into the music business, I found out it was more of a job than anything else I ever done. It's a 24-hour thing.
Q: Did you go to college or B-school?
A: I got my GED. I went to regular high school and got kicked out, but when my mom died, I enrolled myself into a boarding school at 17 [where I had received a scholarship]. I attended for one year.
Q: You've become tremendously successful by not following conventional wisdom. What's your secret?
A: Consistency and branding.
Q: Tell me how you became a spokesman for the American Diabetes Association.
A: I'm diabetic. Type 1. I take insulin all day long.
Q: As you know, millions of Americans are afflicted with diabetes, and especially African-Americans. What is your message to people who are challenged with this disease?
A: Take care of yourself, check your blood and watch your carbs.
Q: What about exercise? What's your daily fitness routine?
A: I work out for about 90 minutes. I do a little running, work the heavy bag and do some boxing.
Q: Boxing? So that's something you're really passionate about too?
A: I love boxing and always have. I've been doing it since I was 16.
Q: What are some of your other passions?
A: My kids. I love them! I have three.
Q: Had you in your wildest imagination envisioned you would be where you are today?
A: I'm behind. I have a lot to do. I like to control my own destiny.
Q: I can relate. What are your words of wisdom for other budding entrepreneurs?
A: I'll use a boxing metaphor. The harder you train outside of the ring, the better you'll be in the ring. It's effort. Whatever you put in is what you'll get out. *