The Wealth Playbook That Changed the Game: A Success Story Spotlight

NBA star Junior Bridgeman transitioned from playing professional basketball to building a massive empire of McDonald's (and other fast-food) franchises. After a career with the Milwaukee Bucks, he strategically saved money from his playing days to invest in restaurants and eventually became one of the nation's largest fast-food operators.  

From the NBA to Fast Food

• Inspiration: 

Bridgeman's journey began when he saw Wayne Embry, a former NBA player and McDonald's franchisee, in a bustling restaurant and decided to pursue a similar path. 

• Entrepreneurial Spirit: 

He was intrigued by the idea of building a business rather than working for someone else, leading him to establish a goal of saving $1 million during his career. 

• Building a Portfolio: 

After his NBA career, Bridgeman didn't just open a few restaurants; he became a significant entrepreneur with stakes in multiple businesses, including fast-food franchises and publishing. 

A Fast-Food Giant

• Scale of Operations: 

Bridgeman's business interests grew to encompass hundreds of fast-food restaurants, making him a major player in the industry after his basketball career ended. 

• A Billion-Dollar Empire: 

His successful venture into the fast-food world made him a prominent businessman and a key figure in the franchising world, demonstrating how an NBA player could leverage their resources into a major business.