Have You Met Joe Courtney?
As a successful entrepreneur, professional architect, and former NBA player, Joe Courtney is eminently qualified to lead others towards their own personal goals.
This author of the best- selling book Life Above and Beyond the Rim reveals, “I believe successful people reach true fulfillment when they unlock the power within others! My Life Above the Rim program encourages self mastery, while leaving a legacy of success. Your true happiness occurs after you help someone else.”
Joe devotes most of his time to speaking for corporations, organizations, private groups and personal coaching. “I also reach out to schools and organizations with my program that encourages entrepreneurial minds. I donate at least one or two motivational sessions a month, where I advise and encourage kids to reach for their dreams. My Life Above the Rim program uses the basketball metaphor for showing people that they don’t have to be stopped by their own glass ceilings; they can expand their ceiling and break through to live their dreams. I help people break through, and maximize their performance in any field!”
Joe was born in Jackson, MS, and moved to Germany at 6 months with his military family. “We lived there until I was almost eight and a half. German was actually my first language! We then moved back to Jackson, and in the 9th grade I was placed into an accelerated program for those gifted in the arts.” Some of his paintings have been professionally displayed.
The next year Joe watched Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls playing on TV. “I told my mother that I was inspired by Michael, and I started playing basketball for the first time. I went on to compete in college basketball at the University of Southern Mississippi, majoring in advertising graphics and architecture. When the team went on the road for games, I had to lug my homework, my large architecture portfolio!” During summers Joe had an internship at a design company in Jackson. After graduation he was offered a job with a graphics team in New York City. He put that on hold and pursued his dream to try and make it to the NBA. Undrafted, Joe played his way in and got to fulfill his dream of being on the court with Michael Jordan. Joe retired at 31 from professional sports, and went on to design multimillion dollar homes in Phoenix. “I met my wife in Phoenix when I played for the Suns, and I built our dream home here, moving permanently to Arizona in 2000.”
Courtney says there are multiple reasons why he loves Arizona. “Of course the winters are amazing! But foremost, I think it’s great that the state is young enough that it is still identifying itself. You can excel in business here- it’s a great place for visionaries and young professionals; you can create your own dreams!”
He also continues to help others reach their full potential. “Each time I stage an event, I choose a local charity to partner with. I also select students to attend the workshop for free, where I help them identify their goals and offer them solutions. I recently partnered with the Phoenix Suns, and we hand- selected five students, some who are already excelling, and two who have shown improvement in their lives.”
What are your local volunteer activities? Personal coaching, speaking to churches and non profits
Who inspired you to give back to your community? My mother, she inspired me to give back from an early age.
Which fundraising event is your favorite? Salud and Jerry Colangelo’s Hall of Fame Golf Fundraiser
Favorite restaurant? PF Changs
Whom do you most admire, and why? Jesus Christ because of what he had to endure from the very people he was trying to save.
If your life were a movie, who would you want to play your part? Will Smith
Do you have any pets? Yes, A French bulldog, Boston terrier, Arabian horse, tortoise and several fish. We love animals at our house.
Favorite TV show? Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon
When you move, what will your home tell its next owner about you? The man who lived here embraced experiences of life through history and architecture.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learned through the years? The power of forgiveness and to stay connected to who you are and what your vision for success and happiness is in life
What was your first job? I was a model and also mowed lawns in the neighborhood.
What is your greatest indulgence? Pizza
What do you consider to be your greatest achievement? Fathering my son Chase
What is your most treasured possession? My faith and my family
What is the quality you most like in people? I like people’s uniqueness and ability to have fun.
Favorite books/writers? Bible, Napoleon Hill, Life Above and Beyond the Rim (my book)
What is the trait you most deplore in others? Liars
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Creating and dreaming
What would we be most surprised to know about you? I was raised in Heidelberg, Germany until I was 8 and German was my first language.
What is the best advice you have ever received? “Don’t compete against others, compete against yourself” Michael Jordan
What are some challenges facing nonprofits? Losing sight of their core message, and also connecting to people.Joe Courtney has been successful in so many facets of his life, and now he is leaving the legacy of helping others reach their full potential!