Shaquille O’Neal is one of the greatest centers in NBA history. However, he also understands the value of money is not one to be used recklessly.
He boasts an impressive portfolio, consisting of The General car insurance, Vitaminwater, Lyft, Sacramento Kings basketball team tickets, Auntie Anne’s pretzel restaurants, 40 fitness centers, shopping centers and movie theaters as investments.
Who Owns The General?
Shaquille O’Neal has been approached by various individuals and companies with endorsement and business proposals, most of which he declines. But The General auto insurance was one company to gain his approval – currently offering car insurance policies in 44 states across America, with premiums often costlier for high risk drivers who fall within its coverage area.
O’Neal will become The General’s new brand ambassador and star alongside their cartoon mascot in both TV and digital media commercials, TV advertisements and their “The Break” campaign, which highlights how The General offers people discounts on car insurance policies – set to launch this summer.
The General is an American insurance provider headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee that provides non-standard auto insurance policies to those with lower credit ratings. Owned by American Family Insurance and operating under its brand name “The General”, The General has been around for more than 100 years renowned for providing low cost insurance with amusing ads.
Recently, The General has undergone an expansive brand evolution designed to advance growth within its industry and alter how it is perceived by the public. This includes an updated logo and General character as well as an ad campaign featuring characters who all need a break at some point in their lives.
In The General’s campaign, he features various people – from an overworked mother to a former NFL player seeking guidance – each story showing that The General can lend assistance when people most need it.
Shaq has taken his role as brand ambassador of The General even further by starting an exciting TV series with them: “Shaq Gives Back.” Each episode of this three-part video series visits local Atlanta businesses such as record stores, restaurants and a non-profit meal delivery service to show just how there is support from The General to those in need.
Shaq’s Investment Portfolio
Many know Shaq for his dominance on the basketball court, yet few realize he also boasts a substantial portfolio of investments. With hundreds of millions amassed through endorsements and other ventures, including his own personal ventures, Shaq has realized the power of diversification; his investment philosophy being: “Invest in things that will change people’s lives”. This philosophy has allowed Shaq to amass an impressive fortune while making wise business decisions.
Shaq made his fortune accidentally through Google. Overhearing two individuals discuss creating a mobile-friendly search engine in a hotel lobby, Shaq decided to invest during its Series A valuation – only realizing his stake when Google went public and netted him hundreds of millions!
Shaq’s vast investment portfolio spans various fields, including sports, real estate, and technology. His holdings span both professional and collegiate teams as well as commercial and residential properties in various locations around the country. Furthermore, Shaq has made investments in hospitality-related companies which capitalize on tourist hotspots while simultaneously creating jobs for local residents.
Shaq’s most significant asset is his minority ownership stake in the Sacramento Kings of the NBA, and continues to work with them as an analyst on TNT television broadcasts. Furthermore, Shaq also owns part of Miami HEAT and Los Angeles Clippers franchises.
Recently, Shaq has turned his attention toward investing in real estate technology. He has aligned himself with innovative startups such as Ring – a smart home security system. These investments demonstrate his awareness and understanding of an ever-evolving market.
Shaq not only owns multiple businesses and interests, but he also boasts an impressive collection of luxury properties around the country. One such impressive mansion he owns in Davie, Florida features seven bedrooms and eight bathrooms along with a pool and home theater – an incredible feat in itself!
Shaq’s Personal Brand
Shaq’s personal brand is an impressive enterprise spanning multiple industries. He has appeared in movies and television programs, worked as a sports commentator, made guest appearances on numerous radio programs, had his own line of shoes and apparel produced, invested in various companies (Papa John’s Pizza and Carnival Cruise Line among them) as a strategic advisor or board member and more recently held positions such as an investor advisory board member or strategic advisor – making his presence felt in virtually all imaginable ways!
Shaq earned $292 Million between salary and endorsements during his basketball career. While some of this wealth was used for lavish homes, exotic cars, and even an island retreat; Shaq also saved some for future investments – such as purchasing distressed properties in response to the housing market crash and selling them back at more reasonable terms to their owners.
Genius Brands, an international children media company, and Shaq recently entered into a joint venture to produce the animated show Shaq’s Garage, featuring Shaq as the main character and executive producing. Already they have filed multiple federal trademark applications to safeguard their intellectual property rights.
Although Shaq’s investment portfolio spans various industries, his philosophy for investing is clear: products that bring joy to consumers while maintaining high standards are what matter most to him – this approach has helped him build up a multi-billion dollar empire.
One of his most successful investments has been his ownership stake in various restaurant chains. He owns 155 Five Guys Burger restaurants, 17 Auntie Anne’s Pretzel stores and one Krispy Kreme doughnut shop among many others. Furthermore, he holds ownership stakes in 40 24-hour fitness centers, shopping centers and movie theaters – further expanding his remunerated investment portfolio.
He is a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings NBA team, has invested in hundreds of other companies (exact ownership percentage unknown) and earned himself a reputation as an aggressive investor with an established track record in making high-quality investments.
Shaq has managed to remain grounded despite his immense financial success and is dedicated to giving back to the community. He has appeared at various charitable events, established his own foundation that assists children facing various issues and featured it on Turner Sports’ Bleacher Report as well as social platforms like Snapchat. Additionally, he hosts his own TV series called Shaq Gives Back which airs regularly.
Shaq Gives Back
Shaquille O’Neal continues to build upon his business empire off the court. Recently, he signed on as brand ambassador for The General – an auto insurance provider known for their cartoon mascot – hoping his charismatic persona fits perfectly within this role. O’Neal hopes his influence can change public perception of The General as well.
O’Neal will appear in new television commercials alongside The General’s mascot and help with digital campaigns as part of an active marketing plan for The General. O’Neal has long been a customer, and plans to leverage his reputation to increase their exposure. The General is an expanding auto insurance provider well known for offering affordable policies with top-tier service; plus an industry leader when it comes to using data analytics for smarter coverage decisions.
Shaq has an active philanthropic presence. Through the Shaq Foundation, children and families benefit from annual initiatives supported by its program. Shaq serves as national spokesperson for Boys and Girls Clubs of America; furthermore he donated one million to build technology centers nationwide through Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Furthermore, Big Chicken Restaurant Chain cemented Shaq as a successful entrepreneur.
Shaq has always been known as an exceptionally generous person, but his generosity really shines during the holidays. On his podcast with GaryVee, Shaq revealed that he bought 1000 PS5s and Nintendo Switches as gifts for children this Christmas – motivated by memories of how his own parents treated him when he was young.
People often go wild with their money once they become celebrities, spending it frivolously or on things that offer no tangible benefit for the world. Shaq understands the importance of managing his finances wisely and values even small expenditures; his mother taught him not to waste his money on anything that won’t bring improvement or enhance life.
