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Meet Joshua Malloy-Johnson

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Malloy-Johnson.

Joshua, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
When I first moved to Arizona from my hometown Oakland, CA I had no job and anticipated to attend college six months from then in the spring. My goal was to play college ball at Grand Canyon University. Unfortunately, despite previously being an opponent in the conference, I wasn’t even given a proper tryout. I tried setting up a meeting to speak with the coach, I left a school that gave me a 3/4 scholarship to play there, and wasn’t given a fair opportunity. That’s when most of it changed for me. At this point, I had no other choice but to stay and get my degree; I became the first person in my family to graduate from a four-year university.

While practicing in the gym, I met a guy by the name of Ben. Two days later, I met a person named Kevin. One month of avoiding them about a business opportunity, we met and I understood that what I was doing won’t get me to where I need to be. I got involved with an online business and four years down the road I’ve evolved physically, mentally and spiritually. With that growth attracted wonderful people who knew where they wanted to go. One of those people was the love of my life Diana Muturia. Since she has moved here from Kenya when she turned 18, we’ve been friends, partners, and Go-getters nine years strong.

Fast forwarding to 2014 in the fall, I’m in the best shape of my life and still pursuing professional basketball. I’ve saved my money, declined festive events, traveled to other states and countries in the belief that the habits I’ve to built to this point will allow me to play the game I love professionally. Within a span of three years, I’ve been to Australia, Spain, tried out for the Phoenix Suns G-League team. Getting injured, being too short, not scoring enough hasn’t equated to a professional contract yet. I’ve been disappointed, depressed, angry at my situation, but it’s not what happens to you it’s how you react to it!

Since then, I’ve been two years into day trading the foreign exchange market and continuing to prepare for the next tryout in faith that the RIGHT EYES WILL SEE ME. I will find a professional team to play for, and with the correct body maintenance and consistency in my craft will make me a professional.

Aside from the love of this game, the competition, the desire to grow myself and wallet; what drives me the most are those I encounter. The feeling of being able to inspire someone to follow their dreams, live healthier-wealthier-happier and provide for my family (present and future) drives me to the point of tears at times. But I know all the failures that transpire on the path is one step closer to making this all happen.

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?
Some of the struggles I’ve endured is with my spirituality. When you are alone in your mind, it’s important to keep a mind of strength and understand that challenges will occur.

Financially after school was rough having to pay for bills and my dreams. The thought of taking care of family is always on your mind too so you try to contribute when you can.

The stigma of being too short, too old secretly tries to dwell, but you always keep finding ways to use perceived weaknesses as your strength.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I’m most known for my basketball skills and also my venture of day trade investing.

What sets me apart from the rest is my willingness to never stop growing or caring. With the right intentions, you can shake a lot of ground, make an impression on people, and maybe affect their lives. But no matter what always stay true.

Is there something we can do as a city to improve the outlook for businesses like yours?
Absolutely! Phoenix is a great place to start because it’s growing but not quite like a prime time city to go for business growth. It’s not saturated. There’s plenty of geographical space to grow your business. It doesn’t hurt that Phoenix really appreciates small business ventures too.

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Image Credit:
Joshua Malloy-Johnson, EuroPro Basket

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

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