Specs

36 x 24 inches / 10800 x 7200 pixels

• Original photo print under acrylic glass

• Fuji Crystal DP II photo paper

• Solid aluminum Dibond backing

The Life Story of Jesse Itzler In One Art Piece

The Life Story of Jesse Itzler: Entrepreneur, Athlete, and Innovator

(To see other life stories like Jesse’s, please visit @sagen.life on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/sagen.life/)

Early Life and Background

Jesse Itzler was born on August 22, 1968, in Roslyn, New York. Raised in an entrepreneurial family, Jesse was exposed to business at an early age. His father, Daniel Itzler, was an inventor, and his mother, Elese Itzler, was a successful businesswoman. This environment fostered a strong sense of creativity and ambition in Jesse, qualities that would later define his career.

As a child, Jesse was known for his boundless energy and enthusiasm. He was always involved in sports, especially basketball, which became a significant part of his identity. His passion for sports would later play a crucial role in his life, influencing many of his business ventures, as depicted on the very right of his life story custom artwork.

Education and Early Career

Jesse attended American University in Washington, D.C., where he graduated with a degree in justice, law, and society. Although his major was not directly related to business, Jesse’s time in college was marked by his entrepreneurial spirit. He was always looking for ways to create value and saw opportunities where others didn’t.

After college, Jesse pursued his passion for music. He had a knack for rapping and decided to try his hand in the music industry. He adopted the stage name Jesse Jaymes and, in 1991, released his debut album Thirty Footer in Your Face. His single "Shake It Like a White Girl" became a hit, gaining significant airplay and attention. While his music career was short-lived, it provided Jesse with invaluable experience in the entertainment industry and a network of connections that would serve him later (including 50 cent) as seen in the commissioned life story artwork.

Co-founding Marquis Jet

Jesse’s first major entrepreneurial success came in 2001 when he co-founded Marquis Jet, a private jet card company that revolutionized the private aviation industry. The idea behind Marquis Jet was simple yet innovative: instead of buying a fractional ownership in a private jet, customers could purchase 25-hour jet cards, giving them the flexibility to fly privately without the long-term commitment.

The concept was a hit, especially among affluent individuals and businesses who valued the convenience and flexibility Marquis Jet offered. Jesse’s charisma and ability to connect with people were instrumental in the company’s growth. Marquis Jet quickly became one of the largest private aviation companies in the world, and in 2010, it was acquired by NetJets, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway! One of his many incredible achievements that can be see depicted in his Jesse’s commissioned art piece.

Zico Coconut Water and the Health Revolution

Following the success of Marquis Jet, Jesse continued to seek out innovative business opportunities. He became an early investor and partner in Zico Coconut Water, a company that was at the forefront of the health and wellness revolution. Jesse recognized the growing trend of health-conscious consumers looking for natural and nutritious beverages.

Zico’s success was driven by its appeal to athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and health-conscious individuals who were looking for a natural alternative to sugary sports drinks. Jesse’s marketing acumen played a crucial role in the brand’s growth. In 2013, Zico was acquired by The Coca-Cola Company, further solidifying Jesse’s reputation as a visionary entrepreneur.

Married to Sara Blakely: A Power Couple

In 2008, Jesse married Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx and one of the most successful female entrepreneurs in the world. The couple quickly became known as a “power couple,” with both Jesse and Sara supporting each other’s ventures while raising a family.

Their marriage is characterized by a shared passion for innovation, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy. Jesse and Sara are committed to giving back, and they are involved in numerous charitable initiatives, particularly in education and women’s empowerment.

100 Mile Man and the Power of Endurance

Jesse’s passion for sports and fitness remained a constant throughout his life. In 2006, he embarked on a journey that would challenge him physically and mentally: running ultramarathons. Jesse’s first ultramarathon was the San Diego One Day, a 100-mile race that he completed despite having minimal long-distance running experience.

This experience was transformative for Jesse. It taught him the power of endurance, mental toughness, and pushing beyond perceived limits. These lessons became central to his life philosophy and business approach. Jesse documented his experience in the book Living with a SEAL: 31 Days Training with the Toughest Man on the Planet, which became a bestseller. The book recounts the time he spent living and training with a Navy SEAL, who pushed him to his physical and mental limits.

Jesse’s journey as an endurance athlete didn’t stop there. He went on to complete several other extreme endurance events, including the Spartan Death Race and the Ultraman World Championships. These experiences not only shaped his personal life but also influenced his business ventures, particularly in the health and wellness space. One fun fact about Jesse is that he is known for only eating fruit until noon as one can see on the top left of his custom life story piece.

The 29029 Everesting Challenge

In 2017, Jesse co-founded 29029 Everesting, a unique endurance event that challenges participants to climb the vertical equivalent of Mount Everest, 29,029 feet, within 36 hours. The event takes place on ski slopes in locations like Utah and Vermont, where participants hike up the mountain and take the gondola back down, repeating the process until they reach the 29,029-foot goal.

The idea behind 29029 Everesting was to create a life-changing experience that combined physical challenge, mental endurance, and community. The event quickly gained popularity among athletes, adventurers, and those seeking personal growth through physical challenges.

The Building of Itzler's Empire

Jesse Itzler’s success as an entrepreneur extends beyond his individual ventures. He is a co-founder of The 100 Mile Group, a brand incubator and accelerator that has helped launch and grow several successful companies. The 100 Mile Group’s portfolio includes companies in various industries, from food and beverage to fitness and wellness.

Jesse’s approach to business is characterized by his ability to spot trends early, his willingness to take risks, and his belief in the power of endurance and perseverance. He is known for his “Build Your Life Resume” philosophy (as highlighted in the title of “Jesse Itzler’s Life Resume” on his commissioned art piece), which encourages people to focus not just on their professional achievements but on their life experiences, challenges, and personal growth.

Philanthropy and Giving Back

Throughout his career, Jesse has been committed to philanthropy and giving back to the community. He is involved in numerous charitable initiatives, particularly in the areas of education, health, and wellness. Jesse and Sara Blakely are members of The Giving Pledge, a commitment by some of the world’s wealthiest individuals to give away the majority of their wealth to charitable causes.

One of Jesse’s notable philanthropic efforts is his involvement with Pencils of Promise, an organization that builds schools and increases access to education for children in developing countries. Jesse has been an active supporter of the organization, both financially and through his advocacy.

Legacy and Impact

Jesse Itzler’s art life story is a testament to the power of creativity, perseverance, and the willingness to push beyond one’s limits. From his early days as a rapper to his success as an entrepreneur, endurance athlete, and philanthropist, Jesse has consistently demonstrated an ability to turn ideas into reality.

His art life story legacy is not just in the companies he has built or the races he has completed, but in the impact he has had on others. Through his books, speaking engagements, and personal example, Jesse has inspired countless individuals to embrace challenges, pursue their passions, and build their life resumes.

As he continues to innovate and inspire, Jesse Itzler remains a powerful force in the world of entrepreneurship, endurance sports, and philanthropy. His story is far from over, and his impact will be felt for generations to come.

- CGR

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