PHATEX
Johnel Langerston (323-276-5060) overcame dire circumstances to reach extraordinary heights. He went from being an illiterate drug dealer and convict to owning his multi-million dollar business, PHATEFX. Johnel grew up in a poor family in Oakland, California with a father in prison and a mother who abused drugs. He began attending school when he was in the sixth grade and did not know how to read. He did earn a track scholarship to college, however, but that was taken away when an injury ended his athletic career. Johnel then began selling narcotics and was arrested in 1987. After serving his ten-year sentence, he began working for his friend in a marketing company.

Johnel later decided that he wanted to start his own business. He found an office space in Los Angeles and Phatefx was born. But running a business with little money was initially difficult. Johnel found himself working long hours because he was not able to sufficiently pay his employees. However, his dedication to quality, efficiency and low prices would help him secure many of his clients. Johnel also demonstrated strong commitment to his work and made every effort to fulfill his obligations to his customers. Today, Phatex is a giant in the hip-hop community that offers services in design, print, CD manufacturing, Electronic Press Kits (EPK), and urban marketing, among others. Some of his famous clients include singers Beyonce and Mariah Carey, and rapper Nas.