BELLAVIC ENTERTAINMENT
Geno Taylor (www.bellavic.com) was a successful salesman of both wine and pharmaceuticals. However, he longed to have a place in the entertainment industry. Geno seized the opportunity to pursue his dream when he met Mykal Wilson, an independent film producer. The two formed a partnership and created BELLAVIC ENTERTAINMENT, a company that acquires and distributes independent movies. To fund the business, Geno applied for an SBA Loan by using his house as collateral. His efforts paid off and he was approved for $250,000; this was unusual because at the time, the SBA was not accustomed to allocating funds to businesses in the entertainment industry. Then he met Danny Rodriguez through a mutual friend and Bellavic Entertainment developed into an effective blend of Geno’s salesmanship and Danny’s production skills. The two also understand the importance of establishing strong relations with outside alliances. They have secured deals with Kendrick Group and Lightyear/Warner Video, which enables their films to be theatrically released and stocked in home video stores. Currently, Geno and Danny are in post production on a project called “The Devil Inside” and their company continues to assist other filmmakers in financing, producing, and distributing their works.

JIM KELLY DESIGNER APPAREL

Jim Kelly (www.jim-jk-kelly.com) had an idea of creating bracelets that can be worn as cufflinks. In 1997, he brought his invention to life when he started his company JIM KELLY DESIGNER APPAREL. Unfortunately, he had to learn about the darker side of business fairly early. Jim worked with a manufacturer that cheated him by producing his BraceLinks with aluminum instead of the designated metals, like gold and platinum, which was more valuable. This did not discourage him and he continued to grow his business with the money he had earned as an actor and personal trainer. However, he sought outside assistance when his own funds were nearly depleted. He received financial support and gained a business partner when he met Bob Shulman of Lucasini. Bob was so impressed by BraceLinks that he agreed to license, manufacture, distribute, and sell them. Jim earns royalty from the sales and handles PR and marketing for the product line. In 2004, Jim Kelly Designer Apparel sold 50,000 shirts and BraceLinks. Currently, Jim is working with another partner Kevin Roberts and he hopes the new alliance will help take his company to new heights in the fashion industry.

In Secrets of Success, Rev. Mark Whitlock (markw@corchurch.org) of Nehemiah Corporation gives advice on how to proactively seek financial solutions for your business.

The studio guest is Olivia Fox Cabane (info@spitfireteam.com), Executive Director of Spitfire Communications, who shares insight on how to form strategic alliances.