Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dante Heard. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Dante, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

Taking risk is something I never been afraid of. In recent years, I’ve learned to better calculate risks and make more informed decisions. In March of 2021 I was presented with an opportunity to purchase the same building that houses the Lancaster City Boxing Academy, where I have boxed since high school. It’s run by my business partner, Coach Will who I co own the building with. The building also houses G&D Visuals LLC ran by myself and my business partner, Gabe Pena. Prior to the purchase, I spoke about buying real estate in 2021, so when the opportunity presented itself it was a no-brainer. Of course with this kind of purchase comes a lot of risk and uncertainty. The south side of Lancaster is probably one of the least desirable areas we have managed to turn it around and give the people in the community a positive place to come to.
After speaking to a few people I was almost convinced to pass on the opportunity. Fast forward we’ve made the purchase and it’s been the best decision I’ve made thus far. Despite all of the uncertainty, time, and money spent it has been worth it.
This risk was very life changing, my comfortable living situation prior was altered because of all the unexpected that came up on this journey. I started to think what’s the worst that can happen? and my list began to grow. For example, what if the gym didn’t recover because of covid? what if G&D Visuals LLC wasn’t profitable? or if the high interest rate and payments became too much to withstand along with renovations. The list goes on but ultimately the chance to provide something positive in the same neighborhood I grew up in means a lot to me. I knew sacrifices would have to be made & I knew times would be uncomfortable, but even then I wouldn’t go back and change anything. G&D Visuals continues to grow gaining more exposure and Lancaster City Boxing Academy continues to develop #1 fighters in the USA. At the moment we have an undefeated pro climbing the ranks. Lancaster South Side Building is currently under renovation to offer more opportunity to our community.

Dante, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Dante Heard I’m a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty. I’m also the owner of G&D Visuals LLC and the Lancaster South Side Building in Lancaster PA. Growing up I was most known for hosting events around the area & playing sports. From celebration events to sport tournaments in the community bringing out hundreds of people. I started throwing house parties to help pay for the bills in the house which continued to grow into bigger events. I did that for a while before eventually opening up my own recording studio. Music has been a big part of my life since I was born. My father till this day loves music and always had a recording studio wherever we lived. My father would spend hours in the studio recording people or making instrumentals and I’d be right there. Unfortunate situations took place and I moved on from the studio. I tried college but that didn’t work for me so I studied real estate something I always spoke about being involved in. Getting my real estate license was a real rewarding feeling and still is. Having to overcome barriers and obstacles because some of the trouble I been in made where I’m at now hard to imagine. In my career I’ve been able to help plenty of people & I also met some great people along the way. Knowing I wanted to accomplish a lot more I knew I’d have to be a lot more disciplined than others. I sometimes have to sit out on certain things. I miss birthdays and my siblings events sometimes due to the amount of work I have to put in. G&D Visuals LLC was formed in August 2020. I never thought I’d be running a graphic design garment apparel print shop but I am and it’s been a good experience so far. We offer direct to garment printing, embroidery, decal printing, graphic designs, and more. This venture wasn’t something I thought of, a friend from high school wanted to buy a house to set up the business in his home. That sparked a conversation which then led to us partnering up and putting the business together. We started in a small office and in less than a year later we relocated to a much larger warehouse space. I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to co own Lancaster South Side Building, housing both G&D visuals and the Lancaster City Boxing Academy. The boxing gym has been part of life since high school going from amateur boxing to helping where ever I can in the gym. I always strived to do more and my mind is always racing thinking about what’s next! I believe that’s what has me here. I’m not quick to give up and I’m most persistent and consistent when my mind is set on something I want.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

I literally had to work 2-3 jobs and save every penny I could. I wanted to be ready for any opportunity to came my way. I would work one job during the day and the other right after. I’m still working 2-3 different jobs with little bit of time for myself just so I can stay in position to invest.

How’d you meet your business partner?

I currently have 2 business partners. I run G&D Visuals LLC with Gabe Pena who I knew since high school, we played on the same football team. Coach Will Torres and I co own Lancaster South Side building. I met Will when I was 18, he’s been my boxing coach since then and now business partner.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://heardinrealestate.com/ https://www.gdvisuals.co/
• Instagram: Heardinrealestate
• Facebook: GD Visuals