We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Gabe Alexander. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Gabe below.

Hi Gabe, thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I took a risk on myself at 28 years old in 2023 when I left my regular job and decided to pursue my entrepreneurial career path full time and become a professional basketball as a way to survive and thrive as a young adult , without the security and assurance of a 40-hour a week income. I became an independent individual that no longer exchanged my time for income . My daughter had just turned 1, I lived alone, I had just gotten a new car after going to and from work for months on a bicycle. My living expenses had changed drastically now that I was living alone paying for a new car, insurance and providing for my daughter that lived 7 hours away from me. I knew that I would’ve needed to make more money at my current job at the time to afford my living expenses . Once I sat down with my manager and told them my circumstances as I asked for an increase in pay, I was laughed at in a way so convincing that I knew that my current employer did not respect my wishes as an employee. I put in my 2-week notice not long after that and began my journey as a full-time professional dunker and basketball player

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Gabriel Alexander, I’m a 30-year-old professional basketball player and dunker from Marksville, Louisiana. I’m a father of 2 beautiful children . One girl and one boy. I’ve been playing and competing in dunk competitions for over 12 years. I officially got into the entertainment and professional dunking industry at the age of 23 immediately after my last semester at McNeese State University after receiving my second degree and competing as a high jumper for the Men’s track team. I’ve been able to produce and contribute to the professional sports world and industry as a performer, clothing designer, model and businessman. What sets me apart is my genuine and sincere passion for what I do and the way that I embrace every aspect of my life and the people that I meet along the way to the best of my ability ! I I’m most proud of my children,the impact and influence I have on so many people’s lives that I encounter by doing what I love for a living and never giving up on my dream. The main things I want people to know about me and my work is that I strive to be a better version of myself each day that I wake up and that I use my platform to be the same inspiration to others that someone was for me at some point in my life .

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

I’ve worked over 20+ different jobs in the last 10 years to fund my business. The initial capital I needed to fund my business came from my 9-to-5 income that I had back in 2018. I was working as a sales associate. I was scheduled to work one day but the weather was so bad where i worked that everyone had been given the day off . So on my off day I casually lied down on the couch and went through searches on my iPhone to register my brand and business as an LLC with the money i had just got paid from working that week.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I was so dedicated and committed to my basketball journey that I one time worked an entire 12-hour shift on my feet at a warehouse from 6pm to 6am and then immediately drove 6 more hours to make it to a basketball game in Austin Texas for SXSW on time to play. I was able to check into my AirBnB and rest for only 30 minutes before I had to leave for the game . I played a full game and had so many highlights after going 18+ hours with no sleep

Contact Info:

• Instagram: GabeDunks
• Facebook: GabeDunks LLC
• Twitter: GabeDunks_
• Youtube: GabeDunks

Image Credits

HoopBus
AstroHoopz
Ballin4Peace
318 Photography