- (Images: Thinkstock; ThePottersHouse.org; T.D. Jakes)
Bishop T.D. Jakes has expanded his brand tremendously, from being founder of TDJ Enterprises, to author of more than 30 books, to film producer of the upcoming box office feature, Jumping the Broom. Spreading a message of faith and hope, Jakes, also head of his Dallas-based church, The Potter’s House, proves that one can take their vision into a diversity of ventures, cultivating an empire that speaks volumes. Here’s a look at his brand and its successes. –Janell Hazelwood
His mega-church, The Potter’s House, had humble beginnings as a storefront house of worship with just 10 members, and transformed into a 191,000 square foot, 8,000-seat worship center, built for $45 million. It now has more than 30,000 members and has created jobs for hundreds in its more than 50 active not-for-profit ministries.
Under TDJ Enterprises, the spiritual powerhouse produces plays, TV shows, and mega conferences; develops real estate including the $150 million Capella Park; releases Grammy award-winning music via a record label, Dexterity Sounds; writes best-selling books; and manages a multi-million dollar deal with Sony Pictures to produce movies, one of which is the soon-to-be released Jumping the Broom. Also released were NAACP Image Award winner, Woman Thou Art Loosed, starring Loretta Divine and Kimberly Elise, and Not Easily Broken, starring Taraji P. Henson and Morris Chestnut.
Jakes ventured successfully into the literary world as a best-selling author, with books that infuse spiritual guidance and real-life issues. Two nonfiction reads reached No. 3 on The New York Times Best Sellers list, Before You Do: Making Great Decisions That You Won’t Regret
($23.93; Atria), and Reposition Yourself ($24; Atria). Reposition Yourself remained on the list for 23 weeks, and spent 20 weeks on USA Today’s best-sellers list. He’s also the author of fiction novels including Cover Girls.
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