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February 6, 2013
ULM alum, Monroe native, and former NFL running back publishes book
ULM alum and former NFL running back Dr. Joe Profit (B.A. ‘71) recently published, “Fields of Success – Raised Expectations,” in which he recounts his experiences in the different ‘fields’ of his life.
The title “Fields of Success” refers to the various arenas where Profit, a Monroe native, faced his most significant challenges: the cotton fields where he worked as a child, the football field where he played as a student and professional athlete, and the business ‘fields’ where he has had numerous achievements.
According to the book description, Profit has crafted an epistle that can serve as encouragement, affirmation and confirmation – perhaps even a guide to help others.
Though not a self-help book, “Fields of Success” highlights the importance of hard work, dedication and positive thinking, even in the toughest of circumstances.
This poignant message tracks Profit’s journey to becoming the successful businessman and entrepreneur he is today.
“Success is not a matter of chance,” says Dr. Profit. “It is a matter of preparation… I am a proud ULM graduate! I got a lot more from the university than a great education.”
His motto is, “Do what you can, when you can, as long as you can! Success is not a thing to be waited for – it is a thing to go after. ULM helps change the world by investing in dreams.”
Dr. Profit has coined the acronym P.R.I.D.E., which stands for “Professional Results In Daily Efforts,” and he encourages all to follow this mantra.
While attending what would later be known as the University of Louisiana at Monroe, Profit majored in education.
He was the first African American to play football for then-Northeast Louisiana University.
He played running back for four years from 1967-1970 and set the record for all-time rushing with 2,818 career yards – a record that was held for 22 years.
He was also the first athlete to have his number retired in university history, has been inducted into the ULM Hall of Fame, and is a member of ULM’s Hall of Traditions.
Since graduating from ULM, Profit has received a Doctor of Philosophy from Haywood University and an honorary doctorate from Logos Graduate School.
In 1971, Profit was selected in the first round of the NFL draft as the seventh-overall pick, but the first draft choice for the Atlanta Falcons.
A career-changing injury during his stint with the Falcons gave him a new perception on life and helped turn his focus toward business.
For three consecutive years, “INC.500 Magazine” ranked his company Communications International Inc. (CII) as one of the fastest growing privately held companies in America in 1987, 1988 and 1989.
CII was instrumental in the development of the new telephone communications platform, and as technology advanced, so did the company, as it branched into digital broadcasting. Hence the new company, Multimedia Digital Broadcast Corporation.
Profit was also appointed by President Ronald Reagan to serve on the Federal Communication Commission and the International Trade Commission for policy, to which he was later re-appointed by President George H.W. Bush.
In 1988, he was named “Entrepreneur of the Year” by Ernst & Young.
Profit has been inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, the Business and Professional Hall of Fame, and the Institute of American Entrepreneurs as a lifetime member.
As CEO of two technology- innovative corporations, Profit received the Granville T. Woods Award for Outstanding CEO.
He has been featured in USA Today and Essence Magazine as well as the Money section of The Wall Street Journal. Profit is the founder, President and CEO of Multimedia Digital Broadcast Corporation.
No matter what challenges he has faced, Profit maintained a mind-over-matter philosophy, refusing to excuse anything short of success.
To get a copy of Dr. Profit’s new book, visit www.drprofitfieldsofsuccess.com or Amazon.com.
For more information about “Fields of Success,” e-mail jprofit@onemcgroup.com or visit his book blog at drjoeprofit.wordpress.com or his Facebook page at facebook.com/drjoeprofit
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