Name: Frederick Whitaker Jr. aka “Fred Whit”
Profession: CEO Journee Enterprises/Celeb Business Manager
Age: 33
One Word That Describes You: Dedicated
Whether it’s a major brand deal, tour execution, or daily transactions, successful celebrities have successful business professionals behind them. One of these people is Frederick Whitaker, a man who is making major behind-the-scenes moves. CEO of Journee Enterprises and business manager for actor/TV personality Terrence J, Frederick Whitaker Jr. helps his clients maximize business opportunities, and ensures that their careers run smoothly. Whitaker has helped many of the biggest names in entertainment with executing their business goals and building their brands. Putting the pieces of the celebrity puzzle together is a difficult job that requires patience because no one day is ever the same.
“I wake up thankful for the blessings, and driven to accomplish more,” Whitaker tells BE Modern Man. “From that point, each day holds a different agenda, and there is a daily schedule, but more often than not, the day never sticks to the script.”
Although the day may not stick to the script, Whitaker’s ability to execute does. “I try to approach every meeting, appearance or interaction, in a manner that will foster the best business relationship.”
Successfully managing the affairs of major players in entertainment requires discipline and structure, but growing up Whitaker wanted nothing to do with the confines of a 9-5 job. “I used to tell my mother I couldn’t have a 9-5, but I had no idea what I wanted to do,” says Whitaker. “Before anything began to move in the entertainment world I worked as a construction worker, junior electrician, bagel delivery boy, and at Foot Locker.”
This all changed when Terrence J received the offer at BETs “106 & Park”. It didn’t take the two men long before they realized that they had to maximize this opportunity to its fullest. “The day you start doing what you love, is the last day you work – so technically I don’t look at this as work. I’m riding with my best friend, helping make both of our dreams come true.”
Watching so many personalities and guests on the show provided Whitaker and Terrence with an apprenticeship, which allowed them to learn, evolve, and understand the moves needed to grow as men in the industry. “We owe much to the folks at BET and 106 & Park,” Whitaker tells BE Modern Man. “Every opportunity that has come our way since our first day at BET, we’ve approached with a fervor like no other. Our mantra is: stay humble. We live that through hard work, and we hope it leaves an impression.”
Eight years in, Whitaker continues to make waves in
the industry. However, he considers himself to be ‘fresh’ in the game, and still feels as though he has much to prove. His work and partnerships with brands has been one of his biggest challenges. “Making the right relationships and alignments with brands that help us reach our goals, while we earn the trust and professional respect of billion-dollar companies, and convincing them that we can deliver the message they aim to get across – is no small feat,” says Whitaker.
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Delivering upon the message is critical to developing long-lasting relationships with major companies. Before you can deliver to a billion-dollar company you have to show that you can deliver to those closest to you. Never shying away from getting his hands dirty, Whitaker ‘walks the walk’. “I’ve always been a man of my word. I’m very loyal to my team. If I said I was going to do something, then I’m going to do it. Furthermore, I don’t just give directions – I lead by example.”
The example he sets is one he hopes his 3-year-old daughter will appreciate. Fatherhood has taught Whitaker to be patient and enjoy the moment. “Sometimes we work so hard that we don’t realize what’s going on, or what we’re a part of, until it’s too late,” says Whitaker. “Sometimes you’re so
focused that you forget to appreciate the position you’re occupying, and the growth you’ve achieved. Journee changed all of that. Every year is precious and no day goes by that I don’t revel in the majesty that is my daughter, and the blessings that this life has given me.”With his daughter’s eyes fixated on his every move, Whitaker understands that he is molding her to become a phenomenal woman. “My daughter will understand that nothing is impossible,” Whitaker tells BE Modern Man. “Even now, she is forbidden from using the words ‘can’t’ or ‘quit.’ Her life will be driven by recognizing that hard work, dedication, and humility will yield infinite successes.”
Whitaker is deeply entrenched in the media landscape and has a bird’s-eye-view of disparities related to the amount of attention the media gives to the efforts African American men in entertainment make, particularly their part in helping to improve their communities. “Whether it’s this year’s 10th anniversary of LudaDay, in which Chris hosts a weekend of charity events, panels, and community outreach, or Carmelo marching the streets of Baltimore in the wake of Freddie Gray’s death and the Black Lives Matter movement – there’s isn’t enough light given to the roles these men of color play in their larger black American communities.”
Of particular importance to his clients is the popularity contest of
major awards shows, such as the Oscars and Grammys. “These shows continue to ignore the great work of individuals of color, and their works and contributions to popular culture,” says Whitaker. “The 2015 award season alone was enough to abandon the ship entirely until some type of change is made.”A man true to his word, Whitaker is building a business off of hard-work that he hopes will leave a favorable impression on the next generation. “I wasn’t trained to do this, nor did I expect to be here. I was an average kid born in Brooklyn and raised in North Carolina, who went into college thinking life would lead me somewhere else – but took advantage of the opportunities that came my way and ran through open doors when the time was right.”
Running through those doors Whitaker hasn’t looked back. Still, he understands that this isn’t a race; it’s a marathon. “Embrace the hard times because they are only going to make you stronger, but enjoy the good times because that’s what makes it all worth it.”
The Black Enterprise team salutes Fred Whitaker for his accomplishments in the entertainment industry. Be sure to see the latest from Fred Whitaker by following on Twitter.
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