TJ Loftin is a well-renowned global thought leader and economic futurist. His reach spans multiple industries as an award-winning Celebrity Car Builder, Inventor, Auto Parts Manufacturer, Real Estate Land Developer, preeminent Gentrification expert, 3x-published Author, acclaimed Public Speaker, Filmmaker, and Wealth Coach.
His childhood was different from that of his peers. At a very young age, TJ became the student of highly-esteemed local business leaders of Compton, California who taught him the importance of ownership, community, and entrepreneurship. A natural curiosity sustaining his ongoing growth and development, TJ, at the age of 21, opened his first brick and mortar business which propelled him into great financial gains. As more time passed, he established more businesses that yielded even greater success_ Express Gold Plating, Compton Wire Wheels, and Molded Suspension. His innovations and strong business acumen heavily contributed to transforming Low Riders and Classic Cars from backyard hobbies to multibillion dollar industries. As a result, TJ opened more businesses_Tow Trucks, Car Carriers, Paint Shops, Stereo Shops, Rim Shops and everything automotive-related. This led TJ to becoming the largest African American Low Rider and Shop in the history of Low Riding.
Through collaborations within the entertainment industry via music videos, television shows, commercials, and film, notably the mega-hit film, Straight Outta Compton, TJ underscored the immense talent and ingenuity that comes from Compton. During Hip Hop's 50th Anniversary, he was the first multi-award winning car builder to be recognized by the Hip Hop world for his contributions to the culture and business.
TJ franchised his business by opening a second store in the city of Palmdale, California after Boeing moved out of the city, becoming his highest grossing location to date. Discovering the lesser-known move into Southern California by power brokers Elon Musk and Silicone Valley, TJ immediately mobilized the Black Business community to purchase as much as they could as the real estate market was about to escalate. Furthering his real estate participation, TJ started a mortgage broker and real estate office, and became a land developer, allowing him to acquire large amounts of real estate in the Antelope Valley area. Through his alliances and relationships, he became instrumental in helping community leaders organize a successful lawsuit against the city, later known as the "Antelope Valley Section 8 Scandal". TJ's influences within business, social, and political circles would be felt in Los Angeles County for years to come.
Keeping community first, TJ returned to his hometown of Compton to help curve the corporate takeover of Southern California , especially by Silicone Valley gentrifying the area and creating Silicone Beach. Also, he became an advisor to the Compton Unified School District, as well as Inglewood Unified School District. He helped to bring in community partners, like Dr. Dre and Master P who donated over $210 million to rebuild all of Compton's high schools, including the complete restoration of TJ’s beloved auto shop classes at Centennial High School and Dominguez High School. After the rise of African American private jet purchases and charter planes, TJ became a sponsor and the self-proclaimed Assistant Director of his favorite non-profit organization, Tomorrow’s Aeronautical Museum at the Compton-Woodley Airport. Having influenced the use of celebrity helicopters and other connections to the airport, TJ facilitated the ultimate connection between TAM and the Black College Expo (NCRF) which eventually became the largest merger of black businesses in the history of Compton. The merger became a pathway to the implementation of aviation classes in schools, nationwide.
Continuing in the spirit of community, TJ became the Founder and President of the Leimert Park Vendor’s Association in the Leimert Park district in Los Angeles, CA. He was first to identify and mobilize businesses and homeowners about gentrification in Southern California. During that time, he became close friends and advisor to Dr. Sebi who personally endorsed him, bringing TJ on to help him build out the emerging vegan food industry, opening restaurants globally. Dr. Sebi also persuaded TJ to travel and share his expertise, internationally. TJ became the first to travel the country monitoring Gentrification, creating solutions and strategies to protect and mobilize ownership. Resulting from his travels, TJ was compelled to write three self-published best-selling books, “Monetizing Gentrification: Building Black Ownership” and “TJ’s Toolbox: Keeping the Legacy Alive! for the youth, and adults alike.
Currently, TJ consults the Auto Industry, individuals, groups, organizations, and townships on the current state of the economy and how to strategize for optimum economic empowerment. As an advocate for the Trades, his impact is felt as a competitive manufacturer of rare parts for high-end classic cars. Through his lectures, keynote speeches, panel discussions, training courses, supporting educational products, and national tours, TJ continues to make his impact today for an even brighter tomorrow.
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