95. How Empathy and Equity Built a Real Estate Empire with Jamar Adams

From NFL locker rooms to boardrooms with Stephen Ross, Jamar Adams’ journey is anything but ordinary. In this powerful episode, Jamar shares how growing up in public housing, winning chess championships, and excelling in football laid the foundation for founding Essence Development—a $6B real estate firm focused on creating communities of opportunity.

We dive into how Jamar leveraged his NFL experience to gain access to high finance, why a billion-dollar bonus opened his eyes to wealth creation, and how divine providence shaped a career built on strategy, mentorship, and purpose. Jamar reveals the real cost—and reward—of starting a business, and why diversity isn’t a feel-good checkbox, but a powerful driver of value and empathy in development.

This episode is a masterclass in mindset, legacy, and building systems that serve. Whether you're starting with three rental doors or dreaming of 3,000 units, Jamar's story will change how you think about what's possible.

Resources:

• Learn more at The Color of Money
• Learn more about Jamar’s work at essencedev.com
• Connect with Jamar on LinkedIn
• Become a real estate agent HERE

Connect with Our Hosts

Emerick Peace:

• Instagram: @theemerickpeace
• Facebook: facebook.com/emerickpeace

Daniel Dixon:

• Instagram: @dixonsoldit
• Facebook: facebook.com/realdanieldixon
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dixonsoldit
• YouTube: @dixongroupcompanies

Julia Lashay:

• Instagram: @iamjulialashay
• Facebook: facebook.com/growwithjulia
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/julialashay/
• YouTube: @JuliaLashay

Bo Menkiti

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• Facebook: facebook.com/obiora.menkiti
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Produced by NOVA

This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not  Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.