Anthony Alegrete refers to himself as a "master networker," and about 12 minutes into our conversation, he's proven that point. Numerous professors and students acknowledge him as they pass by us at the Student Union. One he insists must call him.
"I have a business opportunity for you," Alegrete says. There's a can't-miss vibe to his words.
The enthusiastic pitchman has plenty to offer. A senior marketing major, Alegrete already has launched the nonprofit Jump for Joy Foundation to organize health and exercise clinics to help children combat obesity. His for-profit effort, 18at18, is set to launch its e-books to help young adults achieve financial and physical health at age 18. The books will be sold through a mobile app for 99 cents each. He estimates the business will make $2 to $3 million in the next five years as it catches on.
"It's like the 'Dummies' books, but you don't have to read seven hundred pages," he explains. The chapters use slang terms to help make complicated financial knowledge more palatable for its audience.
Earlier this year, the concept's business plan won first place at the Governor's Cup, a state business plan competition sponsored by the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation. The $20,000 prize money went toward securing trademarks and copyrights for the business's future materials, Alegrete says.
Business ideas spring forth from his interactions with peers and professors. He has plenty of concepts envisioned and shelved for future use. The Jump For Joy idea came to him a few years ago; a year ago, he dusted it off and formed the 501(c)(3).
"I think he's really gifted in his ability to build a strong team," says Janet Runge, a management professor who advised Alegrete and his 18at18 team on its business plan. Alegrete came up with the app idea when his friend, William Wong, wrote a book highlighting 18 ways to be financially healthy at the age of 18.
"He (Alegrete) recognizes talent, celebrates talent, and brings people together. His passion drives everyone forward," Runge adds.
A Tough Upbringing
Alegrete was raised in some of the roughest areas of Los Angeles. He was left to fend for himself at 15. Moving out of his home by 17, Alegrete used his gift of gab and social skills to skirt gang membership while surviving among gang members. He was a runner of sorts, a schemer and hustler, he admits, moves that while gaining respect in the gang world, also landed him in prison twice.
"It was that last time through (prison) that made me say 'that's it,'" he explains.
With tattoos of dead friends' names spanning his body, some of which he'd seen die before his eyes, Alegrete chose to create a positive contrast to his rap sheet by choosing college at UNLV.
"It's one way you can really show that you've changed," he adds. "I'm really up front about my story with people. I don't hide anything. People know exactly who they're working with."
Clearly, they've been open to it.
His Jump for Joy Foundation -- an idea crafted after his street name, "Jump" -- has been able to enlist high-profile athletes from the UFC and other pro sport organizations to motivate young kids to exercise. He has met with politicians and business leaders to discuss future partnerships and sponsorships.
He uses contacts through friends and the online world to leverage opportunities to get himself and his message in front of others who can help his cause or move his for-profit effort forward. But he also tries to show up with something to give as well.
"Too many nonprofits are struggling because they're just asking for a hand-out," he says. "For me, I extend my hand."
When the master networker completes his undergraduate studies, he'd like to earn an MBA. His list of schools for that is short: UNLV, Harvard, or Stanford.
His eyes drifting across the Union lobby and mind working to wrap around the idea. "I'm a super minority to have made it through what I've made it through. ... There has to be a way."
