Founder and CEO, Greek Town Apparel and Promotions LLC
Imanuel Basley has always been a self-motivated businessman. A Chicago native, Basley spent his college days in Alabama where he learned the art of silk screening before returning to the Windy City to run Greek Town, his own advertising and promotions company.
With products and promos that can help small businesses improve traffic at trade shows, motivate staff, thank a customer or increase safety awareness, Greek Town has it all. “With these items it gives people something to take away, versus a billboard where you just might drive past the billboard and [not even] see it,” Basley says of what distinguishes his brand. “With my products you can actually take them home with you, [or give] people products that they can use.”
Though he could’ve worked in the advertising department of a major corporation, Basley insists his hustler’s spirit and obligation to his community led him to start his own business.
“I’ve always been a self-motivated, hustle type of guy,” he says. “I always wanted to employ other people as well and help the community around me with what I was doing, versus taking orders.”
Basley says today’s flailing economic landscape won’t deter him or keep his company from being a success. “There are going to be good days, there are going to be bad days,” he says. “As an entrepreneur the quicker you understand that and you prepare for [those days], then the longer you’ll stay in business.”
