We caught up with Marcus Ginyard, a former American professional basketball player. He played college basketball for the North Carolina Tar Heels after a high school career at Bishop O'Connell High School in Arlington County, Virginia.
Ginyard is a Commercial Real Estate Broker, public speaker, philanthropist, LEGO lover, and wine nerd. He currently lives in Durham, North Carolina.
Q: For those Flyers who don't already know you, please introduce yourself!
A: Hey everyone! I'm Marcus Ginyard! I'm a few years into my second career, my current being commercial real estate and my former being professional athletics. I love to travel, love wine, and truly enjoy connecting with people from all different backgrounds.
Q: What's one thing people know about you?
A: That I'm a people person. I'm most alive when I am interacting and engaging with everyone around me.
Q: What's one thing people don't know about you?
A: Well typically they don't know I love LEGOs but you gave that away. I think most people probably don't know that I speak French.
Q: Our personal mantra is: "Run Faster. Jump Higher. Fly Free." What does it mean to you to Fly Free (as it relates to your personal life or professional life or future dreams)?
A: Be you! I have a tattoo that says "Be True To You". "Fly Free" means to be yourself, even in the face of all the pressure for you to be something/somebody else.
Q: How would you define your personal style?
A: Classic. I typically prefer to wear things that are just as stylish today as they were 20 years ago and hopefully will be in 20 years.
Q: Where do you draw inspiration for your personal style (brands/artists/places you admire)?
A: It's a wonderful mix of growing up in the US and living as a young adult in Europe. Being an athlete, I grew up loving (and still do) Nike and Jordan Brand. I also grew up in a military family so seeing my dad in uniform made me fall in love with suits. Living in Europe made layering and functionality really interesting and cool for me. I love 'athleisure', being comfortable, but also being crisp and stylish.
Q: Tell us (and the world) about YOU, who you are, and how you're changing the game in your niche/world/domain–or how you want to in the future?
A: I'm a connector. I love building relationships and making that the most important thing. I want to leave things better off than I found them. I love being a part of a movement that is focused on positive change and impact. I like to think I'm changing the game with passion, with love and with intention.
Q: We know you're involved with many philanthropy efforts. Tell us about what organizations and causes you're most connected to.
A: As a youngster, there were so many organizations and people that supported my growth and development so I try to make it a point to focus on causes that involve children. Some of the ones that stand out to me are Make-a-Wish Eastern North Carolina, UNC Children's, and the Frankie Lemmon School.
Q: When or how did you first hear about P.F. Flyers?
A: Not too surprising, but it was Sandlot.
Q: What is your favorite P.F. Flyers sneaker (style/color)?
A: Center Hi in Tawny Port. Reminds me of a glass of wine. I like to think I'm better with age as well!
Q: Is there anything we didn't ask that you'd like us to know or share with our Flyers?
A: If I could live anywhere, I'd be in the countryside just outside of Bordeaux 😀
Q: Where can we follow you on social and stay connected?
A: MG1NYARD on Instagram is the best place to catch me!
