Javae’ Wright Sr. has two passions: sports and style. About 20 years ago, he decided to combine the two.
And thus, Leadaz International Sportswear — later rebranded as Leadaz Athletic Footwear — was born in 2002. Wright, who had ambitions of being “the next Nike,” knew it would take time to build the brand and worked at it slowly and deliberately.
In 2006, he developed Lead4Life Seminars, a business that partners with local schools to provide motivational talks for students.
Leadaz was still in the works, however, and Wright said the COVID-19 pandemic actually proved to be a pivotal moment for the business, which turned its focus to team sports.
He felt it was important to prepare for the demand that would emerge once high school athletics returned to normal, especially since he expected larger companies to be more focused on rebuilding their workforces.
“We just went full steam ahead on just connecting with athletic directors and coaches,” Wright said. “And we were able to build those relationships so that once schools reopened, man, we had business coming left and right. And that was really the turning point for us, just in terms of being able to just get our foot in the door.”
At the same time, Leadaz became licensed to develop University of Illinois products, which was also a boon.
The business’ offerings include shoes, athletic gear, fan gear and athletic equipment.
Locally, the brand has worked with a variety of teams at Centennial and Urbana high schools.
However, Wright said that the business’s biggest market is South Carolina, and Leadaz also has clients in Indiana and Las Vegas.
“We’re really starting to get our footing in so many different school districts,” he said.
Additionally, Leadaz recently entered a five-year agreement to be the athletic brand partner for the Urbana Park District, and Wright is excited to impact local youth through this collaboration.
As for Lead4Life, Wright said he is still involved with this, though the program has adopted a hybrid approach in recent years.
“We have plans on going back full-time with Lead4Life by next year,” he said.
Wright, who recently turned 50, said his faith and support system helped him persevere in building Leadaz.
“I just want to be an example to people for what happens when you just stick to it,” he said. “Don’t give up. … God has a plan for each and every single one of us. And as long as we stick to it and focus on what he wants from us, then it’ll all work.”
New restaurant opens at Market Place mall
A restaurant serving chicken sandwiches and other items is now open for business in the Market Place Shopping Center food court.
ICU Clucka is up and running, owner Isaiah Johnson shared in a Facebook post on Sept. 2.
According to its website, the business is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
More information is available at icuclucka.carrd.co.
Oakwood restaurant now up for lease
The management of Tulie’s Café at 500 N. Oakwood St. is looking for someone to lease the business, said General Manager Jim Sisco.
The lease rate for the 3,200-square-foot building is $12 per square foot per year, according to a listing by Guth and Associates.
The firm noted that the property is very visible and located just off Interstate 74.
“Recently undergoing an extensive remodel (2023–2024), the property is offered as a turnkey solution, including all equipment, furnishings, fixtures, and smallwares — minimizing startup time and cost for restaurateurs and operators,” the listing stated.
The building was formerly home to the Pitstop Bar and Grill before being converted into Tulie’s, a 1950s-style diner that opened in April 2024.
Former burger joint available for lease
Following Epic Burger’s Sept. 3 closure, the restaurant’s building at 1305 S. Neil St. in Champaign is on the market. The 2,980-square-foot space is available for $28 per square foot per year, according to a listing by Guth and Associates on Crexi.com. The firm noted that the location has a drive-thru, several parking spaces and “high visibility.”
The building was previously a Meatheads, one of six Illinois locations acquired by Epic Burger.
Library to host job fair
The Champaign Public Library will host a community job fair from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday in Robeson Pavilion Room A and B at the main branch, 200 W. Green St.
A variety of career coaches and businesses are expected to attend the event, including Busey Bank, Champaign Fire Department, Champaign Park District, Champaign Police Department, Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District, Christie Clinic, City of Champaign, City of Urbana Human Resources, Clark Lindsey, Defy the Trend, Developmental Services Center, ESS Clean, Inc., Express Employment Staffing, FedEx Corporation, Gibson Hospital, Housing Authority of Champaign County, Impact Life, Make it C-U, New American Welcome Center, Spherion, State Universities Retirement System, PACE, Inc., Parkland College, Parkland SWFT, Plastipak Packaging, University of Illinois, and the U of I Community Credit Union.
Attendees can enter to win a Chromebook or a gift card to Macy’s to purchase interview attire.
