Hall of Famer Spotlight - Isiah Thomas

ISIAH THOMAS

CLASS OF 2000

Since the 12-time NBA All-Star retired in 1994, he has been busy taking on challenges of all kinds. From Coach to Entrepreneur - he has developed quite the career portfolio. But none of them could rival his latest endeavor. Over the past five years Isiah has dedicated himself to learning about champagne and studying the intricate process of making champagne.

In 2016 he partnered with Cheurlin Champagne winery to import a unique, awarding-winning lowsugar champagne to America. Now, in 2019, he is the proud owner and importer of four unique blends of Cheurlin Champagne which has been introduced to markets across the United States.

When current CEO Thomas Cheurlin was introduced to Isiah, he was immediately attracted to the history of the Cheurlin family and appreciated their lineage of producing wines for 10 generations. The two men hit it off immediately and quickly realized that there was great potential to expand the marketplace in America. At Isiah’s recommendation, Cheurlin began producing a low sugar or zero sugar added champagne. The Rose’ de Saignee and Brut Speciale have only 5 grams of sugar. The Célébrité and Le Champion – have no added sugar - all of which Isiah believes will be a big hit for health-conscious consumers.

What also makes Cheurilin unique is the private ownership of the grapes used in their product. His champagnes come from the first press of grapes which produces a high-quality champagne that is low in sulfites.

As a businessman, Thomas looks for businesses that he can expand into new markets and markets that are usually untapped; he believes he is somewhat of a disruptor when it comes to looking at new business opportunities and new ventures. His key questions are always, “How do I expand

the marketplace?” “Is there room on the playing field for my product?” “Can I create a new path and frankly a new source of revenue by using a slightly different business model?”

Thomas takes pride in the fact that rooted in all that he does, he has a commitment to giving back to the community through both his foundation and the activities his company gets involved in within the community.

Last year Thomas announced a joint partnership with the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) and THINK450, the NBPA’s innovation arm, which focuses on helping NBA players form business relationships. As a former President of the NBPA, Thomas understands the importance of showing players the opportunities that exist and helping them develop their ideas.

As chairman and CEO of ISIAH International LLC, a holding company with a diverse portfolio of business ventures and investments, Thomas has invested in, owned, and operated new and existing businesses, including Isiah Real Estate, TAND Properties, and Popcorn Indiana.

He also co-founded the Toronto Raptors, who enjoyed Cheurlin Champagne as a featured choice of champagne for the Raptors after their NBA Finals victory over the Golden State Warriors in June of 2019.

Congratulations Isiah, cheers to the future!

Awards & Recognitions

2018 New York International Wine Competition • Double Gold Medal: Blanc de Blancs Traditional

Grape Varities – Cheurlin Thomas Champagne

NV Celebrite – Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut • Double Gold Medal: Brut Traditional Grapes

Varities 0.5 - 1.2% rs – Cheurlin Champagne NV

Brute Speciale • Gold Medal-Blanc de Noirs Traditional Grape

Varities – Cheurlin Thomas Champagne NV Le

Champion – Blanc de Noir Extra Brut • Silver Medal--Brut Rose – Cheurlin Champagne

NV Rose de Saignee

2017 New York International Wine Competition • 2017 Champagne Producer of the Year • Gold Medal for Traditional Brut- Brut Speciale • Gold Medal - Blanc de Blanc

2017 Drink Pink Vino International Rose Competition

• Gold Medal - Rosé de Saignée

2017 San Francisco International Wine Competition • Gold Medal – Celebrite Blanc de Blanc • Silver Medal – Brut Speciale • Silver Medal – Rose de Saignee

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