National Franchising League Spotlight: Tyoka Jackson

Tyoka Jackson utilized his work ethic and drive on the field when he went undrafted in the 1994 NFL Draft. After signing with the Atlanta Falcons, he spent most of his season playing on the practice squad. Then, Jackson pushed on the accelerator and found himself on the field in a Miami Dolphins uniform during the 1994-1995 NFL playoffs. That was the start of his career. Over the course of his next 12 years in the NFL, the defensive lineman played in a Super Bowl, served as a defensive team captain, and always won his way with the media.

While he was working his way through the NFL ranks, he decided to play into his entrepreneurial spirit and founded The Jackson Investment Company, LLC in 1995. His company focuses on developing urban real estate for renewal projects, which is what brought him to franchise Washington D.C.’s first IHOP.

In an interview with 1851, Jackson weighed in on his life in the NFL, what hard work can do—both on and off the field—and his attraction to the International House of Pancakes.

1851: When in your NFL career did you realize that franchising and business would be a second career?

Jackson: I became a real estate investor after my rookie year in the league. As an undrafted free-agent, I quickly realized I needed to begin to plan for life after football immediately. It wasn’t until the off-season of what would be my 12th and final season that I literally drove pass a restaurant opportunity that made me pull over. Not having an industry background made franchising the natural choice. That was the beginning. 

1851: Why did you choose to invest in IHOP?

Jackson: My brother and I discussed what we wanted in a restaurant and settled on IHOP right there on the side of the road that first day. We wanted to be able to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner all day. There had never been an IHOP in Washington, DC and we love IHOP food. Later finding out IHOP was (and still is) number one in the family dining space made it an easy decision.  

1851: What did the NFL teach you in terms of business leadership? Does leadership on the field translate to leadership in the business and franchising worlds?

Jackson: It does and here’s why: former St. Louis Rams Coach Mike Martz once told me; “Football is a people business.”  Inspiring people to accomplish what’s required in stressful situations with great enthusiasm is the hallmark of great leadership in football, the restaurant industry and any business where people are the most important asset. 

1851: What advice do you give to college athletes who don't see pro sports in their future? 

Jackson: Head coaches on the college and pro level are CEOs. Players spend three to four years in close proximity to these CEOs, so they should identify and soak up the traits that make them successful paying close attention to: 

1. Communication style

2. Time management 

3. Attention to detail

4. How they attack problems

5. How they dole out criticism and praise

1851: What is the value of "grit" in business? 

Jackson: It’s very important. There have been problems and setbacks in business that have made me seriously consider throwing in the towel. Thinking back to when the alarm would go off at 6 a.m. for the first of two practices, and you are quickly trying to figure out how you are going to walk to the bathroom to brush your teeth when your legs are so sore and tired from yesterday’s two practices, reminded me that I’m built for this. All successful football players have grit because it exposes you early on when you don’t.