Above all, a man of faith, Don’s path to successful feature film production, theatrical distribution and real estate development innovation has been anything but conventional but does help explain the vision and passion behind his non-negotiable belief that anything and everything is possible. Everything in his life attests to an unshakable conviction that his best – in entertainment and real estate development – is yet to come.
From a once at-risk youth facing homelessness and navigating the foster system, to rising above it to earn multiple championships at USC under the legendary Pete Carroll; then discovering his gift for entertainment as producer and independent film distributor along with a passion for real estate and building, Don Hale Jr. has succeeded by seeing not just what is, but what can be.
Childhood challenges that would have held others back provided Don a rare appreciation for the opportunities higher education could offer. Majoring in Political Science expanded his world view, but that was augmented by the lessons of competing on the gridiron at the highest levels. More than a coach, Pete Carroll was a mentor that taught leadership, execution and the DNA of success in life.
After college the entertainment world beckoned. Acting classes and workshops led to commercials, music videos and projects with top artists. He learned not only to create content, but to successfully distribute and monetize entertainment assets with uncommonly high ceilings. His first theatrical release in 2015 led to partnering with Harry Smith to found Smith Global Media, releasing nine films, four released theatrically.
Dissatisfied with merely acquiring and flipping properties, commercial development offered more. First, by securing and managing renovation of an indoor-outdoor-rooftop restaurant/bar, then the ‘impossible transformation’ of a 100,000-sf high-rise into a school, including securing the property and anchor tenant, refinancing, construction and entitlement. Yet, even bigger things were ahead.
Seeking to build projects at a higher level negotiating in 2020: Diablo Grande Master Planned Community, a 30,000- acre acquisition to be renamed Angel’s Crossing. Phase 1 consisting of 1600 single family homes, hotel and commercial/industrial space.
Building creates lifestyle solutions but giving back changes lives, so Don also donates time to local homeless shelters and children’s programs. Focusing on youth sports programs and the hands-on bridge-training program within actual productions he created for aspiring entertainers, executives and vendors, it keeps faith with his core belief that anything – and everything – really is possible.
Email: don@smithglobamedia.com