Jermaine Thompson grew up in the South Bronx during the Decade of Fire, 1970-1980; when residents battled daily to save their burning neighborhood and fight against social and economic hardship. At the age of 3, he lost his family home and young cousin to the fires and later experienced first hand the New York City foster care, law enforcement, drug trade, and prison systems. His mother spent a total of 16 years behind bars.

Despite the difficult times Maine credits his mother for instilling the values he lives by today. “My childhood taught me so many things. Having a big family with five brothers gave me my competitive spirit. My mother helped me believe that life could get better by working hard and avoiding trouble. My aunt taught me to take accountability for everything that I did and the neighborhood…there was always someone that encouraged me to stay motivated to do the things I wanted to do.”

These values are what he carries with him as a business owner, urban designer and entrepreneur who gives back to his community every chance he gets. Maine is well known throughout the South Bronx as the creator and producer of the Hunts Point Unity Football League and Stop The Violence Basketball Tournament; annual events that help restore a sense of community, safety and connection through sports. He has become a mentor to other local entrepreneurs sharing his social media and marketing expertise, design knowledge and creative insights, providing support and always encouraging the potential he sees in others.