Paul LeJoy (previously known as Paul Ekane) is an entrepreneur and visionary, with over two decades of experience in real estate investment and home renovation. His journey to establishing FAT.Homes (Flipping America Today) reveals a motivational story of resilience, hope, and dedication to a better future.
Born in Cameroon to a low-income household, Paul and his mother faced eviction when he was just seven years old. Graciously, a pastor offered a helping hand and moved them into a nearby house while their circumstances were uncertain. Despite this, Paul’s living conditions remained unsettled as the residence was built with rudimentary architecture and no ceiling or access to heating. One day, the roof of the building began to leak, bringing heavy downpours into the house - at this moment, Paul looked into his mother’s eyes and vowed: “I will never allow this to happen to you again.”
Realizing that education was the best route to fulfill this promise, Paul would travel an hour to school every day, on foot. He soon graduated from elementary school and progressed to junior high school where he began living on campus. Here, Paul’s living conditions were slightly improved but he remained unsatisfied with the circumstances he and his mother were faced with. After graduating as a top student, with GCE O and A levels under his belt, Paul received a scholarship that granted him an opportunity to study Radio, Film, and Television Production in Canterbury, England. As things began to look more promising in Paul’s early life, he completed his bachelor’s degree at Canterbury Christ Church University and proceeded to obtain a master's level qualification in Economics and International Relations.
Simultaneously, Paul developed an interest in the social and economic development of SouthEast Asia - exploring the ways Taiwan, Singapore, and Hong Kong had surpassed the African continent in regional growth. After traveling to the region, Paul comments: “I look back fondly at my experiences in Taiwan. When I moved there, I initially intended to stay for one year, but one year soon turned into seven, and as a young man finishing university and entering the world of employment, it opened my eyes to new possibilities.”
Paul then moved to California’s Silicon Valley, where he discovered the lucrative real estate sector. One year into his relocation, Paul bought his first property and only two years later, successfully flipped it. This was a revolutionary moment for the young entrepreneur - he adds: “Ironically, what happened to me when I was seven, resulted in me working to provide homes for others. My goal is to build a series of villages to provide sustainable housing, merging African open spaces with American modernism, the first of which will be called Otilia - named after my mother.”
Today, the FAT.Homes organization is a testament to Paul’s unwavering efforts to provide safe, affordable homes for the American population. Through his travels and inspiring life journey, he represents the dedicated heart of an entrepreneur - using life’s difficulties to paint a new picture of perseverance and prosperity, despite the circumstances.
Media Contact:
Name: Paul LeJoy
Email: [email protected]
