Crusoe Gongbay; The Traveling Athlete and Entrepreneur. A man of many things.
Written by Staff on 10 November 2021
Born and raised in Rockville, Maryland, by parents Miata Gongbay and Crusoe Gongbay Sr. Both parents were born in Monrovia, Liberia where they worked hard and saved enough money to buy green cards and move to America. 10 years later they became citizens and had a son who they named Crusoe Gongbay Jr. Miata Gongbay spoke about her son, “At a young age, about 8 or 9, he would fix my computer when it had issues. Additionally, he would fix the piping or toilets when they had issues. Occupation wise, he worked at pizza shop putting menu flyers on doors, he would cut grass with his friends, shovel snow, and rake leaves. He would be doing all that while also playing four different sports (basketball, football, track, and soccer), all while playing the clarinet. He’s always been a person of many talents.”
Fast forwarding, Crusoe who is now 27, still has those traits. He has been playing football in Germany for 2 years now while also buying and flipping real estate in various states around the USA. Using the capital from his housing investments to then put into stocks and crypto currency and other investments. He is also co-managing a musical artist. He also has traveled to over 30 countries around the world and learning about different cultures and living life to the fullest. I asked Crusoe how he handles all the things he has on his plate and still find time to travel and keep his sanity, “Well I won’t exactly say that I’m sane haha but I schedule my important things to get done and I prioritize them. Playing football, especially in college, taught me how to handle multiple things on a plate at the highest level to get them done.
We used to have study hall at 6 in the morning, team meetings right after. Then we had workouts, practice, team meetings after practice, class, and homework while trying to have a social life. That was day-to-day in college, so it taught me a lot regarding how to juggle many things. I’ve always told myself I would never work a typical 9-5 job, so I’ve chosen different ways to make money where a typical boss isn’t involved. I like my life this way because I can pick up and go travel when I’d like, and sometimes I just need my computer and phone to get work done.” Crusoe emphasizes that the opportunities and connections he has made have been blessing from God. He hopes to keep creating more capital thorough his investments so he can continue to travel to different countries and help families in need.
My name is Crusoe Gongbay. I have been to over 30 countries and over 300 cities. My top three favorite places I have been to so far are Santorini, Greece, Dubai UAE, & Barcelona, Spain. From Santorini’s blue and white buildings, marble floors, and beautiful views to Dubai’s stunning sky scrappers, luxury living and the biggest mall in the world, to Barcelona’s rich culture, amazing food and great night life. What makes my travel experiences well rounded was trying to do a little bit of everything at each place I went to. I like to learn about the culture of where I am and by doing that you have you make your way to different areas of each city.
I usually will stay in a hotel in a poorer area or “hood” at first so I can be around those locals and talk with them to see how everyday life is in those areas. A lot of times the happiest people and the best food are in those areas. I then like to see historic sites, weather that’s a famous land mark or something I’ve read in history books. It’s great taking pictures of things first-hand that have been around for many years. I then make sure to always have the local cuisine. Whatever the specialty food is in that city, I have to try it. It’s part of learning the culture.
I like to see markets, shopping centers, and things like that to see how people shop in those areas. Night life is a must as every place parties differently. Some places are full of drinkers and loud music. Some places are more conservative and relaxed. Just depends on where you are. I then like to stay in luxury places. The best hotels or homes. I want to feel how it feels to be wealthy in those particular areas. If people are happier, do I get treated better or worse, is the food better or worse. Last thing I like to do is what the locals like to do.
I’ll find that out by asking at least 10 people what is their favorite thing to do in town. For some people it’s go to a rooftop for drinks and for others, it could be a nature walk or a hike on the tallest mountain in the area. I try to do 4-5 things of what I was told to make the most of my experiences. I have a travel blog on YouTube called Global Gongbay if you would like to subscribe and see my trips first-hand and visually!
Connect With Crusoe:
Instagram.com/CrusoeGB
Twitter.com/CrusoeGB
Facebook: Crusoe Gongbay