THE CREDENTIALS SHOW

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Jason, who oversaw over $13 million in contracts annually at Florida State University. From working 60+ hours a week for free at Georgia Tech to creating groundbreaking events like the Friday Night Block Party and Doak After Dark, Jason shares the gritty reality and incredible rewards of building a career in college athletics marketing. This episode reveals the strategies, sacrifices, and mindset shifts that transformed a struggling graduate into one of college sports' most innovative entertainment executives[00:00:00] - The Struggle BeginsJason's early career anxiety making $12,000/year in Atlanta while pursuing his master's degreeKey quote: "I got a college degree. I just started my master's program. I think I was making $12,000 a year living in Atlanta, trying to pay rent, go to get my master's. It wasn't working."[01:04:00] - Introduction and AchievementsOverview of Jason's impressive track record, including $450K merchandise sales record and $30M scoreboard projects[05:42:00] - The Sports Agent Reality CheckHow a practicum with a sports agent completely changed his career trajectory[10:41:00] - The Power of Outworking EveryoneWhy Jason chose to work 60+ hours per week for free and the mentality that drove him[13:38:00] - Essential Career Advice for StudentsPractical tips including getting involved early, learning Adobe Creative Suite, and building extended experience[16:49:00] - Rapid Career Progression at FSUHow Jason went from marketing assistant to director within months through competitive mindset[26:39:00] - Creating the Friday Night Block PartyThe origin story of FSU's signature entertainment event was born from necessity[33:43:00] - The Greatest Night of His CareerHow the throwback 90s spring game concert drew 60,000 fans and made national headlines[38:42:00] - The Art of Selling Your VisionHow listening skills and earning trust enable successful leadership and innovationKEY TAKEAWAYS:Success in sports requires outworking the competition and making sacrifices early in your careerBuilding relationships and earning trust through actions (not just words) opens doors to opportunitiesInnovation comes from taking calculated risks and putting fan experience firstTechnical skills like Adobe Creative Suite are now essential, not optional, for sports marketing rolesExtended experience at one organization carries more weight than multiple short-term internshipsGreat leaders share credit for success and help others advance their careers

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Kendall Johnson, Client Service Coordinator at Altius Sports Partners, as he shares his journey from college football player to NIL industry expert. Johnson breaks down the evolving landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness deals, reveals insider strategies for student-athletes to maximize opportunities, and offers practical advice for breaking into the competitive sports business world.GUEST INFORMATION:Name: Kendall JohnsonTitle/Credentials: Client Service Coordinator at Altius Sports PartnersBackground: Former student-athlete at University of Nevada and University of Louisiana Lafayette, former Nike employee, NIL industry specialistEPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:Company works with Division I programs on retainer basis, taking no cut from athlete deals [0:00]Key quote: "We don't take a cut in any of the athlete deals at all. We're completely paid by the school on a retainer basis" [0:00]Founded in October 2020 by Casey, former NFLPA attorney, launched with LSU and Texas [1:17]Advisory team includes Oliver Luck (former West Virginia AD), Randy Anderson (NFL Chiefs CRO), Jessica Mendoza (ESPN) [2:45]Got into sports industry through persistent LinkedIn outreach and cold messaging [4:57]Philosophy learned from coach Billy Napier: "either you win or you learn" [5:44]Provides education, strategic advising, and compliance guidance to institutions [8:38]Working with University of Miami amid John Ruiz controversy [12:05]New facilitation program launched with LSU, Oklahoma State, Northwestern, South Carolina, Virginia, Cincinnati [14:52]Institutional facilitation now allowed in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina [16:56]F-1 visa status prevents international students from NIL participation in US [21:18]Traditional endorsements, in-kind deals, appearances/camps, unique deals like NFTs and equity [25:34] Camps and clinics particularly lucrative - volleyball athlete making $1,000 per weekend [30:23]Agent requirements vary by state - some allow parents, others require certification [34:00]Follower count helps but isn't everything - "everyone can eat in this space" [36:01]Biggest myth: thinking it's impossible to break into sports from smaller schools [43:36] Importance of saying no to deals that don't align with values [44:50]

FEATURED MOMENTS:[00:06:49] - "Execution over anything" - Key philosophy on turning ideas into reality[00:12:57] - Singapore email story - Creative networking approach that landed NFLPA job[00:27:31] - Perfect sales record claim - Confidence from high-level sales training[00:34:34] - Corporate politics reality check - Honest assessment of perception vs. performanceRECOMMENDED SEGMENTS FOR TIME-LIMITED VIEWERS:[00:03:48] - Secret Sauce and Career Strategy - Core philosophy on staying ahead in marketing[00:12:57] - Creative Networking Stories - Practical examples of relationship building[00:24:52] - Career Detours and Skill Building - How diverse experiences create marketing expertise[00:34:34] - Corporate Politics Reality - Essential insights for professional advancementINTERVIEW OVERVIEW[00:00:00] - Introduction and Current Role OverviewRaquel introduces her role as global head of athlete partnerships at Snap, discussing stadium naming rights deals and Snapchat's creator monetization through ad placement in stories[00:00:47] - Professional Background and IntroductionHost introduces Raquel's extensive marketing background including roles at Snap, Uninterrupted, Nike, Baltimore Ravens, and her own companyDiscussion of current marketing trends focusing on AI, VR, and AR technologies[00:03:48] - Secret Sauce and Career StrategyRaquel explains her "secret sauce" as knowledge acquisition and staying ahead of industry curvesDetails her method of monitoring LinkedIn for job opportunities and industry intelligenceNotable moment: [00:06:49] - "Execution over anything. A lot of people have great ideas, but don't know how to get them over the finish line"[00:10:28] - Relationship Building and Professional NetworkingStrategies for building professional relationships as an introvertCreative approaches to making connections, including the Singapore email story for NFLPA job[00:14:22] - Day-in-the-Life: Juventus Partnership Case StudyDetailed breakdown of Juventus soccer team partnership with SnapchatExplanation of AR jersey technology and content creation process[00:16:15] - Augmented Reality vs Virtual Reality ExplainedTechnical explanation of AR vs VR technologies and Snapchat's philosophy[00:17:48] - Snapchat's Discover Feed and Creator EconomyExplanation of media partnerships and creator monetization on SnapchatDetails about ad placement in creator stories and revenue sharing[00:22:15] - Most Coveted Marketing SkillsDiscussion of diverse skill sets over specialization in marketing rolesEmphasis on being a "jack of all trades" rather than master of one[00:24:52] - Career Detours and Skill BuildingHow non-sports roles (Capitol Hill, sales) enhanced marketing capabilitiesLessons from selling stadium naming rights deals[00:29:37] - Creative Marketing Execution ExamplesDetailed examples of out-of-the-box marketing for stadium naming rightsCustom suitcases, virtual projections, and immersive experiences[00:30:59] - Entrepreneurial Journey: Alpha Zoom CreativeOrigin story of starting a marketing company through helping athlete friendsTransition from free work to paid opportunities[00:34:34] - Corporate Politics and Perception ManagementCandid discussion about the importance of perception in corporate environmentsStruggle with self-promotion and visibility in professional settingsNotable moment: [00:34:34] - "I hate corporate politics... but perception is reality"

🎙 Episode: “Podcast Legacy Levels”00:00 – 02:00 | “The Lie They Never Taught Us About Adulting”Charles opens with raw truth — how the education system raises dreamers, not decision-makers, and why “What Did I Just Sign?” became the financial wake-up call every young athlete needs.02:00 – 04:00 | “Before the Brand Deal Comes the Mirror”Forget contracts and sponsors — this is about identity. Charles breaks down how athletes can build magnetic brands by mastering self-awareness and getting comfortable in front of the camera.04:00 – 07:00 | “You’re 18? Then You’re Already 28.”Why athletes don’t have time to “just be kids.” The brutal truth about growing up in the NIL era — and how adding ten years to your mindset could save your career (and your future).07:00 – 10:00 | “The 8-Million-Dollar Lesson Nobody Told You”A shocking breakdown of the Fernando Tatís Jr. contract deal — and how one bad signature can cost an athlete millions. The real difference between empowerment and exploitation.10:00 – 13:00 | “Born Looking Like Circumstances, Dying Looking Like Choices”One of the most powerful moments in the episode. Charles dismantles victimhood, explains how visuals drive comprehension, and shows how financial clarity can change your entire trajectory.13:00 – 15:30 | “Pain Is the Price — Choose Your Type”The crossroad between regret and discipline. A brutally honest take on free will, growth, and why both success and failure demand the same amount of work — just different consequences.15:30 – 17:30 | “The Golden Handcuffs: How Wealth Can Trap You”Behind the book cover — the symbolism of chains, contracts, and illusions of success. Why so many athletes sign their own bondage disguised as opportunity.17:30 – End | “The Non-Compete That Changed Everything”The real story that sparked “What Did I Just Sign?” — how one internship, one clause, and one smart decision to walk away became the blueprint for self-ownership.

Adam White didn’t just stumble into sports media — he hacked it together with equal parts hustle, naivety, and bartending tips.At 19, while juggling classes at the University of Miami and serving drinks at night, he started interviewing anyone in sports who’d pick up the phone. No investors, no business plan, not even a clue about Delaware C-Corps — just raw curiosity and a “let me tell your story” cheat code. That cheat code snowballed into Front Office Sports (FOS), which today is a multi-million-dollar sports media brand with 37 employees, Adweek accolades, and a valuation that makes his early barback paychecks look like pocket lint.🔑 Big Takeaways (the podcast producer’s cut)The Overnight DecadeFOS looks like an “overnight success,” but Adam is eight years deep, still grinding like it’s year one. He admits: “Every overnight success is really ten years in the making.” Translation: don’t be fooled by the headlines — he sacrificed vacations, weekends, and probably his liver during those bar shifts to get hereMistakes Were Made Gave away free equity like Halloween candy.Formed as an LLC, then learned the hard way about taxes haunting you years later.Built his first pitch deck on Google Slides… and still cringes at it.His advice now? Lawyer up, accountant up, incorporate in Delaware, and don’t give your cousin free shares because he “knows a guy.”The $5 Million “Strategic” DealIn Adam’s words: “Investors care about one thing: return of capital. If you can return it, you’ll always have investors in your next venture.”Attention to Detail or DieMisspelling a brand’s name in a pitch deck? That’s game over. Adam is maniacal about the little things because in media, the little things are the big things. Celebrities now share FOS content not because it’s flashy, but because it’s sharp, consistent, and relentlessly on brand.Leverage & Long GamesAt 23, he knew he had no leverage. So he took on partners with deep pockets, connections, and even a pickleball team with LeBron James. The trade-off? He doesn’t own 60% anymore. The upside? He’s set up for the long game — and his 35-year-old self will thank himBrand Over EverythingWhether you’re Nike, Applebee’s, or ESPN’s one-eyed dog with a sales badge, brand wins. Adam’s mantra: “Strong brand, strong business. Weak brand, you’re toast.”Funny Truths & Raw AdviceBiggest cheat code? “Everyone wants to help college kids.”On relationships: under-promise, over-deliver (and date someone patient enough to understand why you’ve never taken a vacation in 8 years).

Jelani Jenkins is a former professional football player and the CEO of Postseason, an ed tech platform that provides educational content and support for elite athletes transitioning out of sports.Jelani was a 5-star #10 overall recruit coming out of the 2009 high school class before choosing the University of Florida. The Miami Dolphins drafted Jelani in the 4th round of the 2013 draft and he played 5 seasons in the NFL. Summary: Jelani Jenkins discusses the inspiration behind creating Postseason, an ed tech platform that supports elite athletes in their transition out of sports. He shares his own challenges in transitioning out of football and how he realized the need for a support system for athletes going through similar experiences. Jenkins emphasizes the importance of community, collaboration, and competition in helping athletes have a seamless transition into the real world. He also talks about the importance of authenticity and using social media to express one's passions. Jenkins reflects on moments of self-doubt and the importance of seeking mentorship and advice.Timestamp Summary:[0:04:40]Description of Postseason's services[0:10:51]Building the Postseason team[0:20:10]Importance of lifelong learning and being coachable[0:22:33]Commonalities between being a great athlete and a great business person[0:39:46]Importance of branding and social media for athletes[0:47:36]Authenticity and challenges faced by Athletes[0:51:28]Passion for serving athletes and finding solutions[0:52:14] Q&A

Summary:Camron Brown currently serves as Co-Owner & Director of Strategic Growth at Grind Oral Care. At 19 years old Camron won $25,000 at a University of Kentucky business competition which sparked his entrepreneurial journey. Timestamp [0:00:00] Introduction and background on starting a business[0:10:46] Importance of joining organizations and clubs in college[0:18:11] Involvement with Grind Oral Care and role as Director of Strategic Growth[0:25:32] Importance of having a unique selling point in a crowded market[0:34:37] Managing multiple responsibilities and the importance of self-education[0:39:59] Dealing with self-doubt and finding ways to overcome itKey Takeaways:The biggest risk is getting started and taking the leap into entrepreneurship.Joining organizations and clubs in college can help you connect with like-minded individuals and open doors for opportunities.Having a strong team and a unique selling proposition are crucial for success in business.Constant learning and self-improvement are essential for personal and professional growth.Quotes:"The biggest risk is always just getting started, in my opinion.""It's really good to be able to connect with people that know what you don't know.""You have to kind of make a decision for yourself at some point about what you want in life.""You have to look at yourself and say, all right, what do I care about? And whatever you care about, kind of taking that serious."

Noah Croom is a sports attorney who has the pleasure and privilege of going between NBA sports agencies and working with the NBA and its teams. He spoke about the biggest professional risk he ever took, which was leaving the NBA in 1995 to work for a team in Vancouver. Noah talks about his experience in negotiations and how he has managed to form successful partnerships with the teams he works with. He attributes his success to his strong relationships with team personnel and his refusal to accept the first offer. He also shares a practical example of a tough negotiation, when one of his former clients was arrested shortly before becoming a restricted free agent. Timestamps02:57 Working with the Vancouver Grizzlies: Roles and Responsibilities05:13 Negotiation Strategies and Relationship Building in the NBA18:00 Conversation on the NBA Free Agency Process and Player Recruitment20:52 Reflections on a Career in Sports Law and the NBA24:38 Benefits of Working in the Legal Field and Starting a Sports Agency27:08 Starting a Sports Agency29:08 Discussing Hiring Practices and Innovations in Sports and Business31:20 Sports Science and Load Management: An Analysis of NBA Player Rest and Recovery37:03 Exploring the Process of Buying a Professional Sports Team41:06 Mentorship and Relationships in Professional Sports: 46:16 Networking and Building Relationships in College: Advice from a Sports ProfessionalPlease share our Instagram: @TheCredentialsShow