🏆 Revolutionizing Athlete Concierge Services

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Journey to Revolutionizing Athlete Concierge Services

Cooper Bower hails from Kings Park, New York, where he grew up in a household with four brothers and developed a deep passion for sports, especially as a fan of the New York Islanders. His journey into the sports industry began unconventionally, sparked by a fan connection with Islanders player Calvin de Haan.. Cooper reached out to Calvin on Twitter for help with a “promposal” to his now-wife, and to his surprise, Calvin agreed. This moment marked the start of a friendship that later proved invaluable; de Haan introduced him to a company involved in athlete concierge services. Although Cooper initially planned to attend law school to become an agent, he chose to continue working in athlete services during the uncertainty of the COVID pandemic. By the time he graduated from Monmouth University, he was managing concierge services for 10 athletes. After graduating, he took a leap of faith and officially launched Opulence Lifestyle Management in 2020, with initial support from his network of NHL players.

The decision to found Opulence stemmed from Cooper’s recognition of a gap in the luxury concierge market and his desire to raise the standard for athlete services. Observing the industry’s limitations, Cooper aimed to provide a more personal, meticulous approach to supporting athletes. Despite launching during the pandemic, he used the time to develop a strategic business plan with his partner, New Jersey Devils player Stefan Noesen (his first official client), focusing on creating a holistic, family-oriented concierge service. Opulence’s goal is to become the premier concierge service worldwide, catering not only to athletes but also to high-net-worth individuals, executives, and influencers with the same dedication to detail. "In sports, there's often this 'my guy' mentality—where players rely on someone they trust to get things done. For me, it was about legitimizing that 'my guy' industry, creating a service that not only supports the player but also caters to their family, kids, and everyone who surrounds them."

Core Values in Leadership and Client Success

Cooper sees self-motivation as a defining trait of the successful individuals he’s encountered. He values people who take initiative, follow through without being prompted, and are committed to continuous self-improvement—qualities he observes frequently in elite athletes and accomplished business professionals. For Opulence’s clients, attention to detail is critical, especially given the logistical demands of luxury services. Cooper expects the same precision from his team, who manage Opulence’s white-glove services. He believes ideal team members are those who take ownership and have a natural inclination to exceed expectations, even without explicit direction. Cooper’s hiring strategy emphasizes finding individuals who share his commitment to quality and excellence, ensuring Opulence maintains the highest standards of service for its elite clientele.

Patience, Perseverance, and the Power of Connection

Looking back, Cooper would advise his younger self to be patient. Early in his career, he often searched for the “perfect fit,” but he’s since realized that some of the most valuable opportunities come from roles that may not seem ideal initially. Gaining experience, even in positions that don’t appear to be dream jobs, can be a stepping stone to the next big opportunity. He’d also remind himself of the power of reaching out. Building those connections is easier than ever and can lead to pivotal career moments. “Never underestimate the power of a cold reach-out—whether it's a LinkedIn message or asking a friend to connect you. In today's world, getting in touch with anyone is easier than ever. For me, it started with a DM to a pro athlete, so if that worked, it could work for you too."

Starting Opulence was a crash course in managing uncertainty. The unpredictability of entrepreneurship, from securing deals to finding new clients, required him to adapt and embrace the unknown. He learned to face daily challenges with resilience, continuously refining his approach to managing resources, capital, and time. This includes balancing his professional and personal life. By segmenting his day—dedicating time to client tasks or business growth—he could better control his workload while preserving personal time. Embracing time management and accountability, Cooper has discovered the importance of work-life balance in handling the ongoing demands of leading a business. At the core of his motivation is a passion for building and a love for both sports and entrepreneurship. He finds joy in helping others, whether it’s supporting a single player or a family, and creating value in his clients’ lives.

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