🏆Shaping the Future of NIL & Athlete Branding

From Florida to the Forefront of NIL

Growing up on the East Coast – New Jersey, then Maryland – Justin always knew he wanted to work in sports. His college decision proved pivotal: while his best friends attended the University of Maryland, he chose the University of Florida. Right place, right time – by 2006, he witnessed firsthand the dominance of Florida’s athletic programs and built relationships that shaped his career. One of those was with Tim Tebow, then a freshman, who would go on to win the Heisman Trophy and become a Gator legend.

Entrepreneurial at heart, Justin launched an event planning business, bought a restaurant, and ran a nightclub in Gainesville. Eventually, he moved to Los Angeles, joining Priority Sports to work on marketing and branding deals. He quickly recognized the growing importance of athlete branding, leading him to launch NCLUSIVE in 2011. By 2016, he had built an impressive roster of NFL and NBA clients, catching the attention of Gary and AJ Vaynerchuk, who acquired his company and made him a key figure in VaynerSports. But in 2020, another opportunity arose – one that led him to found NETWORK, focusing on elite talent management, brand consulting, and sports storytelling production.

Building Brands for Elite Talent

Justin’s client list is filled with rising stars and legends. He primarily works with elite high school and college athletes, including DJ Lagway (QB, University of Florida), Malachi Nelson (QB, UTEP), Julian Lewis (5-star University of Colorado QB commit), and Rachel Glenn (Olympian, University of Arkansas). He helps develop their name, image, and likeness (NIL) through digital marketing, original content, and partnerships. Additionally, he works with NFL legend Mike Vick to expand his brand through innovative strategies.

Each client is chosen strategically. “It’s not one size fits all,” Justin explains. “Every time we sign someone, we ask, ‘What’s their superpower?’” His approach goes beyond deals – it’s about differentiation. “If I’m pitching a brand, what makes this athlete unique?” That mindset has helped NETWORK secure partnerships beyond traditional endorsements, expanding athlete influence into gaming, entertainment, and entrepreneurship. By staying ahead of trends like NIL, he has positioned his company at the forefront of the evolving athlete-brand landscape.

The Power of Relationships

For those looking to break into the sports industry, Justin offers one key piece of advice: relationships matter. “How you do anything is how you do everything,” he says. “People are everything. You never know who’s watching or paying attention.” His father taught him to treat everyone with equal respect – whether the CEO of a company or someone sweeping the streets. That philosophy has helped him build trust and credibility in the industry.

Beyond respect and integrity, Justin emphasizes initiative. Breaking into sports is tough, and he urges young professionals to pursue opportunities relentlessly. “If you really want a job, find the person doing it and don’t worry about getting paid – just get your foot in the door.” His own journey reflects this mindset.

Landing his first internship wasn’t easy. Initially, he was told the position was filled. Instead of accepting defeat, he returned the next day with a signed Tim Tebow helmet as a thank-you gesture. That bold move changed everything. “She said, ‘You know what? We just decided we could take a second intern,’” he recalls. That moment reinforced his belief that success often comes from stepping outside one’s comfort zone. “Most times in life, you succeed when you push yourself beyond what’s comfortable.”

A Legacy of Opportunity

Justin’s motivation each day is crystal clear – his family. “No question, my family,” he says. “As you get older, you realize the importance of family and giving them a great life.” While his personal drive keeps him focused, he also finds inspiration in industry leaders who use their influence to open doors for others.

Seeing figures like Ari Emanuel and Scooter Braun create opportunities has shaped Justin’s long-term vision for NETWORK. He wants to build a company that doesn’t just succeed but also provides meaningful opportunities for others. “That’s my deep-down desire – to reach a place where I can spend more time giving people opportunities and making their careers and dreams happen.”

For Justin, that’s the true definition of success.

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