Achieving High Heights with D.A. Wilson

How has the Arts impacted your life?
Over time, I have learned that being artistic takes on many forms.  Some people are artistic, or creative, in a more traditional space ... music, film, art, etc.  I discovered that my creative side was more unconventional, in business and finance.  My eclectic training and experiences in business allow me to see and create opportunities for clients that other business advisors miss.  

As a father of two children, how will you incorporate the Arts into their development?
I recognize that my children will be creative in some area(s).  It's my obligation to look for their natural creative gifts and nurture and encourage them.  I want my children to always think outside the box and creatively.

What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
Entrepreneurship was inspired out of the necessity to do what I was passionate about.  I simply wanted to fulfill what I consider to be my purpose.  No one gave me an opportunity to pursue my dreams so I created my own opportunities with the businesses that I own.

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Tell us  about your company.
Magnate Sports Management is a full-service business management company that works with future, current and former professional athletes in all sports.  Our Mission is to ensure athletes achieve the highest level of business and financial success. It is our core belief that the modern athlete is a business enterprise that must be managed with the same discipline and transparency of a publicly traded, Fortune 500 company. Magnate Sports Management has one key objective: to implement sound strategies and create clear objectives to replace an athlete’s salary with successful independent business and investment ventures.

What is it about sports that you love?
Most notably, sports teaches worth ethic, discipline, and teamwork.  These three skills have been the foundation of my professional success.  If young athletes can learn how to apply the skills sports teaches them to academics and off the field opportunities, nothing can stop them.  

What advice would you give to a professional athlete who seeks retirement from the league?
In addition to having the traditional retirement accounts, 401K, IRA, etc., make sure you have a healthy dose of independent business and investment ventures that not only replace your player salary but set up your family for generations to come.  In order to accomplish this, the athlete will need a team with a strong background in business.  It is important that an athlete knows how to vet and hire people with the requisite skills, education, and experience.      

Where would you like to see your company in the next five years?
Our plan for growth revolves around pursuing quality over quantity and keeping our mission first. I see Magnate being a subject matter expert and thought leader in the area of independent business and investment ventures for professional athletes. 

Website: www.magnatesportsmanagement.com
Twitter: @MagnateSports
Instagram: @MagnateSportsManagement