Last Friday, at the Princeton Sports Symposium, I was asked who I thought was my idol. I responded with revealing my hero and somebody that I look up to in my industry.
My hero is my Grandma Lottie, a beautiful Jewish woman who survived the Holocaust. She persevered through Nazi Germany and every day I remind myself that my challenges are nothing compared to what she went through.
The person I that I said I look up to in my industry is Lonnie Cooper, the CEO of Career Sports & Entertainment (CS&E). CS&E is the agency I interned with between my Sophomore and Junior year of undergraduate studies. Lonnie and his crew took me under their wing and allowed me to get hands-on experience working with some of their best clients. One thing I will never forget is that Lonnie Cooper once told me, “When something really good happens, get excited for two minutes and then move on. When something really bad happens, get upset for two minutes and then move on.” That simple advice has really helped me progress as a businessman and as a person.
Another person who I look up to in my industry is Donald Dell. I have had the opportunity to chat with a few times in person and cannot dislike anybody who represents former Florida Gators. Something that impresses me about him is that he is an agent and an academic. Like Donald, I wish to not only be a sports agent, but also a professor. I have a strong passion to teach others everything I have learned in my existence so that they can hopefully be leaders of their generation. Dell has had one of the most remarkable careers in sports, and continues to work hard as he ages with time.
As I am sure you already know, Dell has a book out, which I happened to really enjoy reading. In an effort to keep that book relevant, he has been releasing various YouTube clips, that happen to be quite interesting. He recently discussed Serena Williams’ severe punishment, the NFL taking concussions seriously, and some tips on how to get a job in sports, which is embedded below.
4 replies on “People I Admire”
Darren,
I enjoyed your thoughts on this. I actually went right to amazon and bought the Dell book after reading it. Thanks for an educating post.
Not only are you a smart businessman and an intelligent individual; you are also a truly admirable human being.
As someone trying to break into the sports agent field, I have found your blog to be quite helpful and highly interesting. I have enjoyed reading your posts. Thanks!
Thank you very much. That comment is truly appreciated.