Athlete Relocation A No Brainer? Ding, Ding, Ding!

Some athletes don’t ask much out of their agents.  Negotiate their professional contract, take your cut, and go on with your lives.  Others really enjoy the personal attention and expect an agent to negotiate the pro deal, but also look for endorsements, help with the selection of a financial planner, development of a social media strategy, and even providing assistance in relocation.

Think about a high school baseball player who was just selected by a professional baseball organization.  He is at the ripe age of 18-years-old, may not receive his collegiate degree for a long time (or may never go to a university), and just got a fat signing bonus that he does not know what to do with.  A financial planner helps.  But also, what happens once that player moves up the organization and has to start juggling finances with excelling on the field, and now also has the extra burden of finding a place to live?  As an agent, will you be able to help him?

Dynasty has created strong relationships with athlete relocation firms that help athletes make the move to new areas without any charge to the athlete or agent.  One of those firms is The Dingman Group, owned by California native, Chris Dingman.  Not only is it important to have a guy like Dingman in your corner for when an athlete first makes the big league team, but it is especially vital if perhaps the athlete is traded mid-season.  He may have to be in a brand new city the next day.  This is a period where one slip-up could force the athlete to switch agents.

Guys like Dingman are there for us agents to help build a stronger platter of services for our clients and potential clients.  Again, the best part of the service, is that it is free.  As the Daily Pilot reports,

In the end, he just wants to provide the best for [his clients]. And he does it for free.

Yes, The Dingman Group makes money from real estate or other company referrals, but there are times when those don’t produce income. He’s still going to work because he knows helping could lead to another client.

Dingman already suggested we start looking into places for Pete Parise for when he makes it to St. Louis.  He suggested a former Cardinal player’s place (name will remain confidential for now).  That’s the type of guy I like…someone planning in advance.