The following “Six Questions” short interview with James Heintz, Football Operations for Elite Sports Agency, was conducted by Richard Pallarino (@rpallarino).
1) How did you get started in the sports agent industry?
I started my career 10 years ago with Sports Management World Wide (SMWW) taking courses that were provided by President of SMWW and NFL agent Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, NFL Chicago Bear’s head coach Marc Trestman and Russ Lande, Director of College Scouting for the Canadian Football League’s Montreal Alouettes and President of GMJR.com, where I was able to get a REAL feel and understanding of the in’s and out’s of this industry.
2) How do you handle the poaching of clients from other agencies?
I personally don’t deal in poaching. If a player chooses to contact me directly of their own free will, I’ll make an appointment to answer any questions they have. Otherwise, I’m focused on getting and developing Elite Sports Agency (ESA) clients’ needs and interests.
3) What is the biggest key to retaining your clients?
My biggest key is: I DON’T treat my clients or VIP’s like a meal ticket. I treat them as a PERSON and most of all..FAMILY! HONEST and HARD COLD truth.
4) In day-to-day operations of ESA, what is the company’s philosophy on the how to recruit and retain clients?
ESA’s philosophy is as follows:
Accessibility – We’re at YOUR disposal 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 a year.
Integrity – We will ALWAYS act in a FAIR, EQUITABLE & ETHICAL manner while representing YOUR interests.
Consistency – We will devote 100% of our efforts EVERYDAY to help you achieve your dreams, goals and objectives.
Quality – The level of our work for YOU will always be the HIGHEST caliber, with unparalleled personal service and legal expertise.
Commitment – The total resources of company, both human and technical, will be FOCUSED on helping YOU achieve your professional sport.
5) As Director of Operations for Elite Sports Agency, what do your duties include on a daily basis?
My duties include: Pro & College wise – Working directly with the ESA team to monitor who’s on the NFL radar ie: rankings, positions awards won, monitoring news media and transactions on / off the field, recruiting, marketing and most of all MAJOR networking with NFL scouts and upper management.
6) What advice would you give to prospective sports agents?
Based on that agent’s skills, training and knowledge. Focus your attention on one sport. Learn EVERYTHING about that sport from league certifications, other leagues, rules, networking, player status qualifications. But most of all, be REAL, honest and true with the players. Don’t treat them as a meal ticket.
