The landscape of high school sports is shifting fast, especially now that Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities are on the table. High school athletes can actually start making money from their athletic skills before they even set foot on a college campus.
VIP Consultants is a new business started by former athletes and seasoned pros. Their goal? To help these young athletes figure out this tricky new world.
This article takes a closer look at how VIP Consultants came to be, what drives its founders, and what NIL could mean for high school athletes in Michigan.
The Genesis of VIP Consultants
Mark Konecny and Don Wolf co-founded VIP Consultants. They first met as high school football rivals, but eventually became teammates and friends at Division III Alma College.
Their shared time on and off the field sparked the idea for their business. Konecny, who played in the NFL and later became a firefighter, teamed up with Wolf, a successful business guy, to create a firm focused on representing young athletes.
A Team of Experts
David Jones and Paul Bobbitt also joined the VIP Consultants crew. They’re both NFLPA certified agents and bring a ton of experience in sports management and legal work.
Between them all, the team has racked up over 30 years in the NFLPA and legal fields, more than 14 years as pro athletes, and decades in business and negotiation. That’s a lot of know-how under one roof.
Mission and Vision
VIP Consultants wants to help athletes keep up with the wild changes in sports, especially when it comes to NIL. Their mission focuses on four main areas:
- Representation
- Consultation
- Promotion
- Training and Development
They’re all about helping clients make a positive impact both on and off the field. VIP Consultants wants athletes to be smart with their opportunities, thinking about personal and financial growth that lasts well beyond their playing days.
Strategic Approach
They’ve mapped out a 10-year growth plan, which includes building strategic third-party partnerships. The team offers financial advice, social media development, and platforms that connect athletes directly with businesses.
This full-circle approach aims to get athletes ready for whatever comes next. It’s not just about the quick win—it’s about the long game.
The NIL Landscape
NIL hasn’t been approved for amateur athletes in Michigan yet. Still, the changes allowing college athletes to get paid are already shaking up high school sports.
VIP Consultants is jumping in to help young athletes figure out this new scene. David Jones says it’s *absolutely mandatory* for young athletes to get good guidance right now.
Guidance for High School Athletes
Take Muskegon High School junior Recarder Kitchen and Mona Shores High School senior Tomarion “Ike” Steward. They’re just starting to look at NIL opportunities.
Kitchen is a top recruit and keeps an open mind about both recruiting and NIL. Steward thinks NIL is exciting, but he knows it’s important to make smart choices with any money that comes in.
The Role of Coaches and Families
Shane Fairfield, Muskegon High’s head football coach, says it’s crucial to include the player, their family, and the high school coaching staff in NIL talks. He warns that everyone needs to do their homework when looking at investment groups, since NIL still has a lot of unknowns.
Maintaining Respect and Communication
Fairfield also points out that respect and open communication matter—a lot. Some college recruiters skip over high school coaches and go straight to players and their families on social media, which can make things awkward or confusing.
Future Prospects
Geoff Kimmerly, who handles communications for the Michigan High School Athletic Association, says NIL isn’t a big thing at the high school level yet. But, honestly, it’s *knocking at the doorstep.*
VIP Consultants is getting ready for that moment. Their focus is on helping athletes lay down a solid foundation for whatever the future brings.
Long-Term Goals
Don Wolf says VIP Consultants wants to make heroes out of young athletes. It’s not really about the money—it’s about seeing their growth and being part of that story.
The company’s long-term vision mixes in NIL football payout projections, average client valuations, and client acquisition goals. Honestly, it’s all set up to push their 10-year growth plan forward, maybe faster than anyone expects.
If you’re curious about the bigger picture, there’s more to dig into over at *Local Sports Journal’s* website: Is NIL the Real Deal for High School Athletes?
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