Becoming an Athlete in Business with Tracy Deforge, Shawn Springs, and Donte Whitner

Tracy Deforge is the CEO and Co-founder of The Players' Impact. The Players’ Impact is a platform that empowers athletes and businesses exclusively for current and former professional athletes looking to preserve and build wealth through their premier private market investment opportunities. Some of their community members include Tracy McGrady, Gabby Douglas, and many more. Their portfolio companies include Cameo, DraftKings, Robin Hood, and others. 

Shawn Springs is the CEO of Windpact, a materials data and technology company located in Leesburg, Virginia. He is passionate about protecting the next generation of kids, and the inspiration behind founding Windpact stems from his 13 seasons playing in the NFL. In 1997, he was drafted third overall in the first round, spent time with three teams — the Seahawks, Washington Football Team, and New England Patriots — and was in the Pro Bowl. 

Donte Whitner was an 11 year NFL veteran, three-time pro-bowler, eighth overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, All-American at The Ohio State University, and NFL TV analyst with CBS Sports. He is a Partner and on the Athlete Advisory Board at Kirtland Hills Capital. Donte is also an accomplished real estate developer, NFLPA President of the Orange County Chapter, and sits on the advisory board of several organizations that help athletes understand the importance of financial literacy.

In this episode…

As an athlete, you have the power to do what you want with your money. Suppose you’re looking to go into business or invest in any company. In that case, you need to change your mindset and take responsibility for the process, including vetting the professionals you want to work with. That can only happen with a change of perspective since many professional athletes are used to having professionals readily available to them. 

How do you take ownership of your business life and understand it as well as you know your sports? Also, keeping in mind that the lifespan of your professional career is short, how do you start to plan your future, so you don’t go bankrupt when you quit playing? 

Listen to this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast with Dr. Jeremy Weisz featuring Tracy Deforge, Shawn Springs, and Donte Whitner. They discuss and expose the truth about being an athlete in business, the mindset needed, the professionals to vet, the mentors to keep, and the low and high points of the journey. Stay tuned.