Reggie Calhoun Jr. is a former college athlete turned sportspreneur. He’s the Founder & President of RPA College™ Prep, an author, public speaker and mentor who’s driven by helping others succeed, Reggie is the epitome of selfless. His mission is to change communities by using the platform of sports and mentorship. Originally from New Orleans, Reggie is no stranger to adversity.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you became the Founder of RPA College?
I saw a need for young athletes and their families to understand the journey of college. In Dallas (Texas in general) there’s a stigma that you must go big or go home. For the most part they go home because they didn’t go big (meaning big school), so you’ll have young men and women entering the workforce prematurely and settling. I wanted to create a transition from high school to life.
Owning a school/college is major. What was your thought process of creating RPA and what hurdles did you have to overcome?
The thought process was simply wanting to help others. College for me was a learning experience from day one. I wanted to shorten the learning curve for others !!
How has the pandemic effected your business?
The pandemic helped. We were able to truly validate our message that sports is not forever or untouchable. Now families are listening more.
Tell us about Up Next Sports Consulting. What made you want to work with this company?
I recently became a client with Up Next Sports Consulting. Women in sports is an overlooked sector. Up Next is woman (black women) owned and they’ve taken my productivity and brand to new heights. Although I’m only a client, my desire to help them has gotten many to ask about them! I love it.
What advice do you have for young athletes who want to play sports at the collegiate and professional level?
Have a real plan. It doesn’t have to be a plan b always but having a plan helps. Also to invest, invest, invest in SELF first !!
You’re also the author of, “Build Your Sportspreneurship Empire: The RPA Way” tell us about this book and what can readers take from it?
The correlation between sports and business! And simply how to navigate the startup phase.
What do you want your legacy to be?
To be the most dynamic mentor ever. This changes communities which changes the world. I look at people like John rockerfeller and the current guys like Kevin hart, Jay Z, Master P, etc they’ve all left a mark that people mimic their moves .
For those who want to make a career in the sports industry what do you recommend them doing if they have no prior experience?
Tap into your experience in the game and go get my book.
Who are 5 athletes/entrepreneurs you #COSIGN?
@christ_creation_process_
@dralisonezell
@eryon_j
@kwek_24
@newageceo
