Preston James IV: Football means a lot to me. I played it growing up as a kid. I was the kid that watched football games on TV with my helmet on. It has also provided friendship and camaraderie with lifelong friends. On the business side it has been an experience where I’ve been able to help and mentor some young men and women. (I used to be GM of the Iowa Crush, a women’s professional football team) Most employers ask if you played a sport in school. It’s not because they are necessarily fans of “sports”. They want to see if you can work together well with others. It’s the ultimate “group project” where the goal is to either score or to stop the other team from scoring.
Joe Gaiter: Did you play sports growing up?
Preston James IV: Yes, I played football, ran track, and played lacrosse.
When did you know that you wanted to start managing players?
I started seeing my fraternity brothers (Omega Psi Phi) going to the league and I thought I could help some of the guys who maybe needed someone who was going to look out for their best interest.
Joe Gaiter: Who was your first client?
Preston James IV: Eric Dantzler. One of my fraternity brothers. He was playing baseball and called me up about helping him with his contract. I was a senior in college and was about to go to law school (University of Kansas) but was ready to start representing athletes, so I started my first firm, Omega Sports Management. I named it “Omega Sports” because I initially thought I would represent most of my fraternity brothers. But I ended up representing a number of other athletes other than my “bruhs.” I represented Olympic Divers, Speed skaters, basketball players (male and female) all over the world, a Women Bobsled Driver and a host of other athletes in various sports.
Joe Gaiter: What qualities do you look for in an athlete before you agree to manage them?
Preston James IV: I think I try to find someone who has a desire to achieve and who has a work ethic to match. I go hard for my clients. I want them to go hard for themselves as well. I look for guys who also want to do good with their own success. I give back a lot to the less fortunate. I grew up in Harlem, New York so I feel it’s’ my duty to give back. I like working with young men who want to give back as well.
Joe Gaiter: Do you look at their social media accounts or just look at their stats?
Preston James IV: When I’m looking at someone to represent I do check out their social media accounts. I work for my athletes, not vice versa. But I know most corporations, including sports teams look at the websites of potential employees. It would behoove me to see what the teams are seeing as well. I think young athletes need to realize that their social media pages are a small window into their personal life. They need to be cognizant what they are showing is how people get to see them, including potential employers.
Joe Gaiter: Tell me about your management company and who are some of your clients?
Preston James IV: I’ve teamed up with and have become an associate of JR Sports Enterprises. www.agentjr.com. It’s owned by JR Rickert. JR personally has negotiated over $400 Million in contracts. We have a group of associates who work very well together. We have 34 players on active NFL Rosters. We have certifications in NFL and NBA as well as a number of title holding boxers. Some of our guys are Dion Lewis (Patriots) Lorenzo Alexander (Bills) , Jacoby Brissett (Colts) Adam “Pac Man” Jones, and a host of others. One of the guys I personally work with is a fraternity brother, Cameron Jefferson (Redskins). In this draft class some of the guys we have are Deniko Carter (Univ. of West Georgia), Des White (TCU), and 3 Time D II All American Harley Vaughan (Univ of West Georgia).
Joe Gaiter: Would you represent someone from a small or HBCU school that doesnt get any media coverage?
Preston James IV: Of course, I would! I love helping the so called “underdog.” As I aforementioned, I’m from Harlem, NY. I had some times in my life where things weren’t easy to say the least. I like being able to help those who others may have counted out or who had to “travel the road less traveled” to reach their destination.
Joe Gaiter: Are you accepting more clients? If so how do they contact you?
Preston James IV: We are always looking to increase our roster with well qualified individuals. In a perfect world everyone could achieve the opportunity to play professional sports. But reality says we won’t all get to do that. If scouts are contacting you that may be a good time to contact us.
Joe Gaiter: What would you say separates you from the other agents?
Preston James IV: I think I have a back ground similar to some of the athletes while having an education equal to, or surpassing, a lot of management. (I have a law degree as well as an MBA from the University of Kansas) I am also a Sports Management professor, so I think I’m always in “teaching and reaching” mode when dealing with athletes. I teach sports law, sports marketing, Intro to sports management, and a few other classes.
Joe Gaiter: What do you want your legacy to be?
Preston James IV: Great question! I want my legacy to be a positivity chain of the young men and women I help to assist make the world better. If I help 20 people and they help 5 people a piece and then teach those to help 5 people to do the same, and so on, imagine the difference we make for generations! We are all role models to someone. I want to help young men who are willing to go out and help others with the opportunities they are provided.
Joe Gaiter: Final Words?
Preston James IV: I’d like to thank you for the opportunity to reach out to some individuals. I like to let others know I work hard for my clients and look forward to building lifelong relationships. If you, the reader, are a legitimate candidate for the NFL, CFL, MLB or NBA please give us a holler at JR Sports Enterprises. We have a proven track record of doing right by our clients. Again, you can find us at: www.agentjr.com. You can also email me direct at: [email protected]
On Twitter I’m : Preston_JamesIV
On Instagram: pj4law
On facebook I have a public figure Page: Dr. Preston James IV
Sports Agent Dr. Preston James IV Interview with Joe Gaiter was last modified: February 12th, 2018 by Joseph Gaiter
