Newsletter – The Sports & Entertainment Society

Welcome to the Sports and
Entertainment Society Newsletter!

-Kofi Nartey and
The Sports and Entertainment Society Team

Sep

2021

August 2021

Hello SES Community!

Hope all is well and I hope all of you are finding time to come up for air! We would love to start getting people together, as well as continue making amazing introductions. Please be on the lookout for invitations to upcoming meet-ups. Also, we will have our next Zoom call in the coming weeks with a great guest speaker. Invitation coming soon. Lastly, please let James or myself know if there is anything else we can do to help you expand your business. We are happy to make strategic introductions or share information with the group regarding things you are working on.

All the best!

-Kofi Nartey and
The Sports and Entertainment Society Team

The Olympic Champions of Giving

The Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics just ended, and the United States was hugely successful. After 17 days of competition, the United States finished with the most medals won overall and the most gold medals in the Olympic Games. With 39 Olympic gold medals, the U.S. barely edged out China, which won 38. The United States won an additional 104 medals at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. The team took home 37 gold medals, 36 silver medals, and 31 bronze medals, making them the fourth best ranked team at the Paralympics.

Sep

2021

The Olympic Champions of Giving

By: Dr. Mimi Nartey, Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Nartey Sports Foundation | NarteySportsFoundation.com

While there was so much inspiration to draw from the performances on the fields, tracks, and courts, there is another side to these athletes that makes them truer champions that we may realize. So many of the Olympians and Paralympians are giving back in ways that will transform their talent into a legacy. Here are a few notable profiles:

Perry Baker | Rugby

World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year in 2017 and 2018, Baker reverted to rugby after a brief football career. Not only is Barker a standout athlete, but he is also an upstanding community citizen who has participated in charity work with the Special Olympics. He is dedicated to giving back to his community and has spent his time reading to local children and even refereeing youth basketball games.

Simone Biles | Gymnastics

Biles is arguably the greatest gymnast of all time. She had not been defeated in the all-around since 2013. Most of the recent sports media coverage about Biles focused on her abrupt decision to leave the competition while grieving the death of her aunt. Despite dealing with that loss, she took home a silver and bronze medal. Off the mat, Biles has been a champion for others over the past several years. In 2017, she personally volunteered in the aftermath of the devastation left by Hurricane Harvey. She recently drafted an op-ed on the importance of creating opportunities for foster youth, reflecting on her own experience as a foster child. She announced a scholarship to support foster youth attending an online college, University of the People. Biles also continues to leverage her platform to drive change around social justice issues related to gender inequality, racism and abuse. Since announcing that she had been the victim of sexual abuse, she has worked to create safe spaces and support for other victims. In a 2020 Vogue interview she said, “I think of it as an honor to speak for the less fortunate and for the voiceless.”

Katie Ledecky | Swimming

A powerhouse in the pool, Katie Ledecky won her first gold at the age of 15 in 2012 and won four more in 2016. She won two gold medals and two silver medals in Tokyo. Ledecky tirelessly contributes to charitable work as well. She is involved with Catholic Charities, Shepherd’s Table, Bikes for the World, and the Wounded Warriors Project at Walter Reed Bethesda Naval Medical Center.

Megan Rapinoe | Soccer

Rapinoe, at 35, is one of the most veteran members of the U.S. national team. She won the Golden Ball and Golden Boot at the 2019 World Cup. Over the past several years, she has become a major social justice advocate and philanthropist. She pledges part of her salary to Common Goal, which supports soccer-centered charities around the world. She works with the ACLU, has partnered with the Seattle-area Boys and Girls Clubs and is an ambassador for Athlete Ally, which opposes homophobia in sports. In 2013, she was awarded the board of directors Award by the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center.

Scout Bassett | Paralympic Track and Field

Bassett is a two-time world championship medalist in the 100 meters and the long jump. Abandoned in China as a baby after losing her leg and suffering severe burns, she was adopted by a couple in Michigan and brought to the United States in 1995. In a recent interview with InStyle Magazine, she said, “I’m a woman, I have a disability, I’m an immigrant, I’m Asian. I cross so many of these intersectionalities and to be sort of a face, or a voice, is a responsibility that I don’t take lightly.” She is an ambassador for the Challenged Athletes Foundation, and she is now featured in Whistle Sports’ “No Days Off” docuseries.

Sources Cited

Jul

2021

A luxury stay in the Maldives: the most exclusive getaway on the planet!

As we all know, the current COVID-19 pandemic has influenced the trends and popular experiences in the luxury traveling niche around the globe. Exotic and remote destinations are incredibly sought-after, as they provide people with an opportunity to disconnect from their routine and escape crowds to find refuge in a world-class luxury setting. The Maldives is home to some of the world’s most amazing luxury hotels and resorts. This destination has always been one of the most popular and highly regarded in the world of luxury travel, but the current situation makes it a perfect haven for people looking for a luxury retreat.

Located in the heart of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives are essentially a group of islands blessed with some of the most beautiful flora and fauna on the planet. Visiting the Maldives is a life-long dream for many people, and it is not surprising to see that this destination often ranks high as one of the most sought-after holiday trips ever, with or without the pandemic! The Maldives provides a one-of-a-kind luxury experience, also on account of the fact that very few destinations can provide such a high level of privacy and relaxation. In fact, the setting provides a laid-back lifestyle, with some of the most breathtaking beaches and seaside scenery on the planet. The many secluded beaches and holiday resorts provide so much luxury and privacy for attendees, making them perfect for people who re-ally want to enjoy their trip away from large crowds and chaos. Some re-sorts and beaches are actually only available via seaplane or speedboat! In addition to that, some of the wealthiest visitors also have the opportunity to rent a private atoll, all to themselves. Renting a secluded piece of heaven might be the ultimate luxury experience of a lifetime, especially if you consider that beautiful amenities such as overwater villas and private spas are quite commonplace at such a high level.

In addition to the high level of luxury that you can expect from a stay in the Maldives, you’ll also be able to enjoy some one-of-a-kind experiences. For instance, if you enjoy being in and around water, it goes without say-ing that this is the perfect place for you. You can practice all sorts of water sports, and many luxury resorts actually enable guests to rent some high-end equipment, including water skis and sea-doos, only to mention a few. This is particularly awesome because it means that you won’t have to bring your gear with you if you don’t want to. In addition to that, you’ll also be able to enjoy some incredible experiences that are only possible in a handful of destinations in the world. For example, you can actually swim with sharks and marvel at the beauty of so much marine flora and fauna, including the Coral Reef ecosystem, which is precious and one-of-a-kind.

Some of the most discerning tourists also tend to hire some staff for their holidays, including sailors or pilots on retainers, as well as personal chefs, so that they can enjoy world-class meals without the need to leave their private slice of heaven!

Speaking of food, Maldivian cuisine is quite one-of-a-kind, as it feels like a cultural crossroads of so many influences. From the colorful, fresh, and zesty touch of the Pacific ocean down to the complex and endearing fla-vor of Indian cuisine influences, there is so much going on here. Among other specialties, don’t miss out on Gulha, the country’s beloved national dish, which essentially is a deep-fried pastry featuring smoked fish (often tuna) as well as onion and sweet coconut flakes.

May

2021

April 2021

Hello SES!

Thanks to everyone who joined our amazing call with the CEO of the LA Dodgers Foundation, Nichol Whiteman! She was phenomenal and we are excited to welcome her as a member of the Sports and Entertainment Society. We also had a very informative call on the emerging world of NFTs (Non-fungible Tokens). Thanks to those who shared their expertise in this field. We will have more of these curated conversations on topics that our members are interested in. Also, our referral network has been active. Please share your successful referral stories with myself or James. Lastly, we are starting to plan for in-person meet-ups and ultimately our Super Bowl activation. We would love your input and ideas. Looking forward to our next call.

-Kofi Nartey and The Sports and Entertainment Society Team

Coming from Metro Detroit, without any ties to the entertainment and sports industry, some think I broke into representing music clients by simply moving to Los Angeles. However, landing those Grammy winning clients was not that simple. It involved a lot of work behind the scenes. As many in the entertainment and sports industry will tell you, persistence is a characteristic that many of us professionals in SES possess. I guess this Member Contribution is not about me, my firm, my work, or my clients, but instead is a way of paying it forward to anyone that is interested in breaking into the entertainment and sports industry. The key to success is to be persistent in the following three areas.

What are the greatest challenges to good communication?

I think there are 3 key challenges to good communication.

1. Being consistent with communication. It’s very easy to do when something is urgent, but more difficult when the sky isn’t falling.

2. Even before COVID, I feel I rely too much on technology, like texts and emails, to communicate.

3. Listening. A critical component of good communication is being able to not only hear, but listen to your team and client.

What are the greatest challenges to good communication?

Every year I update my business plan to include my two biggest goals along with 2 to 3 strategies/activities to achieve those goals throughout the year. I would have to say developing consistent processes in my firm have brought about our biggest successes.

Sticking to my calendar is key in order to maintain a balance between work and home life. I am an avid promoter of time blocking and in fact I account for every 15 minutes of my day so that we can be as efficient as possible. I also make sure that our team has a weekly meeting so that we can make sure communication and customer service are always top of mind. Through the use of consistent processes, time blocking and open communication we continue to bring success to the firm.

Apr

2021

March 2021

The "2 Client Approach." We had a great conversation on our last Zoom call about the 2 Client Approach for our sports and entertainment clients. This month, we will have a great guest speaker from the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation that you won't want to miss. Lastly, the first quarter is officially over and get ready for the rest of the year to fly by too. Stay dialed in for more SES networking, online events and speakers, and YES, in-person events! This is going to be a year of growth and expansion for our members and we are excited to support that journey.

-Kofi Nartey and The Sports and Entertainment Society Team

Amalfi Coast: Luxury Experiences in one of the world’s most sought-after destinations

Located in the beating heart of southern Italy, Amalfi Coast is a one-of-a-kind destination. This place feels like time has stopped there. You’ll still be able to see cars and scooters from the 50s, cheekily flying around the small alleys and intricate coastal roads. The scenery is very traditional and picturesque, but Amalfi is home to some of the most incredible luxury experiences you could dream of. The world-famous Santa Caterina hotel is one of them. I had the opportunity to spend several nights in this beautiful establishment with my wife last summer, and our stay was unforgettable.

What is the most effective strategy for connecting with and encouraging your team?

I have found that its easiest to connect with my team through daily texts that set the tone for that day. This is a simple, short text that does not require a response. For example, if work needs to be done on a contract for a client, I’ll send something quick like, “I know you’ve the contract for client Doe handled, but if you need a second take on anything today before sending, I’m available.” I found this works great for tasks that the team and I have discussed.

In addition to small texts, my team and I also have summary/strategy calls whenever as needed. If an attorney I am working with needs some help, they text me their availability and we set up a call that day to discuss. I always welcome any questions. I also make myself available at a time that works best for the person seeking help.

Who is the best person you’ve worked for? Why?

For the majority of my 30-year career, I have been my own boss. Some days I love being the boss. Other days, it is a little lonely. I learned about hustling and the power of treating any position like you are the boss from John Soltis at Milliken & Company – one of the world’s largest textile companies. He was a bit of maverick with a tremendously committed work ethic. He approached every day like his sole job was to make sure new business flowed in to keep the lights on, even though we worked in one small business unit in a multi-million dollar company with thousands of employees. He always had a back-up plan for his back-up plan and taught me to be bold and confident in sharing my ideas. He showed me that I could use my position as the only woman at the table to make diversity a business asset. Because of his mentorship, many more women joined me at that table.

Mar

2021

February 2021

As we wrap up the first quarter, we are slowly seeing the world open back up. This will mean live sports and entertainment will be back before we know it. Also, the Super Bowl is headed to Los Angeles for 2022. We want to start planning some type of Sports & Entertainment Society activation. We are open to all ideas and look forward to collaborating with all of you. In the meantime, we will continue with our monthly Zoom meetings, dynamic guest speakers and finally, sharing wants and needs. One more shout out to last month's guest speaker, Former MLB player and Founder and Director of Players for the Planet, Chris Dickerson! Thanks and talk soon!

-Kofi Nartey and
The Sports and Entertainment Society Team

Philanthropy is an important part of a democratic society because it directs resources and attention to marginalized groups or unpopular causes. From a historical perspective, philanthropy was founded on the large-scale donations of a number of individuals and families who made their wealth during the industrialization era, such as the Sage, Carnegie, Rockefeller, and Ford families. In recent times, more individuals are seeking to promote the welfare of others by donating time, money experience, skills or talent. Athletes are a unique group of emerging philanthropists that we should be paying attention to, and here are three reasons why:

1. Athletes will constitute a growing proportion of the high net worth and the ultra-high net worth.

Although athletes only represent about 1% of millionaires in the United States, over the past couple of decades, we have seen an undeniable change in the ways that athletes are handling their resources. Many are re-investing their money in business and real estate to build out empires and create intergenerational legacies of wealth and influence. This is translating to staggering net worth projections for a variety of athletes across all sports. We are seeing a greater number of athletes displaying serious business acumen and surrounding themselves with top industry experts to use their salaries as capital for wealth-building investments.

Most clients and advisors that we work with think of life insurance as a necessary evil– something you must have (and pay for) to protect the ones you care about if the unthinkable happens. Life insurance absolutely is that– and I have seen first-hand the positive economic impact it can have on the loved ones of someone lost too soon. But what if it could offer significantly more– not just to the beneficiaries, but clients themselves while they live?

Permanent life insurance has a cash value component that builds up during the life of the policy and is fully accessible to the policy owner for use while the insured is still living. There are a variety of different policy constructs that allow for customization to the needs and risk tolerance of each individual client, ranging from very stable and predictable (whole life) to more aggressive (variable life). Regardless of which end of the spectrum the design falls on, however, if properly structured the plan enjoys favorable lifetime tax treatment.

What skills/tools do you use to ensure effective communication between your team members?

At EPIC, we use a robust agency management system that contains all the client information necessary for us to procure the insurance policies. We “meet” as teams using Microsoft teams, zoom and hopefully when things return to normal, live meetings with the various teams. The S&E teams are located in NY, CA, GA, TN, TX and FL. The S&E colleagues know they can reach out at any time to brainstorm about a challenging situation, to discuss next steps on a comprehensive program and to coordinate the various teams all working for the same client.

Feb

2021

January 2021

Welcome to the Sports and Entertainment Society Newsletter!

This year has started off with an energy shift. We have an opportunity to lean into this energy, and bring this energy to our clients in the form of value. The momentum for 2021 starts now and will carry us through the inevitable ebbs and flows of business. Let's get after it.Welcome to the Sports and Entertainment Society Newsletter! This year has started off with an energy shift. We have an opportunity to lean into this energy, and bring this energy to our clients in the form of value. The momentum for 2021 starts now and will carry us through the inevitable ebbs and flows of business. Let's get after it.

-Kofi Nartey and
The Sports and Entertainment Society Team

On Top of the World of Luxury:

Dubai’s Burj Al Arab Serves as the Gold Standard for High-End Hotels

Unveiled in 1999, the Burj Al Arab made all heads turn toward Dubai. At the time, had shattered every notion of what luxury should be. With its exotic locale on a manmade island in the UAE, it has reigned supreme among all 5-star hotels worldwide for 21 years.

For those that seek the royal treatment, few places in the world can match the elite style of Burj Al Arab. Privacy, seclusion, luxury, and impeccable service await your every command, set to a backdrop of beautiful waters and extensive list of amenities that make a stay here nothing short of perfection.

Extravagance in Every Room

A stay in Burj Al Arab assures that no guest will find themselves in cramped quarters. Every room in this luxury property is a deluxe suite. The triangular shape of the hotel, designed to look like the sail of a ship jutting from the sea, was a deliberate intention to ensure every guest had luxury accommodations.

The rooms are lavish with features too. Mattresses cost more than cars and bedding is stuffed with genuine duck feathers for an unparalleled sleeping experience. Adding in even more comfort, guests have access to a pillow menu where they have a choice of 17 options that vary in firmness and size. A 14-piece Hermès set of toiletries awaits in the grandiose bathroom of every suite.

What set’s you apart from others that work in your industry? What is the ancillary and additional value you provide to your connections, prospective clients, and your current and former clients?

Answering these questions can be difficult – especially when you are focused on growing your business. You may be “the best” but what does that mean? One easy way to become indispensable to your clients and connections, is to deal in relationship capital. I am not the only SES member that focuses on providing the value of connecting others to those in roles our clients need who we know, like, and trust.

The focus of dealing in relationship capital, is to look for holes in your client’s lives that need to be filled and can be filled by like-minded professionals that you know will be the right professional for your client. I have a list of 12 roles I know my sports and entertainment clients need in their lives. I ask who is filling these roles when I begin working with my clients and fill in the missing roles with professionals I know will do right by my client and do good work. Not only do my clients appreciate it, but so do those who I plug in to work with them.

Think about what ancillary or additional value you can provide to your connections and clients and think about adding relationship capital into the mix!

What is it you do?

Attorney at Law at Yacobi Law, APC

What is the most effective strategy for growing your sports and entertainment business?

The most effective strategy for growing my boutique estate planning practice is to develop, maintain and nurture genuine and meaningful relationship with the representatives, agents and advisors to individuals or families engaged in the sports and entertainment industry. Collective collaboration, transparency and professionalism will allow us to provide exceptional services.

What is it you do?

Private Client Financial Advisor at Bank of America. Working with high net worth individuals to create and execute on generational wealth plans.

What are two of your favorite ways to network in the sports and entertainment industry?

I thoroughly enjoy networking at social events affiliated with the sports and entertainment industry. Examples includes attending gifting lounges, dinners, and events around award shows (i.e. ESPYs, GRAMMYs, etc.) and sporting attractions (i.e. Super Bowl, All-Star weekend, etc.). I am able to meet clients, prospects, and COIs in an environment that is festive and entertaining.

The second way I like to network is through participating on panels focused on financial empowerment. The topics of discussion can range from creating a 100-year legacy plan, dealing with family dynamics, and philanthropy to helping business owners think through succession planning, exit strategies, and generational differences.

Both of these trategies allow me to make connections within the sports and entertainment industry in an authentic way while displaying experience and a specialization in my practice.

What is it you do?

CEO and my primary responsibility is to manage and protect the credit and identities of athletes and entertainers.

What is the most important key to retaining your current sports and entertainment clients?

We pride ourselves on the fact that we have had only 2% of clients cancel our credit protection service, and 1 client cancel our service to remove information from the web. We’ve done this by constantly working to improve the service and add on additional aspects once people ask for them.

Hello SES Community!

MIMI NARTEY

The Olympic Champions of Giving

Perry Baker | Rugby

Simone Biles | Gymnastics

Katie Ledecky | Swimming

Megan Rapinoe | Soccer

Scout Bassett | Paralympic Track and Field

Hello SES!

WORLD'S MOST VALUABLE SPORTS TEAMS 2021

2021 OSCARS: THE COMPLETE WINNERS LIST

REEBOK JOINS NFT MARKET WITH LIMITED EDITION FOOTWEAR

DR. MIMI NARTEY

ERIC PROOS

GOLD PORTER

DAVID SIEGEL

MELISSA HASKINS

SUPREME COURT CASE COULD CHANGE THE NATURE OF COLLEGE SPORTS

TRIBECA PLANS IN-PERSON, OUTDOOR FILM FESTIVAL FOR JUNE

INNOVATIVE BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY CREATES NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE HIGH-END FASHION INDUSTRY

Amalfi Coast: Luxury Experiences in one of the world’s most sought-after destinations

ED CASTNER

ERIC PROOS

TRACY HAZZARD

BRANDON LEOPOLDUS

What Justin Turner's two-year Dodgers contract means for luxury tax

For movie awards season, February is beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Privacy is the New Luxury: The World’s Most Exclusive Villa Holidays to Book For 2021

DR. MIMI NARTEY

Co-Founder and Executive Director

Member Contribution A New Look on Life

STEPHEN SABO

CHRISTINE SADOFSKY

Managing Principal

New York City, NY

PETE LARIOS

Founder

Tampa, FL

ED CASTNER

Assistant Vice President

Cape Coral, FL

The Sports & Entertainment Society is a network of specialists servicing athlete & entertainer clientele. We are a vetted group of real estate professionals, wealth managers & agents, luxury brand representatives and concierge service providers.

Welcome to the Sports and Entertainment Society Newsletter!

Every New Mid-Size Luxury Car for 2021 Ranked

State Farm Arena Achieve Health Security Verification From Sharecare

Here’s Why The Future Of Movie Theaters May Be Brighter Than It Looks

On Top of the World of Luxury:

Dubai’s Burj Al Arab Serves as the Gold Standard for High-End Hotels

Brandon Leopoldus

Los Angeles, CA p. (323) 682-0511

Rozita C. Yacobi

Beverly Hills, CA p. (310) 276-1128

Marcellus Upshaw

(281) 620-3362 marcellus.upshaw@bofa.com

Anthony Davenport

Los Angeles, New York & London anthonyd@regalcredit.com

The Sports & Entertainment Society is a network of specialists servicing athlete & entertainer clientele. We are a vetted group of real estate professionals, wealth managers & agents, luxury brand representatives and concierge service providers.

Recent Posts

MIMI
NARTEY

DR. MIMI
NARTEY

ERIC
PROOS

GOLD
PORTER

DAVID
SIEGEL

MELISSA
HASKINS

ERIC
PROOS

TRACY
HAZZARD

BRANDON
LEOPOLDUS

DR. MIMI
NARTEY

Co-Founder and
Executive Director

Member Contribution
A New Look on Life

Los Angeles, CA
p. (323) 682-0511

Beverly Hills, CA
p. (310) 276-1128

(281) 620-3362
marcellus.upshaw@bofa.com

Los Angeles, New York & London
anthonyd@regalcredit.com