Chibi Emejue- College Track Athlete & Passionate about Giving Back to the Less Fortunate

Episode Summary

SaltyMF highlights Chibi Emejue, a Belmont track and field athlete and Rycki Cruz, founder of One Sport Media. Rycki connected with Chibi through a mutual contact, leading to a successful partnership within a month. Chibi, who runs the 400-meter hurdles, transitioned from basketball to track during his freshman year of high school. He co-founded "The Great Give Back," an initiative to help the less fortunate, which evolved into a nonprofit. Chibi's efforts include distributing food, clothes, and Bibles to the homeless. Rycki, recovering from brain surgery, focuses on helping athletes secure NIL deals. Both emphasize the importance of networking and giving back as pillars of their success.

Introduction and Purpose of the Meeting

• Brad welcomes everyone to the meeting and introduces the purpose of highlighting Salty Map athletes and their agents.
• Brad mentions the excitement about featuring Rycki Cruz, Chibi's agent, and Chibi, a Belmont University track athlete.
• Brad explains the history of SaltyMF sponsorship of athletes, starting from the collegiate level and moving to the high school level.
• Brad asks Rycki how he and Chibi came across each other.

Rycki's Introduction and Initial Connection with Chibi

• Rycki explains that he connected with Chibi through a former client at Belmont who had a teammate interested in the NIL space.
• Rycki describes his role in helping athletes secure partnerships and solidify deals with brands.
• Rycki shares that the connection with Chibi was made within a few days, and they solidified a deal with SaltyMF within a month.
• Rycki emphasizes that Chibi enjoys the process and wants to continue pursuing it.

Chibi's Perspective and Initial Interest in NIL

• Chibi explains that he was not familiar with NIL when he started college but was encouraged by his father, a big college sports fan.
• Chibi reached out to a teammate, Sabrina, who connected him with Rycki and One Sport Media.
• Chibi was impressed by Rycki's effectiveness and the success of One Sport Media with athletes.
• Chibi shares that the quick response from Rycki and the agency solidified his decision to work with them.

Chibi's Track and Field Journey

• Brad asks Chibi about his main sport and event, and Chibi mentions he runs the 400-meter hurdles.
• Chibi shares the story of how he got into track and field, initially being a basketball player who discovered his speed during a track workout.
• Chibi explains that his older sister introduced him to track, and he found success despite having no prior experience.
• Chibi mentions his brief stint with cross country and his preference for mid-distance sprints.

Chibi's Background and Experience in Nashville

• Brad inquires about Chibi's background, and Chibi shares that he was born in Africa and moved to the United States at a young age.
• Chibi talks about living in Prince George's County before moving to Frederick, Maryland, for a better future.
• Chibi expresses his love for Nashville, despite the culture shock, and mentions his enjoyment of networking and exploring the city.
• Chibi shares his favorite restaurant, Hattie B's, and his plans to explore more of Nashville.

Chibi's Philanthropic Efforts and Clothing Brand

• Brad acknowledges Chibi's philanthropic efforts and asks him to expand on them.
• Chibi explains that his philanthropic journey started with his clothing brand, which he started at 16.
• Chibi shares that his mother, a serial entrepreneur, inspired him to start the brand, and he worked tirelessly on it.
• Chibi describes the success of his first clothing drop and his decision to give back to the less fortunate community.

The Great Give Back Initiative

• Chibi details the creation of The Great Give Back, an initiative to help the less fortunate community.
• Chibi shares the challenges and successes of the first Give Back Day, which was rained out but still managed to help people.
• Chibi meets his mentor, Matt, who helps him organize a more successful second event with a larger turnout and better planning.
• Chibi explains the expansion of The Great Give Back to include media production, social media marketing, and financial education.

Chibi's Continued Philanthropic Work in Nashville

• Chibi shares his efforts to continue giving back in Nashville, including a Halloween event where they gave out meals and Bibles to the homeless.
• Chibi describes the positive interactions with the homeless and the wisdom they shared with him.
• Chibi expresses his desire to make The Great Give Back a regular event for holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Valentine's Day.
• Chibi emphasizes the importance of helping others and the impact it has on his life and community.

Rycki's Background and Business Philosophy

• Brad asks Rycki about his background and business philosophy.
• Rycki shares his passion for the sports industry and his experience working with various agencies and athletes.
• Rycki discusses his health challenges, including brain surgery and a stroke, which led him to focus on One Sport Media.
• Rycki explains his goal to help athletes secure partnerships and solidify deals with brands, and his admiration for athletes like Chibi who are entrepreneurial.

Closing Remarks and Future Plans

• Brad praises Rycki and Chibi for their determination and contributions to the SaltyMF family.
• Brad emphasizes the importance of teamwork and supporting each other in their endeavors.
• Rycki and Chibi express their gratitude for the opportunity and their commitment to their respective goals.
• The meeting concludes with a positive note on the future collaboration and the potential for growth and success.