Meet D’Angelo Jordan | Athlete Agent & Brand Manager

We had the good fortune of connecting with D’Angelo Jordan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi D’Angelo, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?

Prior to our date of inception, Central Florida Scouting, LLC (“CFS”) was an afterthought. The inordinate thought of starting a business one (1) year ago today (November 12, 2020) was not very appealing to me. I’ll give you a little background, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Fitness and Sports Management. I knew by the middle of my freshman year in college what I had a passion for all things Sports. A little less than two (2) years after undergrad, I began scouting athletes at the collegiate level to refer to DNA Sports Management, LLC (“DNA”), at my own volition. After some time my agent David “Dave” H. Walkowiak of (“DNA”) began asking me over the course of 5 to 6 years (starting in 2015-16) to become a part of the agent industry at (“DNA”). Dave wanted me to turn my work into a profit working in partnership with (“DNA”).

I turned down numerous opportunities to partner with them, over that time due to: actively working in the Ministry, pursuing a career in Strength & Conditioning and Personal Training. On top of that, I was living in Kentucky working towards my Master of Arts in Teaching Physical Education. Upon receiving my (“MAT”), I was offered a Head Strength & Conditioning Coach position at my Alma Mater — the S&C program was discontinued less than a year later. After that, I went full-time into Personal Training. I made decent money, but I knew in order to adequately support my family I needed to do something different. I left the fitness industry after a total of ten (10) years in the field at the time. I was offered a newly created position in the automotive industry as a Presentation Specialist. Which was none-other than a revered car salesman with salary + commissions (making good money and unheard of in sales). That position took a turn for the worst when the industry took a hit and layoffs were made.

After that, I knew it was time to make a regional move. I was heavily recruited, for three (3) years, by a former athletic trainer from my alma mater to become a Physical Education Instructor and Strength & Conditioning Coordinator for the football team in my home state of Florida — I accepted the call to action. A year after I arrived back in Florida, Dave reached out again, we met and I agreed to become an Independent Contractor and partner of (“DNA”) once I became a Licensed Athlete Agent. With that in mind, I pondered on how I could best use my skill set to become a valuable asset to the (“DNA”) family. I began to have thoughts of life after the public school system. I meditated on how I could put my family and I in a position to create wealth while doing something that I enjoy. The Lord gave me the blueprint on the who, what, when, where, why and how to start a business, the name (Central Florida Scouting, LLC) and resources needed to be successful. I received that download on the Saturday night of November 14, 2020. Prior to this date I had no idea the steps I would need to take in establishing a company. I had a paradigm shift, of sorts, in my heart and mind that began to take precedence. My approach to labor, economics, opportunity, vocation, et cetera, it all changed. I wanted to build something of my own, a company of character and principle. Preceding the day I received the vision, I stumbled over many avenues that lead to forming a business. Yet, I did not recall any of this until the LORD brought it to fruition. Once I received and accepted that, I began to lay the foundation to set up an infrastructure that I believe will lead to milk and honey.

Lastly, I must elaborate on one important thing. That would be how the LORD gave me the blueprint. He spoke a word (name) and everything flowed from there, “Director of Central Florida Scouting”. The most interesting part of it is this, two things, Dave gave me an unofficial position title prior to becoming an independent contractor at (“DNA”) — Regional Director of Central Florida Scouting. Then, I used a portion of that very name and title in my coaching bio — Director of Central Florida Scouting. Bless God, I truly thank the LORD for opening up my mind to that thought process. The rest is history in the making.

Please tell us more about your business. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today business-wise. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way? What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

Aww man, this will be a mouthful, the impact is cumbersome. The framework that you are about to receive is much needed for the sake of coherence. I was born and raised (in the hood) on the northeast side of Jacksonville, FL. I attended Jean Ribault High School my freshman year — home of the Trojans. I transferred to the rival of Ribault High my sophomore year, to William M. Raines High School, home of the “Ichiban” Vikings — Viking Pride (Ichiban is the Japanese term for #1)! The transfer was a necessity due to “resistance” from a certain Mathematics Teacher. I played Basketball (Point Guard), Football (Running Back, Fullback, Slot, Inside and Outside Linebacker, Rover and Safety), Baseball (First and Third Baseman, Shortstop and Outfield), Wrestling (215lbs.) and I competed in Track & Field (100m, 200m, 4x100m, Shot Put and Disk). I excelled in Football and Wrestling, although I allowed my football career (in-season) to take priority over all sports. In Football, I broke my High School Record (that still stands) for Yards Per Rush (YPR): 10.1 my senior season. I also broke the Florida High School Wrestling State Record (2009), at the time, for a pin at 6 seconds (currently 4 seconds).

With Football as my primary sport I received letters from a multitude of Colleges/Universities. Once I garnered a bit of exposure I began to focus on a few schools that displayed the most interest; Michigan, Penn State, Georgia Tech, Rice and Hampton. The University of Michigan was the only school to offer a Conditional Athletic Scholarship due to being Academically Ineligible, simply because I wasn’t cleared through the NCAA Clearinghouse — now known as the Eligibility Center. I was in the last semester of my senior year and I had never taken the SAT or ACT. I was projected to win State in Wrestling my senior year, but I made a selfish mistake going into the weeks of Tournament Matches. I opted to take the SAT and ACT at the last possible moment to retain that Football Scholarship from the University of Michigan, I missed the acceptable ACT score by 1 point. I graduated High School in 2009, I had to sit out that year (Summer, Fall and Spring 2010) to find a NAIA school to attend. At that time I had no idea what an NAIA School was. I did my research and the competition seemed promising.

While I was in the middle of my School Search, I had a “backup plan” to join the United States Marine Corps. I told my recruiter, “if I don’t get offered/accepted into College, I will join the United States Marine Corps”. I took all the mandatory and necessary steps to make sure that I would get into the Marine Corps, no matter the outcome. Before all this took place, my junior year of High School I prayed and asked the LORD, “send me to a Christian University so I can grow in my faith”. At that time, I was a hoodlum for 6 years of my life (overlapping high school and college). I completely fell into temptation (willfully sin) during that time. James 1:14-15 states, “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death”. Before I knew it, I allowed the enemy to deceive me, with the nature of my environment drawing me away from the Way. I accepted Jesus Christ into my heart as my Lord and Savior as a child — I said that prayer because at that point in my life I recognized that I was under spiritual warfare, the enemy (Satan) was trying to take my life by the deceptions of my environment (life in the hood). Throughout my four years in college I saw some good things and bad things according to the Faith. That prayer was answered, I later learned after rededicating my life to Christ, that I was being taught how “not” to live and how to set the example as a true follower of Jesus Christ. It didn’t dawn on me until my senior year of College that everything leading up to that point was all according to His plan for life. My next step was the most important of all.

I set my heart on applying to the top 16 NAIA Football Schools ranked in the NAIA College Football Playoffs. I decided that I would attend the first school that called me back. The Admissions Department at University of the Cumberlands reached out within a couple of days. It was pretty late at night, a middle aged woman informed me that the University was offering me Academic Money and the Football Coach was offering me a Scholarship. The very next morning the United States Marine Corps was knocking at my front door. I informed my recruiter of the good news, but he wasn’t thrilled. Yet, he congratulated me and life went on from there. Once I stepped on that College campus, resistance (adversity) picked up again — within the student body and on the gridiron. Simply because my “image” was intimidating and coaches enacted politics with players, to say the least. My senior season of college, I tore the anterior talofibular ligament, anterior tibiofibular ligament, calcaneofibular ligament, fibularis longus and brevis tendon and severely tore cartilage in my right ankle (I needed arthroscopic surgery). I played on that injury the entire season, I played well earning numerous awards and breaking the NAIA/School Record for Yards Per Rush (YPR): 8.1 that season.

I had an opportunity to play Professional Football in the NFL and CFL. The unfortunate truth is that my injury held me back. I competed in the NFL Regional Combine at the Atlanta Falcons Practice Facility and put up numbers at our Inaugural Pro Day. While performing at both with a severely injured right ankle. After I’d exhausted all options on my own, I reached out to DNA Sports Management (“DNA”) and signed to a Lifetime Partnership. From the NFL I had legitimate interest from the Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Jets, New York Giants, Houston Texans and the Oakland Raiders. In the CFL there was interest from the Montreal Alouettes where I had a tryout (injured) and I attended the Toronto Argonauts mini-camp tryouts in Bradenton, FL at the IMG Academy (injured). The Oakland Raiders scout Mickey Marvin stated, “if he runs a solid 4.5 forty, we will invite him to Rookie Training Camp and sign him as a Priority Rookie Free Agent after the NFL Draft”. Unfortunately, I couldn’t run that time at 60% health. With the offer still on the table, I declined, due to a request for a position change on top of the injury.

Lastly, there have been many influential people to come along in my life. I couldn’t sit here and name them all or one for that matter. I have to give glory and honor to God, the LORD has been by my side through the good, the bad and the ugly many times over. He continued to plant seeds in my ear, but it was only a matter of time before one made it to my heart, to answer the call He placed on my life. Leading me to where I am today, at the genesis of development. Next we have my parents, Daniel & Angela M. Jordan. They planted the initial seed in my heart, giving me that Biblical Foundation of Faith that led to my personal relationship with Jesus Christ. They prepared me for the rigors of life at an “early age”. I was taught: to always think for myself, to be a leader and not a follower of men, to treat others the way I wanted to be treated, to give respect for it to be reciprocated, and to be a man of my word!

My upbringing was built on the foundational rock of adversity that produced the man you are speaking with today — a true follower of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, a father of three (3), a devout husband, a High School Graduate (with Diploma), a two-time College Graduate (a Bachelors in Fitness and Sports Management, a Master of Arts in Teaching Physical Education) and the Owner of Central Florida Scouting, LLC. An unfinished vessel being used for Kingdom Business in the field of Sports and Professional Representation — “always” sharing the truth in love, speaking life into everything that I do. I’d say the impact of my yesterday has influenced who I am today, greater than I ever imagined.

Central Florida Scouting, LLC is a Premier Sports Agency specializing in scouting, to procure Collegiate & Professional Athletes for the Next Level. We engage in sports marketing, endorsement deals, brand management and professional (athlete | talent) representation. Nothing we do in life is easy or done without the possibility of perilousness, the danger would be “not taking a chance”. I believe risks are defined a bit differently in my dictionary, I have a saying, “…in order to build, one must grasp there are no risks, only opportunities”. We take risks, gamble, operate with a high level of uncertainty, venture into unpredictable situations and clutch insecurity by chance. I have been exposed to imminent risk of disaster and ruin my entire conscious life. Starting this business, for me, would’ve been a risk if I didn’t have the support of Jesus. I aspire to have an ethical business built on the brand of integrity, honor and respect — the goal is to have an ethical name in Sports and Professional Representation, one that provides an intimate service while helping effect positive change in the lives of men.

I was given an opportunity to create a brand that will help others see risks as opportunities. I’m prepared to reap what I have sown in risk (opportunity), because risk has a role to play in life. My faith in Jesus Christ is the driving force behind everything we are striving to do at (“CFS”). The principles of the Way, the Truth and the Life are what inspires us to operate with integrity, honor and respect. We are developing good relationships in the Agent, Sports Management, Marketing & Advertising field of Professional Representation. The number one thing I’ve retained from everything I am actively learning, is that one must value building, keeping and cherishing “relationships”. It will make or break a career in this business.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

In this business, success is often defined by, “…who and how many…”, that’s in reference to athletes an agent or agency has signed and how much money that group will source. The untold truth that I’ve come to completely understand is this, an agent without an athlete (client) is considered a nobody with respect to the job description. Once you sign an athlete (client), you have to work to keep them by acting as a fiduciary. No amount of currency, connections, or credentials will usurp those facts out of existence. When you operate within those parameters with certainty, one can bear fruit worthy of results. The other facet to cogitate is capital, we all are looking to gross profit. Yet, I believe such things occur when you tithe by honoring God, have virtuous business practices and do right by people respectfully. Success for us is attained in Steps, not from a singular accolade or achievement — we are taking steps to accomplish our Company Goals. I’ll list a few for your consideration: (1) Become a Licensed Athlete Agent, (2) Legalize our Company, (3) Create our Logo (4) Build a Website, (5) Obtain the Business Phone, Address and Email Domain, (6) Business Cards, (7) Acquire a Google Listing, (8) Marketing & Advertising Apparel, (9) Register the Trademark (Published), (10) NFLPA and NBPA Certified Contract Advisor, (11) Sign our First Athlete (Client | In progress…). All of which, save one, has been checked off and many more steps to climb one at a time to reach our ultimate goal. By the end of my career as an agent I want to remain unfazed by the idea of fame and fortune, to be comfortable and content with all that I have established from Step (1—100) at (“CFS”).

My ultimate achievement would be to leave a lasting impression on every Athlete that I come in contact with. By simply being who I was created and called to be in Christ Jesus. Using the platform I’m given to perfect my craft, to the best of my ability, while sharing the love and knowledge of Christ through the way I live my life.

For insight into the next step, I will be applying in 2022 to take the NFLPA Agent Certification Exam. After we conquer that, I’m moving on to triumph over the NBPA Agent Certification Exam. We are building a brand from the ground up, nothing goes unnoticed nor any detail insignificant. “We are built for the narrow way so the broad way doesn’t lead us to destruction” — CFS. The scriptures we lean on, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” — Proverbs 3:5, 6

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” — Matthew 6:33, 34

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Lakeland, FL is where I’m currently based, we are moving to Orlando, FL next summer. With that said, Lakeland, the largest city in Polk County, is home to the largest one-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world at Florida Southern College, Circle B Bar Reserve (an area of protected land), Detroit Tigers Spring Training, and Safari Wilderness. While we’re in town, we’d be sure to feed the swans at Lake Morton and tour some of Lakeland’s most notable structures, including The Terrace Hotel, Polk Theatre, and Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College. Stop by Born & Bread Bakehouse on Saturday morning and enjoy a fresh baked cruffin, breakfast roll or a slice of cake. Enjoy a cup of coffee at Concord Coffee, Hillcrest Coffee, Mitchell’s Coffee House or Black & Brew Coffee House & Bistro. People watch downtown while dining at Nineteen61 or Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille. We’d cap off the week with a trip to The River Church of Tampa Bay. Then head back to Lakeland and see a movie at the historic Polk Theatre. Once we get to Orlando, the possibilities will be endless.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the only reason I was adept in starting this business. The influence that contributes to the desired result and future outcome of what we define as success for this company and brand is faith. Secondly, my wife Jessica L. Jordan, my son D’Angelo Jordan II, my daughter Daisha-Adelle Jordan and my youngest son Aubry Jordan, they are the important element behind the drive “to be successful”. My life decisions are rooted in my faith and my family.

Website: www.centralfloridascouting.com

Instagram: @cfsdirector (Company Page)

Linkedin: D’Angelo Jordan (Business Page) | Central Florida Scouting, LLC (Company Page)

Twitter: @cfsdirector (Company Page)

Youtube: Central Florida Scouting, LLC

Other: Business Inquires | director@centralfloridascouting.com

Image Credits
CFS Photography