Don Philabaum, a seasoned entrepreneur in higher education, has founded four businesses, two of which were acquired and are now part of billion-dollar VC portfolio companies.
Motivated by the alarming statistic that 52% of college graduates end up in jobs not requiring a degree, Don has shifted his focus to addressing the lack of post-graduation support provided by colleges. His mission now centers on reminding athletic programs, brands, and parents that 98% of student-athletes will not get drafted into professional sports and will face the daunting task of launching a career without adequate preparation.
Don has authored dozens of thought-provoking articles examining the NIL industry's state of the union, emphasizing career and professional development training. His writings also delve into innovative topics such as blockchain, NFTs, student-athletes earning internship credit for launching their own sports marketing businesses, and strategies for funding these initiatives.