Rob Nicholson was born and raised in Wilmington (DE) and graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School and Hampton University! He grew up playing and admiring the game of basketball and from Stormin’s Classic to the PAL to the YMCA, he surrounded himself with the game. He knew he wanted to be around the game in some capacity as he transitioned into the professional world.
Currently, Rob is the Premium Client Manager with the Philadelphia 76ers. In this role, he is responsible for about 250 clients. “It’s been a dream come true to work for the team I grew up idolizing,” Rob says.
Stephanie Dawkins (SD): What inspires you to do the work you do?
Rob Nicholson (RN): I’m inspired by the lives I can change, the impact I can make on the business side, and the opportunities I can create for people who wouldn’t normally have the chance to experience the events or interactions I can provide. I’m inspired by the youth who look up to me or have never been educated on anything regarding the business side of sports. I grew up wanting to play basketball for as long as possible! I think as a community we focus so much on playing the sport, that we forget about the entire business side of sports.
(SD): Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
(RN): Essentially my job is to maintain the relationship between the 76ers and our Premium Clients and Guests. I work with a lot of major businesses, families, and celebrities to ensure they enjoy their experience at our games. I think what sets me apart is my ability to adapt to not only people but also situations, while still maintaining my authenticity. Being able to remain professional, while also including my personality is not only important to me, but it’s also what my clients respect about me. It’s something that I pride myself on and has been great for me throughout my career. I also am willing to get into the trenches to ensure business is handled and goals are met. I’ve never been shy about getting my hands dirty or having difficult conversations to make sure things are executed at the highest level.
(SD): What keeps you motivated to keep following your dreams?
(RN): My #1 motivation is my family and the legacy I leave for them. I have a beautiful wife and 2 children. It’s important to me that my family is proud of the things I’ve accomplished, and that I leave them with lessons, examples, work ethic, and morals that they can utilize and eventually pass down. I’m also motivated by the youth that I inspire. As we know, Delaware and Wilmington more specifically is very small. A lot of people tend to grow up and never leave. I take it as my responsibility to show kids and young adults that you can achieve any and everything, even coming from a small city.
(SD): How important is mentoring and giving back to the youth?
(RN): I mentor a number of college students, help people break into the sports industry, and have a passion for helping the homeless and less fortunate. It’s important to me to leave a strong foundation and legacy, not only for my family but also the youth in the city.
(SD): What are your biggest wins thus far?
(RN): My biggest wins are elevating within the 76ers Organization, creating life-changing memories for my clients, Becoming a member of multiple mentor programs, developing deep relationships with business owners, celebrities, and athletes, and creating a lane for myself that showcases everything I believe in and has gotten me into rooms I couldn’t dream of being in when I was growing up. I’ve been named MVP, Hustle Award Winner, and Top 10 NBA Rep. But I really am proud of the network and circle I’ve been able to surround myself with over the years.
(SD): What mistakes have you made this far?
(RN): I would say a mistake I made early on was having tunnel vision as opposed to looking at everything with a wide view. It’s easy to get caught up in your day-to-day tasks, but it’s also important to be aware of the things going on around you. I would also say, to be sure to write down and voice your dreams and goals. When you put these things into the atmosphere, people and the universe have a way of helping you gravitate toward these things. It’s important to be curious, ask for help, and be willing to make mistakes along the way.
(SD): What’s your next big goal?
(RN): My next big goal is to set up formal programming in Wilmington area schools and community centers that educate the kids on the business side of sports. It’s imperative that they are exposed early on to the potential career paths they can follow outside of actually playing the sport.
(SD): Is there anything we should be looking forward to coming from you or that you want our readers to know?
(RN): I am an open book. Please feel free to reach out to me for advice, networking, questions, or anything in between.
(SD): Thank you so much again for sharing all of this with us. Before we go, can you share with our readers how they can connect with you, learn more or show support?
(RN): They can connect with me via the following platforms.
Instagram: @RealRobNicholson
LinkedIn: Rob Nicholson
Email: RobertNicholson@HBSE.com, RobJNicholson01@gmail.com