The Opportunist

Being an opportunist means recognizing the value in every connection and knowing how to turn relationships into possibilities. It's about staying open-minded, asking the right questions, and being ready when doors open, often unexpectedly. Some of the best opportunities don’t come from strategy but from conversations, shared interests, or simply being in the right place at the right time. Whether it’s a business lead, a collaboration, or mentorship, success often comes down to how well you build and leverage the network around you. The proper connection, followed by the right action, can change everything.

Dream Achieved when I attended MTV Awards

Throughout my life, I’ve learned that the difference between those who succeed and those who don’t often comes down to one thing: knowing how to recognize and act on opportunity. I’ve never been someone who waits for things to happen. I put myself out there, take calculated risks, and lean into connections that open doors most people never even see. Opportunities don’t always come with a label. Sometimes, they’re disguised as a setback, a conversation, a favor, or a night out. But if you pay attention and are prepared, they can become something much bigger.

One of the earliest turning points for me came in high school. I trained hard daily and loved basketball, so getting cut from the high school team was a blow I didn’t see coming. It hurt. But once I got over the initial disappointment, I saw it as something more than rejection, it was an opportunity. Instead of sulking or giving up, I created my own team. I gathered players, organized practice, and entered the league with my own team. My team beat the very school team that cut me, winning the local championship. More importantly, that experience taught me how to lead, how to build something from nothing, and how to turn adversity into motivation. It was the first time I realized I could create my own path when the traditional one didn’t work out.

That mindset has stayed with me ever since. As I’ve grown, so has my network and my willingness to take bold risks. I’ve built connections with some incredibly high-level people—entrepreneurs, celebrities, and leaders who have influenced my career and personal development. These relationships didn’t come from luck. They came from being present, being real, and always treating people the right way. I’ve always prioritized taking care of those around me and being the guy others can trust and rely on. That reputation has opened more doors than I can count. Because of the relationships I’ve built, I’ve been given access to experiences most people only dream about. From being invited by Sydney Sweeney to attend the MTV Awards—an experience that still doesn’t feel real, to being flown to Dublin by the NELK Boys, not because I chased clout, but because I had built authentic relationships and earned the trust of the right people. When you’re consistent, loyal, and true to who you are, people remember that. And they bring you with them when opportunities come around.

Now, companies and event organizers come directly to me to promote their events and brands, knowing that people trust my word. They know I don’t just talk, I deliver. I’ve become someone people turn to when they want results, reach, and real impact. That kind of trust can’t be bought; it’s built through time, action, and staying grounded. Being in that position has also helped me grow as a leader. I’ve learned to make smart decisions, carry myself with responsibility, and help others rise with me.

I’ve always believed that life gives you a limited number of defining opportunities, and it’s up to you to be ready when they appear. Letting those chances slip by because of fear, hesitation, or doubt sets you up for regret. I’d rather take the shot and miss than sit on the sideline and wonder, “What if.” That belief has taken me from local card deals to global travel, from getting cut from a team to becoming someone others look to for leadership and direction.

Being an opportunist isn’t about taking advantage of people. It's about taking advantage of moments. It’s about seeing something others don’t and having the guts to go after it. I’ve built a life around that mindset, and I know this is still just the beginning.