Brian Davison, VP, Marketing & Partnerships, HEIR | Hoop Story #076

Brian Davison, VP, Marketing & Partnerships, HEIR | Hoop Story #076

You have accomplished many great feats, One being the largest initial signature launch in Nike basketball history with Giannis A. speak on your relationship with Giannis and the process of writing history?

My journey with Giannis and his family was nothing short of amazing. It was built on the foundation of authenticity, attention to detail, patience, a genuine care for one another, and a relentless drive to succeed. Giannis was involved in every aspect of the creation of his signature shoe. He poured his heart and soul into every detail, from infusing his heritage and family values into the design to ensuring that the shoe performed to the best of his abilities on the court.

Working with Giannis was a privilege, and his commitment to excellence was infectious. We were both dedicated to delivering on our promises, and we worked tirelessly to achieve our goals. Nike's biggest-ever signature launch for basketball was a comprehensive global brand marketing campaign that featured in-person activations across Athens, Greece, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, New York, and multiple cities in China.

Traveling with Giannis and his family across three continents was a unique experience that elevated our appreciation for each other and strengthened our bond. We built a connection through trust, and our relationship was founded on actions, not just promises. Through the process, we pushed ourselves to be better, to reach further, and to never settle for anything less. Together, we proved that with unwavering dedication, a passion for excellence, and a genuine care for one another, we could accomplish anything we set our minds to.

Nike put major trust in you allowing you to lead the charge in 5 different positions overtime. Explain to us which position was most enjoyable to you and which caused the most difficulty.

My time at Nike Pro Basketball Sports Marketing Department was an incredible journey filled with inspiring moments and unforgettable experiences. To earn my position, I had to demonstrate my skillsets and business acumen in product creation, brand marketing, sales, and retail. It was a highly coveted role that allowed me to work alongside some of the most talented and dedicated athletes and agents in the world. 

Despite the challenges I faced in learning the nuances of the business and building genuine relationships from scratch, I persevered and proved my worth through action, not just words. Through hard work and dedication, I earned the respect of my colleagues and clients, and was blessed to forge lifelong friendships with likeminded, hard-working individuals from teams, players, agents, and other companies.

My position at Nike allowed me to make a significant impact both on and off the NBA court. It was the most difficult position I had throughout my time at Nike, but it was also the most rewarding. My goal was not only to earn the position, but to be the best at it. And through the challenges, the ups and downs, and the lessons learned, I emerged stronger, wiser, and more resilient than ever before. 

This experience taught me the power of perseverance, the importance of building genuine relationships, and the value of hard work and dedication.

We want to know about Brian Davison the hooper as well! What was your playing style like and fill us in on your college days. How was that experience?

Basketball has always been more than just a game for me – it's in my blood. My family has a rich history with the sport, with my grandfather playing at Penn State and coaching for several decades, earning himself a place in the Pennsylvania High School Hall of Fame. My mother and uncles also played, with their respective teams at the Naval Academy and Villanova. Needless to say, basketball has been a constant presence in my life, shaping who I am and what I stand for. 

I had the privilege of playing at both UNC-Asheville and Brevard College, where I honed my skills and developed my love for the game even further. During my time at UNC-Asheville, we won the 2003 Big South Conference Tournament and had the chance to compete in the NCAA Tournament – an experience I will never forget. I was a three-year starter and two-year captain, playing as a versatile shooting guard that could hit the 3 as well as pull up off the dribble – I love to run off screens and find ways to create space, making the defenders work.

But more than the accolades and achievements, what I cherish most about my college experience is the friendships I built along the way. Playing for my university was an honor, but it was the people – my teammates, coaches, and fellow students – who made it truly special. They taught me about the value of teamwork, perseverance, and dedication, and showed me the power of pushing beyond your limits to achieve your dreams.

Looking back, I am grateful for every moment I spent on the court, for every challenge I faced, and for every lesson I learned. Basketball may be a part of my family history, but it's also a part of my own story, shaping me into the person I am today. And I am proud to carry on the legacy, inspiring others to pursue their passions and never give up on their dreams.

Post Nike you became the Vice President of Basketball Development and Affairs for the Bucks. If we may ask what led you to your transition from the NBA to HEIR?

During my time at Nike, I had the privilege of building Giannis's business and working closely with the Milwaukee Bucks Front Office. One individual who stood out to me was General Manager Jon Horst. We developed a strong bond over the years as we shared a similar perspective on life, family, and basketball. I was inspired by his relentless pursuit of excellence in building the best team and staff possible. After much consideration, I made the difficult decision to leave Nike to embark on a new challenge: to win a championship at the highest level. The opportunity to work with the amazing staff and players at the Bucks was a significant factor in my decision. I have been truly humbled by their incredible talent, genuine care for one another, and unwavering determination to succeed.

Explain to the people what HEIR is and how it will affect the basketball space?

At HEIR, we are revolutionizing the way fans experience the thrill of sports - by putting the players first! Our app provides an immersive platform for fans to engage with NBA highlights, stats, athlete chats, and community, all through our unique players-first approach. Our co-founder Jeffrey Jordan, whose father Michael Jordan pioneered the idea of fans following their favorite players, not just teams or leagues, continues to inspire us. We recognize that this approach is particularly pertinent in today's world, with a new generation of sports fans seeking a deeper connection with their idols. At HEIR, we offer fans an unparalleled players-first experience that they simply can't find anywhere else.

With so much accomplished we have barely scratched the surface. What’s next for you Brian?

I am excited to continue building HEIR into a successful sports tech company that empowers and amplifies the voice of athletes. One of my key goals is to build a world-class marketing and partnerships team that drives innovation in the sports and tech industry. While we have achieved a lot so far, I believe we have only scratched the surface of what we can accomplish. As for what's next for me, I recently launched Sports Business Ventures and I feel blessed to be able to pursue my passion every day and to have the opportunity to help others do the same. With SBV, we have the chance to make a real difference in people's lives and I am committed to helping college students and young professionals navigate the ins and outs of the sports industry.


Any advice for the youth and young adults finding their way in life?

To the youth and young adults finding their way in life, my advice is to always dream big and work hard towards your goals. Surround yourself with people who empower and uplift you, and remember that success is more about the journey than the destination. Seize every opportunity that comes your way and use it to propel yourself forward. And never forget that you have the power to create your own path in life, no matter what obstacles may arise. So go out there and chase your dreams with all your heart, and never let anyone or anything stand in your way.

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