Today we’d like to introduce you to Cris Ross.
Hi Cris , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I actually got my start in brand management in a pretty unconventional way. Early in my career, I was working with a professional basketball team here in Dallas, where I served as the assistant general manager. While my role was rooted in team operations, I naturally became involved in helping players think beyond the game specifically how they could build and monetize off the court. That meant exploring partnerships, developing their public image, and identifying opportunities that aligned with who they were both professionally and personally.
Over time, I realized I had a real passion for that side of the business the intersection of sports, branding, and storytelling. What started as an added responsibility quickly became my focus. I began working more closely with athletes on endorsement strategies, social media presence, and long-term brand positioning.
Today, I’ve built on that foundation and work as a brand manager representing not only athletes, but also content creators and influencers. My role is all about helping clients define their voice, grow their platforms, and turn their visibility into meaningful, sustainable opportunities. Looking back, that early experience in Dallas gave me a unique, hands-on perspective that still shapes how I approach brand management today.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Working with athletes, for example, can come with its own set of challenges there’s sometimes an expectation that services should come easily or even without cost, which can make it difficult to establish clear value and boundaries early on. Part of my growth has been learning how to communicate that value and position my work as an investment rather than a favor.
Another challenge has been alignment when it comes to work ethic. Whether it’s collaborators or clients, I’ve encountered situations where the level of commitment and professionalism didn’t quite match my own standards. In an industry that moves quickly and relies heavily on trust and consistency, that misalignment can slow down progress and impact results.
And like any business, finding the right people to work with hasn’t always been easy. Building a strong, reliable network takes time, discernment, and sometimes learning the hard way. But those experiences have ultimately helped me refine how I choose partnerships and reinforced the importance of working with people who share the same vision, discipline, and long-term mindset.
As you know, we’re big fans of Exclusive Brand Agency . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At its core, my business is about helping people turn their influence into something meaningful and sustainable. I work with athletes, content creators, and influencers to build strong, authentic brands that open the door to real monetization opportunities. A big part of what I do is securing brand partnerships and helping my clients grow and position themselves on social media in a way that attracts the right opportunities.
What I’m most proud of, honestly, is my work ethic. This industry isn’t always easy, and success doesn’t happen overnight, so I take pride in being consistent, reliable, and fully invested in the people I represent.
More than anything, I want people to know that my brand is rooted in genuinely wanting to help others win. I care about seeing my clients grow, not just financially, but in how they show up, how they’re perceived, and how they build something that lasts. For me, it’s bigger than deals it’s about impact and creating opportunities that can change someone’s trajectory.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consultwithcris_/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-ross-francis-8178801a8
