Today we’d like to introduce you to Reggie W Calhoun Jr.
Reggie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Everything at RPA College started with a dream and a mission. The dream was to help others achieved their own dreams, and a mission to impact as many youth as possible. With that being at the forefront of my ambitious, I decided to step out and launch a program I felt was needed.
I myself had a unique grade school/college experience. I would say the biggest components are based around perseverance and being a self-starter. I knew with the platform I was building that I’d for sure make a major impact. So many kids compete in sports, and in that same breath so many are blind to some of the realities of this industry.
It is not just my passion but it is my duty to make sure I educate and expose them to the realities, and unfiltered truths of the situation.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
If business ownership were a smooth road, everyone would do it! I understood that from day one and it has helped me navigate through the peaks and valleys. One major struggle was my first year. Orchestrating this major program solo gave me the experiences to elevate the brand and program to where we are today.
I literally know how every piece of the program operates and how to make it better on all accords. Getting the respect and the recognition as a new player in this huge industry was a struggle. Taking major losses was a huge struggle (who doesn’t want to win?).
I can truly say that the early on years proved to me that this program was meant and that with consistency we could overcome anything. Making it out of the first year has been a blessing and I can truly say without a doubt, without those early struggles we would not have made it to this point.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the RPA College story. Tell us more about it.
RPA College is a college-level athletic program with a unique focus to cater specifically to the student-athlete who has been underestimated and overlooked. At RPA College, we provide student-athletes of varying skill levels with access to: participation in competitive sports at a junior college level; the tools and resources required to complete a four-year college degree and career/life counseling to aid students in obtaining long-term career opportunities both in and out of the sport.
What sets us most apart from others is our ability to understand our student-athletes. We do not focus purely on their athletic abilities. In fact, we place athletics last. We want to showcase and reach them as young men and women FIRST! We know the world (sports world), looks at the height and weight of an athlete before they see the person. That’s not our focus.
Our most proud moment to date is that our Director of Media is a former student-athlete of RPA College. Yes, we’ve had athletes transition to 4-year universities, but the greatest satisfaction is to see a young person figure out their WHY!
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t believe in LUCK, only hard work, and execution. There’s a saying “if I work hard enough, I’ll get lucky.” Can’t remember who said it but it is definitely true!
Contact Info:
- Address: 500 E Front St
Arlington, Tx 76011 - Website: www.rpacollege.org
- Email: info@rpacollege.org
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/_rpacollege
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/_rpacollege
Image Credit:
Eryon Jefferson ERJ-Media
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