Daily Inspiration: Meet Essam Haj-Hasan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Essam Haj-Hasan.

Hi Essam, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I played football myself so long ago, but couldn’t get passed the practice squad position in the NFL. I then decided to start working a regular sales job and became the Regional Director for a packaging company for the Middle East and North America. I really wanted to stay involved in the NFL so I decided to go back to get my Masters done in 21-22 and after graduating with honors, I went to take the exam to become an NFL agent and was blessed enough to pass the exam even though only 40% of the people that take it succeed.

I believe that anything I put my mind into, I can achieve. My success is fueled by wanting to make sure my son always has someone to look up to and that my wife and him never have to worry about a thing in life.

The reason I decided to become an NFL agent is that I wanted to make sure these young athletes are being smart with their money and saving up for a future that doesn’t include football because it doesn’t last forever and they need to have a blueprint for success on and off the field.

Young players often just go with the flashy, shiny, more known sports agency and sports agent. I am here to change the game, and I WILL change the game and narrative. I’m here to show the athlete I’m more than just the agent for him, but they’re like little brothers to me that can come to me for anything. I believe if you put me in a room with 30 other agents, I’m walking out of that room with the contract.

This is just the beginning, and I will be a household name one day.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Smooth road is a STRETCH. I lost my father in 2019 which essentially broke me mentally because he was one of my best friends if not my best friend. It was hard for me to keep going, but I found comfort in lessons he taught me along the way. He always knew that he never had to worry about me or my work ethic, so I carry on this hard work with him in mind.

Me and my family have gone through tough times financially growing up and my father still gave us everything we ever wanted, but we didn’t have all the resources that my competitors have always had. I didn’t come from money, but I know how to work my tail off for it so I can build an empire.

It seems like there is always a block in the road, but I’m always running through them.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have been the Regional Director for a packaging company called Chubby Gorilla for the last 9 years, and we have grown every year in sales as we have planned for the company. I successfully build a culture there that generates millions of dollars. I have negotiated deals worth millions every month, and I helped build that company into a powerhouse in the industry.

After going back to school in 21-22 to the University of Cincinnati, I graduated with a double masters in Business Administration and Sports Administration and took an exam to become an NFL agent because I wanted to be a part of the game again and help usher in the new young talent and make sure they’re actually taken care of and not looked at as just another “paycheck” like these other agents and agencies do.

I look at my clients as family and have been there for them through thick and thin. I’m here to change the narrative and change the game, and I WILL do just that.

I’m proud of how far I’ve come seeing how I started with nothing, and I’m happy that I will continue to grow and help my athletes grow with me and invest and protect their futures.

What sets me apart from others? My work ethic and morals. I don’t think there is a human being on this planet that will put in the work I put in to perfect my craft, and when I walk into a room mt presence is felt and demands respect (respectfully). I believe being a good genuine person is important in this business, and I will never be anything short of straightforward and honest with my guys.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
The sports industry is only growing, America runs on sports, and it’s only going to get bigger and bigger.

I’m here for the long haul, so I need all these big agencies and all these big name agents to understand that I’m coming and it’s time to buckle up because it’s going to be one hell of a ride.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ehajhasanfrm
• LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/essam-haj-hasan-mba-m-s-1356b0167