In this episode of Lawsuits & Lessons, host John Fagerholm, employment defense attorney and business advocate, and co-host Steve Cooper, comedian and veteran podcaster, welcome longtime entrepreneur and business partner Alexander Wilson.

From New York’s private school scene to launching legendary nightclub experiences and eventually building a Nike-sponsored youth basketball academy, Alexander shares how his early experiences in hospitality, entertainment, and networking shaped his unique approach to entrepreneurship. The conversation explores everything from his collaborations with music industry icons to his work helping young athletes develop both on and off the court — and how technology, NIL, and blockchain are changing the future of youth sports.

The trio also dive into deeper discussions on the balance between capitalism and socialism, the challenges of operating businesses in different states, and how mindset defines the modern entrepreneur.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Alexander turned New York nightlife connections into lasting business success
  
  
• The origins of his Nike-sponsored Proformance Hawaii basketball academy
  
  
• Why entrepreneurial skills from hospitality translate into sports and tech ventures
  
  
• How NIL (Name, Image & Likeness) deals are reshaping youth sports
  
  
• The role of AI and blockchain in future athlete scouting and sponsorship
  
  
• What socialism vs. capitalism means for business owners today
  
  
• Why California’s business environment differs from states like Texas
  
  
• John’s legal insights on ownership, regulation, and free market systems
  
  

If you’re an entrepreneur, innovator, or sports business enthusiast, subscribe to Lawsuits & Lessons on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. New episodes every other week — tune in for more real stories and legal lessons from the front lines of business.

Hosts:
John Fagerholm — defendmybiz.com
Steve Cooper — coopertalk.net

Guest:
Alexander Wilson — Founder of Proformance Hawaii and youth basketball entrepreneur
Website: proformancehawaii.com