Preston Holland unpacks the rise of fractional jet ownership and why private aviation is now more accessible than ever.

Amid growing public scrutiny of sports agents and questions around athlete empowerment, few voices carry the weight of lived example like Leigh Steinberg. Known as the inspiration behind Jerry Maguire, Steinberg has redefined what it means to represent athletes with integrity, purpose, and impact. At a time when college athletes are navigating NIL deals and professionals are building personal brands, his blueprint of combining on-field success with off-field legacy is more relevant than ever.

How can athletes and the professionals around them leverage their platforms not just for profit, but for purpose?

On this episode of Krow Knows, host AJ Krow sits down with legendary sports agent Leigh Steinberg. They explore the origins of Steinberg’s career, his philosophy on representation, and the long-lasting impact of community-driven work.

Key Highlights:

• Steinberg emphasizes that trust and deep listening, not deal-making, are at the heart of elite athlete representation.

• He recounts how his first client, Steve Bartkowski, led him into the sports agency by chance, not ambition.

• He shares stories of client-led philanthropy, including Warren Moon’s foundation and Patrick Mahomes’ “15 and the Mahomies,” which reflect Steinberg’s influence beyond contracts.

Leigh Steinberg is a legendary sports agent and Chairman of Steinberg Sports and Entertainment, where he has represented over 300 professional athletes and secured more than $4 billion in contracts. Known for building athletes into global brands, he is credited as the inspiration for the film Jerry Maguire and has represented eight No. 1 overall NFL draft picks. Steinberg also founded a brain health foundation and has taught sports law at top universities, emphasizing ethics, philanthropy, and athlete empowerment.

As inflation reshapes consumer habits and restaurant margins tighten, the produce distribution industry is under more pressure than ever. This high-touch, low-margin, logistics-heavy business is facing rising freight costs, labor shortages, and evolving food safety standards — all while trying to deliver perishable products across a fragmented national landscape. Between 2020 and 2024, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for all food increased by 23.6%, outpacing the overall CPI increase of 21.2% during the same period, highlighting the significant impact on food prices.

So, how does fresh produce make it from farms to restaurant tables in multiple cities, all while maintaining consistent quality — and at what cost?

This week on Krow Knows, host AJ Krow sits down with his brother Danny K., Senior Director of Sales Operations at PRO*ACT, to dissect the invisible engine of the food industry: fresh produce distribution. They discuss national restaurant demands, the challenges of connecting local distributors, and why the industry’s future may hinge on flexibility, empathy — and a new generation of talent.

In this episode, they cover:

Why produce distribution is one of the most challenging sectors in the food supply chain — and why that matters to your dinner bill.

How PRO*ACT connects farms, distributors, and national accounts through a flexible, non-asset-based model that offers buying power and supply chain resilience.

What makes this industry ripe for young professionals, and why more millennials should consider careers in distribution.

Danny K. is a seasoned leader in fresh food distribution, currently serving as Senior Director of Sales Operations at PRO*ACT, where he drives growth by aligning national supply chains with local distributors through data-driven strategies and operational optimization. He brings over 15 years of experience across sales, transportation, and client services, including key roles at ConAgra, Chobani, FreshPoint, and Trax Retail, consistently delivering results in high-pressure, logistics-heavy environments. With deep technical proficiency in CRM, analytics, and automation tools, Danny excels at building scalable systems that enhance efficiency, customer satisfaction, and profitability in a challenging, fast-evolving industry.

Across college and professional sports, a new kind of competition is unfolding—one not fought on the field but in the locker rooms. As schools and teams battle for recruits, retain talent, and elevate their brand, investments in next-level athletic facilities have reached unprecedented levels. In fact, some Division I programs are now allocating millions toward hyper-customized lockers featuring everything from antimicrobial UV lighting to built-in recliners. The stakes? Recruiting wars, player retention in the NIL era, and the growing expectation of premium athlete treatment.

So, how did the humble locker evolve into a futuristic recruiting tool? And what’s really driving the demand behind these $100K+ spaces per player?

In this episode of Krow Knows, host AJ Krow sits down with Austen Everson, an Athletic Sales Executive at Hollman—the leading manufacturer behind some of the most talked-about locker room installations in sports. Together, they break down the trends, pressures, and design innovations redefining modern athletic facilities.

Highlights from the conversation:

Why lockers have become a centerpiece in the “athlete experience” and how schools balance their budget between capital projects and NIL payments.

Inside the design process: From mock-ups to ventilation systems to digital nameplates—how Hollman delivers truly customized lockers for programs like Michigan, SMU, and the Houston Rockets.

What’s next in locker innovation? Think built-in seat cooling, real-time AV content, and on-the-fly branding for incoming transfers and recruits.

Austen Everson is an experienced sales executive in the athletic facilities industry, currently leading custom locker room projects for top collegiate and professional teams at Hollman. His career began in football operations, with leadership roles at the University of Nebraska, the Tennessee Titans, and Vanderbilt University, where he specialized in team logistics and player personnel. Austen’s strength lies in building relationships and delivering high-impact, tailored facility solutions that enhance athlete experience and program performance.

The college football playoff rankings generate intense debate as the sport undergoes significant shifts due to conference realignments, NIL deals, and transfer portal dynamics. The dominance of the SEC and Big Ten raises questions about fairness, while committee inconsistencies frustrate fans and analysts. For instance, four of the top five ranked teams hail from the Big Ten, and SEC teams with two losses are still ranked over one-loss teams from other conferences.

What does being one of the "best" college football teams in today’s era of unprecedented change mean?

On this episode of Krow Knows, host AJ Krow examines whether the playoff selection process still aligns with the realities of the sport or if traditional power dynamics are unfairly influencing the rankings.

AJ dives into: 

• The committee rankings' inconsistencies include rewarding some teams for losses while punishing others.

• How conference expansions in the SEC and Big Ten have influenced playoff dynamics and public perception.

• The impact of NIL and transfer portal policies on creating parity and competition across traditionally weaker programs.

AJ Krow is an accomplished entrepreneur and business leader with expertise in facilities maintenance, hospitality, and business acquisitions. As the Owner/CEO of OPW Commercial Services, he oversees operations serving Oklahoma and the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Known for his deep knowledge of college football and no-nonsense analysis, Krow combines years of experience as a sports analyst with a passion for the game, complementing his track record of driving multimillion-dollar revenue growth and operational efficiencies across industries.

Private aviation has seen significant changes since the COVID-19 pandemic, with increased demand and shifts in customer demographics. And in 2024, the private aviation industry continues to experience growth and challenges, with emerging trends influencing the market. The stakes are high for business owners and high-net-worth individuals considering private travel, as well as for the aviation industry itself, which must adapt to new demands and expectations.

How has the private aviation market adapted post-COVID, and what does this mean for potential buyers and charter customers in 2024?

In this episode of Krow Knows, host AJ Krow is joined by the Leviate Air team, featuring CEO & Founder Luis Barros, President Randall Mize, and Managing Partner Rob Rosenberg. Together, they explore the current state of the private aviation market, the impact of COVID-19, and future trends. The discussion covers the surge in demand for private charters, the evolving customer base, and the factors influencing charter and aircraft sales.

Key Points of Discussion:

- Post-COVID Charter Market: The private aviation market is enjoying an increased demand and a broader customer base.

- Demographic Shifts: A younger, more diverse clientele is now utilizing private aviation, shifting from business executives to families and high-net-worth individuals.

- Market Trends and Challenges: The influence of interest rates, political uncertainty, and the importance of sustainable aviation practices.

Luis Barros, the CEO & Founder of Leviate Air, has been instrumental in steering the company through significant industry changes. With a background in aviation and business management, Luis has led Leviate Air to become a key industry player. Randall Mize, President of Leviate Air, brings extensive experience in aircraft management and sales, contributing to the company's growth and strategic direction. Rob Rosenberg, Managing Partner, oversees operations and ensures seamless service delivery for clients.

Anthony Zhang, co-founder and CEO of Vinovest, discusses the rise of wine investment and the technology aiding it.

In today’s rapidly evolving market, the tension between maintaining brand identity and embracing innovation poses significant challenges, especially in industries rooted in tradition and community, such as craft coffee. This delicate balance is crucial as businesses navigate labor challenges, supply chain issues, and the relentless pressure of rent and operational costs. The stakes are particularly high in the craft coffee industry, where passion meets the harsh realities of economics.

How can businesses maintain their brand identity while effectively integrating new technologies and innovations to stay competitive and relevant? This question is vital for small to medium enterprises striving to thrive in a competitive landscape.

In the latest episode of Krow Knows, host AJ Krow explores this intricate topic with Mouyyad Abdulhadi, CEO and co-founder of Pax & Beneficia Coffee and founder of BaristaGPT. The discussion delves into the realities of running a craft coffee business, the impact of technology on operations, and strategies for balancing tradition with innovation.

Key points of the conversation include:

The challenges and opportunities presented by delivery services and digital platforms in the coffee industry.

Strategies for coffee shops to maintain customer loyalty and competitive pricing amid rising operational costs.

The role of technology in enhancing the efficiency and reach of coffee businesses without compromising their brand identity.

Mouyyad Abdulhadi brings a unique perspective with his background in digital marketing and a deep passion for coffee. His journey from a biology major to a leading figure in the coffee business through innovative ventures like BaristaGPT showcases his expertise in blending traditional business models with modern technological solutions.

The spotlight is shifting, we're not just cheering on professional athletes during their prime, but also wondering what happens when the final whistle blows as they move from the peaks of their careers into the next chapter of their lives. The conversation turns to the challenges they face outside the sporting arena and the strategies they can employ to navigate this significant change smoothly.

What does life after professional sports look like for athletes, and how can they navigate their transitions successfully?

This episode of the "Krow Knows Podcast" by AJ Krow features Keith Elias, the Senior Director of Player Engagement with the NFL. He offers a unique perspective on transitioning to the next chapter after a professional sports career, drawing from his own journey from the pinnacle of athletics to life beyond the field. Keith sheds light on the complexities of player engagement and the NFL's support systems designed to smooth the transition for athletes moving on from football. He underscores the league's dedication to helping players adjust and thrive in their lives after the game.

The conversation covers:

• Support Systems: The NFL's initiatives to help players through these transitions, including educational programs, financial planning, and personal development opportunities.

• Life Lessons from Football: Elias reflects on how the principles and challenges of football can offer valuable lessons for personal growth and resilience.

Keith Elias's background is as inspiring as it is impressive. With a storied career at Princeton setting records, followed by playing for the New York Giants and Indianapolis Colts, his journey through high school, college, and professional football in the same state is a testament to his dedication and passion for the game. Post-retirement, Elias's transition was filled with challenges that he overcame by finding a new purpose in helping others navigate their paths, eventually leading him to his current role with the NFL. His insights into the transition process are grounded in personal experience and a deep understanding of the support players need.