NSME Akron/Canton Dinner - October 19, 2021

 "Transforming from the NFL to Entrepreneurship" by Rob Sims and Pro Football Hall of Fame Gold Jacket Calvin Johnson 

Many of the skills learned and developed are applicable to the business world

*The Authentic Why Matters

*Understanding your Competitors (Green Bay / Divisional Rivalries)

 *The True Definition of Winning

Calvin Johnson Jr. Bio:

A native of Georgia, Calvin Johnson Jr. is a member of the 2021 Pro Football Hall of Fame. A proud father and man of faith, Calvin has three sons and lives in metro Detroit with his wife, Brittney.

As a standout Wide Receiver at Georgia Tech in 2007 Johnson was selected by The Detroit Lions with the 2nd pick in the NFL Draft. Making his way up the leaderboard, Calvin quickly became known as one of the top wide receivers of his time earning the moniker, Megatron, for becoming the nemesis to defenses across the league. A six-time Pro Bowler, and NFL All-Pro, Johnson smashed records spending his entire nine-year career in Detroit.

Off the field, Johnson operates his namesake, Calvin Johnson Jr. Foundation with the mission of empowering at-risk youth to overcome socio-economic obstacles, achieve their academic and civic goals, and ultimately become educated, tolerant, and productive members of society. The foundation offers its time and finances to serve youth who might not otherwise have access to career mentoring, educational resources and college scholarship opportunities.

Since retiring from the NFL in 2016, Johnson has taken on several business ventures: mentoring and training football players at the collegiate and pro levels, investing in real estate and consulting fellow athletes during their transition from professional sports to the corporate world with Locker Room Consulting along with his business partner and former teammate, Rob Sims. His work in the real estate market served as a springboard into the cannabis industry, allowing Johnson and his team to secure several cannabis-approved sites for development and the creation of Primitiv Group; a forward-thinking cannabis research company dedicated to the advancement of cannabis as a form of elevated wellness, believing that the plant holds incredible potential as a healing agent.

Johnson and his team have partnered with The International Phytomedicines Institute at Harvard University, working to expand research and disseminate information on the health benefits of cannabis on a wide range of medical conditions, including chronic pain, CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy), and cancer treatment. Primitiv is a member of the Michigan Cannabis Industry Association which advocates for a favorable political policy environment for Cannabis to thrive by promoting sensible laws, regulations and setting industry best practices among members. Primitiv is also partnered with NESTRE, a neurological training platform specializing in neuroplasticity, i.e. exercise for the brain. Learn more at www.primitivgroup.com or follow along on social media @primitiv_group (Instagram and Facebook).

Rob Sims Bio:

Rob Sims enjoyed a successful nine-year career as an offensive lineman in the NFL, plying his trade with the Seattle Seahawks and Detroit Lions. Rob lives in metro Detroit with his wife, Natalie, and their three children.
Prior to turning pro, Rob was an accomplished collegiate athlete: a three-year starter and National Champion for the Ohio State Buckeyes, he captained the team during his senior season at OSU.

Rob and Natalie have long been recognized for their philanthropic contributions and service to local and national charities including the Detroit Police Athletic League, the Yatooma Foundation, the Children’s Center, and the V Foundation for Cancer Research.

As an ex-professional athlete turned entrepreneur, Rob has diligently pursued his passion for business. Locker Room Consulting provides a platform for Rob to share his expertise in the real estate industry while continuing his philanthropic endeavors and serving as a valued mentor to his peers.

Rob’s latest venture is Primitiv Group, a cannabis research company co-founded by Rob and Calvin Johnson Jr., who have first hand experience with the medical benefits of cannabis and its ability to provide relief from chronic pain. Primitiv seeks to advance the cause of medicinal cannabis by researching the natural health benefits of the plant. Primitiv is a member of the Michigan Cannabis Industry Association which advocates for a favorable political policy environment for Cannabis to thrive by promoting sensible laws, regulations and setting industry best practices among members. Primitiv is also partnered with NESTRE, a neurological training platform specializing in neuroplasticity, i.e. exercise for the brain. Learn more at www.primitivgroup.com or follow along on social media @primitiv_group (Instagram and Facebook).

When he’s not overseeing his business at Primitiv or Locker Room Consulting, Rob is a backyard warrior – of the grilling variety. He uses his Big Green Egg to smoke, grill, and bake a variety of mouthwatering foods for his friends and family. Equally skilled inside a kitchen as he is in the backyard, Rob has been known to impress his guests with dishes like Red Velvet Waffles, stuffed pork chops, and various pasta dishes.