FROM THE GAME TO THE BRAND
We Build Athletes Into Powerhouses
At E4, we’re not just chasing NIL deals — we’re building purpose-driven brands with lasting impact. We help athletes take control of their image, unlock real opportunities, and create legacies that go far beyond the game.
Serving Athletes Nationwide
WHAT WE DO
More Than NIL.
We Build Athletes for the Long Game
At E4 Brand Management Group, we specialize in building high-value, influential athlete brands. We help athletes turn their name into a business—on campus, online, and beyond the game.
Our Services Include:
Brand Identity & NIL Strategy
Content & Social Media Development
NIL Workshops for Schools
The E4 Athlete Brand Box
Athlete Onboarding Experiences
Brand Partnership Pitching & Management
Business Growth & Legacy Planning
Introducing the E4 Athlete Brand Box
A curated brand-building tool for student-athletes ready to step into partnerships.
Delivered at select events and campuses, the box includes:
Brand samples from national partners
Content prompts + NIL strategy cards
Social media engagement tools
E4 athlete training resources
Perfect for schools, sports camps, and brand integration.
Athletic Departments: Let’s Build Together
We work directly with colleges and athletic programs to provide plug-and-play NIL support and brand education.
School Services Include:
NIL Workshops (customized to sport/program)
Athlete Onboarding Systems
Social Media Readiness Sessions
Athlete Media Days
Partnership Strategy & Compliance Support
Athletes Who Are More Than Just Players
At E4, we don’t just work with athletes—we develop their brands and position them for the best opportunities.
Some of Our Athletes & Their Brand Growth
Auhmad
ROBINSON
Track & Field – Texas A&M, 67K followers
Positioned for major NIL opportunities through targeted brand content and engagement strategies.
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Brian "BB"
KNIGHT II
Football – Lamar University, Junior
Actively growing his brand presence and expanding NIL opportunities.
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Chris
JOHNSON II
Football – Arizona State University, Cornerback
Focused on securing corporate sponsorships and increasing brand visibility.
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Kade
CANTON
Football – University of Oregon
Actively growing his brand presence and expanding NIL opportunities.
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Our athletes have partnered with brands such as:
Leadership That Builds Legacies
E4 Brand Management Group was co-founded by Nicole Mathews and Jacob A. Smith, Sr., two industry leaders who bring expertise in branding, NIL strategy, and athlete development.
Jacob A. Smith, Sr.
Director of Athlete Development,
Recruitment & NIL Compliance
20+ years of leadership, mentorship, and athlete development experience.
Award-winning educator, STEM leader, and mentor.
Former Department of Defense (DoD) Contracting Specialist with expertise in negotiation and strategic partnerships.
Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Engineering Instructor & NASA HUNCH Advisor, coaching students in branding, financial literacy, and career longevity.
Mentored thousands of students, guiding them in engineering, leadership, and personal development.
Leads scouting, athlete relationships, and NIL guidance. Jacob supports athlete visits, in-person engagement, and builds partnerships through school and coach outreach.
Nicole Mathews
Director of Marketing &
Athlete Brand Development
Oversees brand strategy, marketing operations, client growth, and corporate partnerships. Nicole drives athlete branding, school programs, and long-term content development.
24+ years of experience in brand strategy, marketing, and business development.
Built and scaled multiple businesses, helping over 5,000 brands establish their presence and secure revenue-driven partnerships.
Specializes in strategic brand positioning, NIL management, and athlete content strategy.
Riley Albert
Athlete Scouting &
Engagement Coordinator
Supports athlete outreach, manages recruiting pipelines, and assists in onboarding. Riley keeps athletes connected to opportunities while helping guide them through early-stage development.
Abril Fuentes
College Relations &
NIL Operations Coordinator
20+ years of leadership, mentorship, and athlete development experience.
Award-winning educator, STEM leader, and mentor.
Former Department of Defense (DoD) Contracting Specialist with expertise in negotiation and strategic partnerships.
Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Engineering Instructor & NASA HUNCH Advisor, coaching students in branding, financial literacy, and career longevity.
Mentored thousands of students, guiding them in engineering, leadership, and personal development.
Coordinates college partnerships, tracks NIL compliance, and handles logistics. Abril ensures smooth delivery of our programs across schools and supports operational structure.
Together, Nicole and Jacob don’t just manage athletes—they build them into dominant brands.
E4 Athletes Are Winning Off the Field
Hear from real athletes and team members we've helped secure brand deals, boost visibility, and build legacy.
E4 gave me my first shot at creating a professional video for a real brand deal—and that changed everything. I didn’t just level up my portfolio, I gained confidence and clarity in my role behind the camera.
Kade Caton
E4 showed up for me in ways I didn’t expect. They traveled to support me at my last game, and that meant the world. They believed in me as a whole person—not just an athlete.
Shantia Haymer
Since joining E4, I’ve seen a major shift in how Chris views himself. They’ve taught him how to carry himself online, how to pitch to brands, and how to think long-term. As a mother, I’m grateful to have a team that’s guiding him toward a real future.
Mioshi Johnson
(Mother of Chris Johnson II)
From NIL to Legacy – The E4 Process
1: Strategy Session & Brand Discovery
Step 2: Brand Identity Development – We refine your image, messaging, and content to align with your strengths.
3: Social Media & Content Strategy
4: Brand Pitching & NIL Opportunities
5:Media Days & Content Production
6: Growth, Tracking, & Brand Iteration
7: Business & Legacy Development
Build your brand and secure NIL deals now!
Get Started with E4
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.e4brand.com
More Than Just NIL. We Build Athletes for the Long Game.
Based in Houston, TX | Working with Athletes Nationwide
