Jake Teplitzky, Founder and CEO of Teplitzky Management Group (TMG), reflects on his unconventional path to founding a firm focused on supporting student-athletes in the world of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL).
"I never wanted to work in sports; I got into it by accident... It wasn’t about being in sports; it was about doing the right thing and building it out the right way," said Teplitzky.
When discussing the challenges faced by companies operating in the NIL space, he emphasizes the complexities of regulatory compliance.
“At first, NIL was hot – everyone was throwing money around. But the big factors no one talks about are compliance, eligibility, and the biggest one: licensing. With TMG, we go into schools and receive approvals to utilize uniforms, logos, colors, and marks. It’s creating a passive revenue stream for the school,” said Teplitzky.
Teplitzky’s approach to athlete representation stands out, prioritizing flexibility and choice for athletes.
“We’re not exclusive. If a student-athlete wants to work with us and still pursue other things, great... I want what I bring to athletes to be something I’ve earned,” Teplitzky said.
In fact, he is passionate about making NIL opportunities accessible to a broader range of students.
"We’re not just looking at power five programs. NIL isn’t just Arch Manning making big deals. It’s regular student-athletes just looking for gas money or beer money for the weekend," said Teplitzky.
For Teplitzky, the core of building TMG and working in NIL is about genuine connection and respect.
“Networking isn’t about being flashy... You treat everyone with the same respect, and it does wonders. I wake up every day and remind myself, ‘This is a get-to job, not a have-to job,’” Teplitzky said.
Teplitzky’s vision for TMG extends far beyond short-term goals, emphasizing a sustainable and educational approach to NIL.
“Sports is about more than just making it to the League. It’s ensuring student-athletes are positioned well for their future, even if they don’t go pro. NIL isn’t just dollars – it’s about networking, protection, and sustainability,” said Teplitzky.
Despite TMG still being in its startup phase, he sees it as a platform for education and innovation in the NIL space.
"This is still a startup, but we’re really building something revolutionary. NIL isn’t going to change overnight; it takes education and people buying into the idea," said Teplitzky.
When asked about his advice for students aiming to break into sports management, Teplitzky stresses the value of relationships built early.
“Use your time as a student to reach out and learn from others. When you’re young, it’s the best time to make connections because people will take the call,” Teplitzky said.
