Check out our interview with sports and celebrity agent from Prince Marketing Group Darren Prince.
Darren is the bestselling author of Aiming High, a book that chronicles the astonishing story of his battle with addiction while representing some of the most iconic figures in the world such as Magic Johnson, Hulk Hogan, Charlie Sheen, Dennis Rodman, Chevy Chase, Denise Richards, Carmen Electra, the late Joe Frazier, Muhammad Ali and Evel Knievel to name a few.
As a leading authority in this space, his insights have been featured in WSJ, NYT, USA Today, CNN, Fox and Friends, Tucker Carlson and Dr. OZ. From selling his first business at 19 to building a multimillion-dollar talent agency, Darren has experience what life is like in the celebrity world. Unfortunately, he also saw the dark reality of addiction through his own personal struggle. After 12 years of sobriety, it’s now Darren’s mission to help others avoid and break free from addiction.
Follow Darren @agent_dp
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Kind, giving, compassionate.
Who is your role model?
My late father, Martin Prince.
How did you get started into the business?
Baseball cards at 14.
How has this changed your life?
In business I really have the dream job at Prince Marketing Group, working with some of the most elite icons in the world that happen to the best people.
Sobriety and recovery have given me everything too. It allows me to deal with life’s biggest challenges daily. I learned tools that helped me overcome hardships without putting a substance in my body, most importantly able to share my story with those struggling.
Tell us about your work as a celebrity agent and bestselling author?
By the time I was 16, I was already making six figures, and at age 20, I sold my company for $1 million. I then started my own Sports and Entertainment agency at 24 that represents some of the biggest names in the sports and entertainment industry – from Magic Johnson, to Muhammad Ali, to Hulk Hogan, Smokin Joe Frazier, Pamela Anderson, Chevy Chase, Carmen Electra, and the list goes on and on.
What mindsets helped make you so successful?
Stay as positive as possible, especially during adversity and challenges.
What would say are the greatest lessons you learned so far?
The biggest setbacks in life turn out to be setups for the biggest blessings.
Tell us about your best-seller book “Aiming High?” Where we can buy it?
Aiming High is the astonishing story of sports and celebrity agent Darren Prince, who battled addiction while representing some of the most iconic figures in the world. After a drug overdose, many demoralizing nights, and mornings where he couldn’t get out of bed without a prescription in hand, Darren hit rock bottom at the top–and in the process discovered the true meaning of success.
Any advice to entrepreneurs out there?
Surround yourself with people that are more successful and smarter than you. You will gravitate towards their success and learn from their failures, saving you years of hardship.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
Anything from Tony Robins, Jay Shetty, Lewis Howes and Gary V, several are close friends. They all have extraordinary accomplishments – they can teach you how to deal with the biggest obstacles in your life.
Now tell us about your work as Celebrity Agent.
Started in 1994 with Magic Johnson as my first client. He told him to use his name to knock down every door- bringing all the clients to Prince Marketing Group. He said that life is not about how successful he becomes but, but how successful he can make those around him, like me and PMG.
How is working with big names and personalities like Magic Johnson, Hulk Hogan, Charlie Sheen, Dennis Rodman, Chevy Chase, Denise Richards, Carmen Electra, Joe Frazier, Muhammad Ali and Evel Knievel?
They all have big personalities and they have managed to understand that I have a special talent for dealing with special talent! They are all amazing and giving people that don’t take their fame and success for granted. We have all become one big happy family.
How has your business been affected with COVID-19?
Our business has gotten bigger. We have moved primarily to the digital space, Prince Marketing Group has introduced Prince Digital Group which focuses on social media marketing, zoom motivational events, consulting, and PR for various brands.
How stressful is to work with such big names in the industry and to always be the best in the industry doing this?
I have been doing it for 26 years now so it is a way of life, I’m always grinding because my mind says “you’re only as good as your last deal!”
Now tell us about helping people about addictions, recovery, and mental health?
It is the biggest blessing of my life, recently celebrating 12 years sober. I struggled for the first 38 years of my life with low self-esteem and I have finally developed self-esteem by doing estimable acts and helping people struggling by sharing my story. It’s about what’s worked for me to get sober and what works to stay sober.
What is the toughest decision you had to make in the last few months?
Starting Prince Digital Group (PDG) was a little challenging because PMG is my baby, but we timed it perfectly business-wise and without skipping a beat with this pandemic.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Putting smiles on people’s faces with the hundred of charities that we have been a part of over the last 25 years. Those who are less fortunate, disabled, sick, dealing with obstacles and challenges- when I see the look on their faces when one of my clients inspires them- it is a feeling that never gets old.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Berry protein shake.
And your favorite cheat food?
Pizza
How would you explain your fashion style?
Comfy chic.
How would your best friend describe you?
He would say that I am very generous, great sense of humor, always there for people.
What’s next for Darren Prince in the last months of 2020?
Keep elevating PMG and PDG and seeing the success of that venture. And helping as many people struggling with mental health and substance abuse during these tough times.
How is a normal day in your life?
Workout, playing with Rodney (my dog), get into the grind of business wheeling and dealing, try to find time for a zoom 12 step spiritual meeting later in the afternoon.
What is your idea of a perfect Sunday?
Watching sports, relaxing with Rodney. And sometimes eating bad food.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would like to visit my late father, because he was always filled with such wisdom-we can talk about how amazing the last 3.5 years ago since he’s been gone, but I know he’s looking down.
Best advice ever given?
From my father- life isn’t about what you know its about who you know, it’s not what you say it’s what you do, the idea is 1% carrying it through is the other 99% doing.
Do you support any charity?
Yes, my own Aiming High Foundation which provides financial assistance for people in need of substance abuse and/or mental health treatment. I am also an affiliate with Elite Home Detox, and Banyan Treatment Centers.
Name 3 things you cannot live without.
Rodney, my phone, my amazing dream team, the PMG family Julia Gonzales, Mathilda Tennysdotter, Nicky C, Vo Volo, Steve Simon, and Frank Basile. And my spiritual brothers and sisters who showed me this new amazing life the past 12 years.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
Mostly likely doing the same things, having some new corporate clients and celebrities. Possibly an acquisition for Prince Marketing Group, although I love being my own boss and running things the way I want.
Favorite song? Why?
One Shining Moment by Luther Vandross. It is very upbeat and inspiring; it is about having that one moment to change your entire life. And I always look forward to it playing every year after the NCAA Basketball champion is crowned.
What music do you like?
I am a big Dead Head, so definitely Grateful Dead. It could be Rolling Stones, James Taylor even Lady Gaga.
What do you think of Social Media?
I think it great when it is used properly.
Where we can follow you?
Instagram: Agent_DP, Facebook: Darren Prince, website officialdarrenprince.com
Quote: Say What You Mean, Mean What You Say Don’t Say It Mean
Favorite Singer/Artist: Grateful Dead
Movie: “Jerry McGuire”, and from my high school years, “Can’t Buy Me Love.”
Travel Destination: Italy or Greece, I have never been.
Sports Team: Los Angeles Chargers, Boston Bruins
Tv Show: Seinfeld reruns
Book: Obviously Aiming High, or something from Joel Osteen who is also a dear friend.
Photos care of Prince Marketing Group
