Excerpt from The Business of Being Jeff and Reagan Charleston by Cynthia Zordich
It seems there is no clocking out of the business of being Jeff and Reagan Charleston. Finishing with the Saints in 2011, Jeff embarked on a free agent tour across the US. He signed with the Vikings in June of 2012, but missed the final roster cut. Tampa signed him next, but it would seem this chapter of his life would be closing, when he was released in early October. It is exactly here, at this point, where Jeff Charleston's approach to life and the game separates him, and benefits him.
His Mindset.
"Most guys are not leaving the game by choice. They feel as though they failed. That is why they won't reach out in transition. They're embarrassed. Like 'being done' has never happened before. But, this is the time to reach out! While you're prime! Fresh! Guys don't realize how valuable the shield is. Well, let me tell you, the response rate is impressive."
Again, back to his old adage, 'You can't play scared and play to your full potential', Jeff has jumped into transition with both feet. Consistently taking advantage of NFL resources, he is now obtaining his MBA at Tulane. "Many guys don't know that the league will reimburse your tuition [up to] 100%. My question is, why wouldn't you take advantage of that? Truth be told, although the NCAA insists on placing 'student' before 'athlete', a player's reality in school is that we miss out on so much as an athlete. So much is sacrificed because of our commitment to the game. There are scheduling conflicts and time restraints, especially as you get further into your major. The reimbursement program gives players the opportunity to go back with complete focus on education."
In this past year alone, his network has expanded from league contacts to corporate contacts, and now includes Tulane University scholars. In surrounding himself with such talent, he is confident that all future career steps will be calculated and researched. "With ball, we spend hundreds of hours preparing for each game. We anticipate the actions of our opponents. We check and recheck our own actions. We consistently improve our plan. Even at the moment of execution, we react to change and make adjustments. This is the game plan that has been ingrained into our minds – it’s second nature. Walking into any environment you have that credibility. You've proven that you have performed at the top of your profession. Guys forget that. They close the play book. Here's how I look at it: SHORT TERM/JOB. LONGTERM/LIFE. I apply the same principles that I learned as a player to everything that I do."
Like a rolling stone, Jeff is gathering knowledge and building a network that he will utilize in his own business. He is also instrumental in the growth of REAGAN CHARLESTON. In the coming year, Reagan has bumped production to meet buyer demand. The REAGAN CHARLESTON design collection of sterling, bronze and gold pendants, bracelets and earrings has now expanded to authentic alligator handbags and continues to pay tribute to the city she cherishes. Each piece is hand forged and carved in New Orleans by master artisans and features precious and semi-precious stones that Reagan personally selects for color and character.Although becoming more accustomed to the reception, she still pops open a bottle of champagne when a celebrity is shown wearing one of her pieces. With that, she is starting to realize that interest in her line is growing. One big step they have made has been hiring a publicist to field the inquiries, requests for interviews, and stylists who wish to incorporate REAGAN CHARLESTON pieces into their collections. Reagan is honest in saying that humility keeps her from pushing the sale. It is not her nature and she feels it is best to have others speak on her behalf. Jeff is the visionary. It is an expensive venture and where she likes to take it slow, he is preparing them for expansion.
Like their marriage, the business is a partnership. Together, they are vision and execution. They are the product of principles. They understand the value of hard work. What we love most, is that they have embraced league resources and have expanded their league network. Jeff and Reagan represent a new generation of NFL partnership. By laying a foundation for life, after the game, they have turned the uncertainty of transition into opportunity.
"The beauty of the NFL lifestyle is that if you plan and prepare properly, you will have the flexibility and resources to embark on many journeys after retirement. The NFL teaches you, as well as your spouse, to adapt to varying circumstances and unforeseen changes. It prepares you for life in a way that other careers do not."
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