It’s so rewarding to see athletes like not just understand, but truly embrace the vision behind BILT Connections. He gets it. It’s not just about the marketing; it’s about the people you meet, the network you build, and the foundation you lay for a life of prosperity. BILT co-founder Chimdi Chekwa, his mentor and a true Ohio State legend, is helping him navigate this new terrain, offering guidance that goes far beyond the field.
We’re here to create a full ecosystem where student-athletes can learn to be entrepreneurs and investors, owning a piece of the brands they represent and learning from those who have endured this journey themselves. This isn’t just about NIL, it’s about creating lasting opportunities and setting them up for a lifetime of success. We want every athlete and their family to see this path and engage with people they trust to bring the best out of our young people. Reach out to us if you’d like to be the next Amar’e Miller or Chimdi Chekwa in this model of mentorship and opportunity.
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A new twist on NIL, BILT Connections is fostering athlete longevity & business growth
Today, we pause to honor the incredible courage and sacrifice of those who served our nation. God Bless them all!
Imagine going from National Champion to a professional athlete, then on to become a lawyer for one of the biggest firms in Ohio, . That’s Michael Bennett’s journey. He’s got insights every athlete and parent needs to hear about investing in the future. Don’t just play, plan.
Video shoutout to .creators !
Mekka sums it up perfectly: the future for young athletes isn’t just on the field, it’s built (BILT) through connections. Our recent event brought together alumni, current athletes, and the Columbus business community in a really special way. It’s about planting those seeds now, right? Getting ready for what’s next. What’s one connection that truly changed your path?
Video shoutout to .creators !
04/29/2026
Okay, quick story from last week that just proves how amazing our local businesses are. When the extremely difficult and tragic situation unfolded with our original caterer, Cocky’s Bagels came through in a HUGE way for our event. The owners literally drove from Cleveland, baby in tow, to provide fantastic catering with less than a weeks notice.
Their bagel sandwiches? Absolutely top-notch. Everyone was raving. It’s this kind of dedication and willingness to help out that makes you want to shout from the rooftops about a business. They didn’t just provide food; they provided peace of mind and made our event a success. Keene and Natalie are incredible humans who we cannot thank enough.
Please help us return the favor! If you’re ever in need of amazing bagels, or just want to support a business with a heart of gold, go check out Cocky’s Bagels. They’re awesome. The hot Italian is 🔥
3 locations in Cleveland and one right here in Columbus at:
1484 N High St
Columbus, OH 43201
04/27/2026
Still buzzing from last week’s incredible event! The energy, the connections, the vision coming to life—it was truly something special. Seeing so many dedicated individuals, from student-athletes to community leaders, all gathered with a shared purpose really drives home what we’re building here. It’s more than just business; it’s about creating lasting impact and opening doors.
What was your favorite moment or biggest takeaway from the event? Share below! 👇
What an incredible start for our mission at BILT Connections! Our Spring Networking event at was everything we hoped for and more. The energy in the room was palpable, a true testament to the growing excitement around what we’re building for student-athletes and the business community.
We’re so grateful to all our incredible sponsors who believe in this vision. Your partnership makes these initiatives possible. , you guys have shared the vision from the start and backed it up by making this event happen. , we have an unbelievable partnership that is sure to grow and this was a true sentiment to that.
A massive thank you to everyone who attended; your engagement and passion are what make these gatherings so impactful. And to our panelists, you absolutely crushed it, providing invaluable perspectives that will echo for weeks. , , and , we couldn’t have envisioned a better group for this.
This event cemented something for us: we’re not just talking about change, we’re actively creating it. This is the beginning of a major shift, and BILT Connections is proud to be at the forefront, fostering true longevity for athletes and growth for businesses. We’re building something significant here in Columbus, a launchpad for a new era where student-athletes and local businesses thrive together.
This is just the first chapter of a powerful story.
And a huge shoutout to .creators for the fantastic recap video – they truly captured the essence of the day.
Stay tuned to see what’s next!
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04/22/2026
Still reflecting on an amazing night! The connections, the energy, the shared vision for empowering our college athletes and local businesses — it was all electric. A massive THANK YOU to our title sponsor HireRQ, and Big Kitty Labs, plus all our phenomenal supporting partners: Raising Canes, Executive Creators, Cosgrove Jonhenry, Union Home Mortgage, Ahola, Schmidt’s, Balani Custom Clothiers, Schmidt’s Sausage Haus, Katalinas, Fruit Dropperz, and The Keenan Center at OSU, especially Ashley Lippincott. Your support fuels our mission. We’ll have photos and video up soon, but for now, what was your favorite moment or connection from the evening? Let us know! 👇
04/18/2026
Buckeyes looking good early today! Ready to turn spring game excitement into real-world momentum? Only 2 more days before you join BILT Connections Monday for a panel that addresses the future of college sports and local business. We’ve got an incredible lineup: Beanie Wells, Joshua Perry, Michael Bennett, and Mekka Don, ready to share insights on student athlete longevity, alumni athlete transitions, and how businesses can achieve unrivaled marketing success.
We’re all about creating a full ecosystem where everyone wins – athletes, alumni, and local businesses. It’s about giving you the tools and the network to not just participate, but to lead. This is your chance to learn how to own your brand and your future.
A huge thank you to for their amazing support providing the food at a moments notice. Their generosity is a true testament to community. Don’t miss out, see you Monday! It’s not too late to reach out for tickets or sponsorship!
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