Name, Image, and Likeness has transformed college athletics, but what if NIL could do more than endorsements and sponsorship deals? What if it could build businesses, create equity opportunities, and strengthen entire communities? In this episode of cbuzz, host Mikaela Hunt sits down with Sam Storts and Chimdi Chekwa, co-founders of BILT Connections, to explore how they are redefining the NIL landscape. Their model moves beyond transactional payments toward equity-based partnerships that position student-athletes as business owners, venture partners, and community investors. From licensing university technology to supporting small businesses and future real estate development, BILT is creating a new ecosystem where athletes, entrepreneurs, and communities grow together. Sam and Chimdi share their vision for the future of NIL, why Columbus is the ideal place to launch innovation like this, and how business leaders can get involved in this emerging opportunity. If you are interested in entrepreneurship, investment, workforce development, or the future of sports and business, this conversation offers a compelling look at what comes next. Sam Storts, Co-founder | BILT Connections Sam is one of the original co-founders of BILT Connections, joining in June of 2023. From Sugar Grove, a small town in rural southeast Ohio, he is a 2018 graduate of The Ohio State University, where he majored in Biological Engineering with a minor in Science, Engineering, and Public Policy. Sam worked several jobs while he was in college, which exposed him to a variety of individuals and resources that led him to help develop the concept behind BILT Connections. He was able to connect with Chimdi after hearing him speak on a podcast, and the mutual ideologies sparked a business. Sam and his wife, Jenna, reside in Reynoldsburg with their daughter, Mason, and rescue dog, Cricket. Chimdi Chekwa, Co-founder | BILT Connections Chimdi is one of the original co-founders of BILT Connections, joining in June of 2023. He is a 2011 graduate of The Ohio State University, where he was an All-American Cornerback from 2006-2011. He went on to play for 6 seasons in the NFL after being drafted in the 4th round of the 2011 NFL draft by the Oakland Raiders. He received his MBA from the University of Miami during his time spent playing with the Miami Dolphins. Chimdi and BILT Connections’ third co-founder, Bryant Browning, owned and operated "The Pit" barbecue restaurant. Chimdi and his wife, Xia, reside in Lewis Center with their 3 children. To learn more about BILT Connections, please visit www.biltconnections.com. Tune in today as Mikaela Hunt sits down with Sam Storts and Chimdi Chekwa, co-founders of BILT Connections, to explore how they are redefining the NIL landscape. A note about cbuzz production: We are thrilled to be recording episodes for our Central Ohio community. Stay tuned for new episodes, which will share the stories of some of our best and brightest Columbus Chamber members. Cbuzz is the Columbus Chamber of Commerce’s business-focused podcast and was named Best Business Podcast in 2019 by the Columbus Podcast Awards. The show is produced in partnership with Capital University and its students, and the show is hosted by Mikaela Hunt, brand journalist and storyteller. You can learn about Capital University here.
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