The Pros Brand Beginnings
The Pros Brand, founded by Christian Villar, is not just another sneaker company. It is a movement driven by a deep-rooted desire to make a positive impact and empower individuals to define their own success. Born from Christian's inspiring journey, The Pros Brand combines sports, philanthropy, and a commitment to changing lives.
Christian's own upbringing, facing challenges without a father who passed away while he was only 5 years old and being raised by his mother, ignited a passion within him to make a difference. As a professional basketball player and successful entrepreneur, he understood the power of sports to transform lives. However, it was a transformative moment during an international professional basketball game that truly set him on his path.
During a professional basketball tour with his team in 2014, Christian hosted a free basketball clinic and donated over 200 backpacks filled with school supplies to underprivileged children. The next day after one of the team games a group of children gathered to talk and interact with him and started asking for his Jersey, headband, shooters' arm sleeve and anything they could from him. He then noticed two kids untying the very sneakers he was wearing (not The Pros Brand as it didn't exits yet). Only problem was that now each of the kids had one of the shoe and started fighting for the other to make the pair. Villar asked his staff to give money to one of the kids while the other was given the pair of sneakers. However he felt a deep sense of empathy because he couldn’t help all the kids and knew how he was once one of those kids that walked barefooted.
On the plane back home to New Jersey, Christian prayed for guidance, and that's when the idea of creating his own sneaker company and brand was born. He wanted to provide footwear to children who couldn't afford it, just like he had experienced growing up in the Dominican Republic but a voice told him that he would go on to create a brand and company not to give sneakers but to invest in projects and charities that would improve their lives. In 2016, The Pros Brand was formally incorporated as a business entity, with the mission of making sure everyone has the opportunities to win where it truly matters - LIFE!!
The Pros Brand's slogan, "Winning Where It Matters," encapsulates its belief that success should be defined on an individual basis. It's about creating your own definition of success and living a life that aligns with your dreams and values. The brand aims to empower individuals to become the best version of themselves by providing them with the tools they need to succeed.
But The Pros Brand's impact goes beyond charity. The brand organizes and conducts sports competitions and events at all levels, fostering international and national diplomacy through athletic competition and cultural festivities. They believe in the power of sports to bring people together and promote teamwork, both on and off the field.
Training programs are also a vital part of The Pros Brand, catering to athletes of all levels and non-athletes looking to improve their fitness. The brand believes that everyone has the ability to achieve greatness, providing resources and support to help individuals reach their full potential.
What sets The Pros Brand apart is its unique approach to athlete partnerships. Unlike traditional endorsement deals where athletes often lose creative control and ownership of their brands, The Pros Brand allows professional athletes to join the brand while maintaining their creative control and brand ownership. This empowers athletes to build their personal brands while being part of a larger movement for positive change.
Through the NBXL, an independent professional basketball league based in the USA and the Middle East, founded and owned by Christian Villar as well, The Pros Brand showcases its products and the brands of its athletes. This platform not only provides exposure for the brand and its athletes but also serves as a hub for fans to engage with the brand and support its mission.