Rod Trafford

Initiator
DISC Type : Di

Co-Founder | Director - Strategic Partnerships & Business Development at SYZMIK Sports

Boca Raton, Florida, United States

Overview

Rod Trafford is a former NFL player who has built a career at the intersection of sports technology and player welfare. As the Co-Founder of SYZMIK Sports, he focuses on strategic partnerships and business development, leveraging his experience in launching innovative head protection systems. People who have worked with him describe him as an outstanding communicator, diligent, hard-working, and knowledgeable.

His background as a scholarship athlete and team captain at the University of South Carolina under coach Lou Holtz remains a significant part of his identity. He maintains strong connections with his former coach and teammates, indicating a deep appreciation for the leadership and guidance he received during his playing career.

He was personally awarded the "Winning Performance Award" by Hall of Fame Coach Lou Holtz for excellence in leadership and dedication.

Personality Overview

Confident

Risk-Accepting

Impact-Oriented

They don’t mind taking a stand if they believe in something.  They usually prefer to drive the conversation. They respond well to objective pitches but also attach some value to relationships.

Topics They Care About

Player Health & Safety
His entire post-NFL career, from VICIS to SYZMIK Sports, has been dedicated to developing advanced head protection and safety technology for athletes.
Sports Technology Startups
As the Co-Founder of SYZMIK Sports, he is deeply involved in the startup ecosystem, from product inception and R&D to pitching and securing partnerships.
Athlete Transition
He actively shares his story of moving from a professional athlete to a business leader and expresses gratitude for organizations like the NFL Player Care Foundation.

Media Appearances

Rod has no verified media appearances

Work History

1-2021
Co-Founder | Director - Strategic Partnerships & Business Development at SYZMIK Sports
11-2016 - 11-2020
Vice President | Elite Accounts & Strategic Partnerships at VICIS, Inc.
4-2015 - 8-2016
VP Southeast at i1 Biometrics, Inc.
1-2013 - 2-2014
Director of Marketing at FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
1-2008 - 12-2012
Regional Sales and Marketing Director - Southeast at Xenith

Education

B.A. Sports Psychology from University of South Carolina
2016 - 2016
Accreditation from Babson College

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 21 Location : Boca Raton, Florida, United States Job Level : Leadership Designation : Co-Founder | Director - Strategic Partnerships & Business Development at SYZMIK Sports
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Insights For Selling To Rod

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Keep your pitch focused on the impact but insert some anecdotes into it
  • Refer to testimonials from well known people to highlight the value of your product
  • Look like someone who is on top of their game

DONT's

  • Don’t be very informal even if they are being so themselves
  • Don't be unorganized, be prepared for the pitch
  • Don’t be too verbose or overly friendly; a little bit, however, is fine

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Rod is

  • Belief in the value of the product, relationship and a sense of accomplishment matter the most.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Rod

  • They are not shy of saying no if they do not develop trust in your product.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Rod move?

  • If they develop confidence in your product and you, then they can make fast decisions.
  • Can Rod take some risk or not?

  • If necessary, they have the ability to take risky decisions.

You And Rod

Personality Compatibility


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