Today we’d like to introduce you to Dominique Oliveto.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Dominique. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
For as long as I can remember two things have always been consistent in my life: my love for sports and my passion to create content and tell stories. Years later, I find myself combining those passions and working with some of the top sports brands and athletes, producing content and telling meaningful stories.
I started my journey in the sports industry in 2012 when I was accepted to Northeastern University’s Sports Leadership Program. My first introduction to the sports world was a for-credit internship with the Boston Celtics in its Media Relations Department. From there, I obtained a role at Boston College in its Athletic Communications department, managing communications for men’s and women’s basketball, as well as select Olympic sports. After 3 years in Boston, my career led me to NYC where I worked as the Marketing Coordinator for Chelsea Piers Sports & Entertainment complex. In the evenings, I hustled and worked a Brand Ambassador role at Madison Square Garden to make extra money and obtain more contacts and experience in the sports world. My goal always remained consistent: to make it to the NBA.
In 2016, I was hired by the National Basketball Association where I played an integral role in introducing and developing the Jr. NBA, a youth initiative that focuses on teaching the game of basketball at the grassroots level. In this role, overseeing all of the marketing and content development obligations while managing relationships with all 30 NBA franchises and celebrity personalities on the Jr. NBA Leadership Council. I also innovated the Jr. NBA Kid Reporter Program, recruiting young and influential public figures like Miles Brown (ABC’s black-ish), Max Bonnstetter (SI Kids) and Caleb McLaughlin (Netflix’s Stranger Things).
During my time at the NBA, my passion for photography and being behind the lens sparked again, and I started bringing my camera to NBA events and building relationships with players and their camps taking photos.
I started to realize there was a niche that I could carve for myself being business savvy in the area of content and marketing, but also being able to create content and creatively direct myself. In 2018, I decided to move to LA to pursue content creation full time, and I have been building myself, working with top tier athletes, brands and celebrities.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It’s been such a struggle but I have learned to embrace the process. It was really hard leaving a job that I loved and a company I loved to pursue my own thing. I knew that there was an experience that I needed to get freelancing and pursuing my own desire that I couldn’t get in an office job. It has been so rewarding to pitch myself and see some of the rooms that I’ve been able to get into on my own. I am beyond grateful for my network and for all of the other creatives and trailblazers who I’ve met along the way who have inspired me.
I would encourage everyone to always be authentic and never be afraid to run with an idea. Always be ready to learn and put yourself out there. Bet on yourself and don’t compare yourself. Social Media culture will make you think you are behind, when in all reality that is not the case. I know I am going to leave a legacy in the sports and media industries and nothing will block that vision. I am so passionate about what I do. If anyone is driven by passion and faith, then you will succeed. My faith is everything to me.
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I am a content creator. I can manage everything from the development of the story, all the way through filming and production. I’m also a photographer as well so that visual instinct really helps me as a creative. I consult with clientele in diverse industries to produce and develop promotional content, brand strategies, and marketing campaigns. Provide personalized service to prominent figures in Sports & Entertainment by consulting with a client to evaluate desired outcomes and establish measurable project goals. Create brand messaging, strategy, storyboards and treatments, plan shoots, and record photo, video, and audio content on-location. I thrive off of helping brands and athletes share their stories and personalities with the world.
I think what sets me apart from others is my authenticity and personality. I just get it. I understand what works and what doesn’t work and I know how to manage and work with different people. I am very creative while also being business savvy. I also think my work ethic and drive is what sets me apart. I won’t give up until I achieve all my dreams.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dommyophoto.com
- Email: domoliveto@gmail.com
- Instagram: @dommyo
- Twitter: @djmoliveto
- Other: LinkedIn.com/in/dominique-oliveto
Image Credit:
Dominique Oliveto (myself)
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