Real Estate Developer Master Class
A 6-Week Certificate Program Designed for Athletes Building Wealth, Legacy & Ownership
Backed by NFL pros.
Powered by industry experts.
Built for your next chapter.
"When I saw what Gridiron was doing, I knew it was the real deal. They’re teaching athletes how to own, invest, and build for the future. This is how we create legacy."
— Brandon Walton, Carolina Panthers
— Winning the RFP in St. Petersburg
Who This Is For
Current and former NFL, NBA, and MLB players
Athletes looking for a real pathway into real estate
Those ready to turn their competitive mindset into legacy-building moves
Players seeking mentorship, community impact, and long-term income
What You’ll Learn
Learn How Real Deals Happen
Get a full understanding of how real estate projects move from raw land to a fully leased property—including the players, process, and profit points.
Understand the Numbers That Matter
Demystify financial modeling—pro formas, cap rates, IRR—and start building development budgets and capital stacks with confidence.
Know the Difference Between Impact and Income
Break down affordable vs. market-rate development, and learn how to build projects that create both community value and long-term wealth.
Build with the Right Partners
Learn how to structure joint ventures, build your team (GC, Architect, Lender, etc.), and phase a project from pre-dev to completion.
Think Like a Developer
Master site selection, zoning, and deal analysis so you can evaluate opportunities like a seasoned pro—not just a passive investor.
Apply It All in a Real Deal
You’ll work on an actual Gridiron project, pitch your deal to industry insiders, and walk away with direct feedback from developers and investors.
Don Powel
Real Estate Broker, Investor & PropTech Founder
Former NCAA Football Champion
Valdosta State University
Evan Shields
Real Estate Developer & Fund Manager, $4B+ Portfolio Managed
Kristopher Harris
Real Estate Developer & Gridiron Co-Founder
Former 2x NCAA D1 Champion
Florida Atlantic University
Our team is made up of former athletes, developers, fund managers, and financial pros who understand the transition because they’ve lived it.
Backed by professional athletes
Presented by Kris Harris, Don Powell and Evan Shields
Don Powel, Kris Harris, and Evan Shields—three powerhouse professionals behind Gridiron Housing. Don is a seasoned real estate broker, investor, and co-founder of BZAiL, an AI-powered site selection tool, with experience at NAI Global and Northwestern Mutual, and a former NCAA DII football champion. Kris leads Gridiron’s site development and construction, is founder of HK Ascensions, oversees 1,300 units for a Berkshire Hathaway sub, and runs a nonprofit focused on financial literacy. Evan directs acquisitions and finance, is founder of Indelible Capital Partners, and has managed over $4B in real estate assets, including LIHTC portfolios, with past roles at R4 Capital and BridgeInvest. Together, they bring unmatched expertise in development, finance, and community impact.
