Krow Knows

The college football carousel is spinning faster than ever—accelerated by the transfer portal, NIL, and playoff-or-bust expectations. In this environment, staff turnover isn’t just a headline; it’s a human story affecting assistants and families who don’t have eight-figure buyouts. As discussed in this episode, a widely cited estimate suggests a majority of portal entrants never find a new home—underscoring how high the stakes have become for 18–22-year-olds navigating life-changing decisions.

So, in a sport where rosters can be rebuilt overnight and patience is at a premium, how do coaches maintain culture, protect mental healt...

The early weeks of college football are once again putting the AP poll under a microscope, with a controversial ballot sparking debate over voter accountability and the disconnect between initial rankings and on-field performance. At the same time, financial pressures are reshaping both college and pro football, from coaching buyouts to roster strain created by quarterback contracts in the NFL.

Should AP poll voters face accountability, even revocation, when their ballots drift from on-field reality? And how do money and perception drive decision-making at every level of the game?

On this special episode of Krow...

Ryen Russillo’s decision to launch his own production company—while tapping Barstool for investment, distribution, and commercialization—lands squarely in the middle of a larger shift: audiences are following personalities more than platforms, and the business is finally catching up. For years, Russillo has been a fixture at the top of the sports podcast charts, first at ESPN and since 2019 at The Ringer, demonstrating the portable power of creator-led IP. The Barstool arrangement underscores a new norm: creators keep ownership, platforms supply infrastructure, and both sides share in the upside across audio, video, merch, licensing, and TV windows.

S...

The recent resurrection of the Pac-12—reborn with new members and a possible rebrand—raises critical questions about what keeps a brand relevant in the face of disruption. According to Yahoo Sports, the rebuilt conference has signed a five-year media deal with CBS despite fielding just two original members, underscoring how legacy names must evolve to maintain value. As conferences, companies, and creators all wrestle with brand identity in a media-saturated world, the branding conversation is evolving from logos to long-term loyalty. Texas State’s entry into the conference and the potential name change underscore how even legacy brands must a...

Private aviation is booming—but behind the sleek jets and luxury cabins lies a hidden crisis. A looming shortage of qualified aviation maintenance technicians threatens to ground growth. According to Boeing’s 2023 Pilot and Technician Outlook, the industry will need about 690,000 new maintenance technicians by 2042. While private jet usage is skyrocketing, the infrastructure to safely and reliably maintain them hasn’t kept pace. The stakes are high: without experienced, motivated mechanics, safety, reliability, and on-time performance are all at risk.

So, how do we fix this? Can the aviation maintenance sector reinvent itself—not through technology or regulati...

Preston Holland unpacks the rise of fractional jet ownership and why private aviation is now more accessible than ever.

Amid growing public scrutiny of sports agents and questions around athlete empowerment, few voices carry the weight of lived example like Leigh Steinberg. Known as the inspiration behind Jerry Maguire, Steinberg has redefined what it means to represent athletes with integrity, purpose, and impact. At a time when college athletes are navigating NIL deals and professionals are building personal brands, his blueprint of combining on-field success with off-field legacy is more relevant than ever.

How can athletes and the professionals around them leverage their platforms not just for profit, but for purpose?

On this episode...

As inflation reshapes consumer habits and restaurant margins tighten, the produce distribution industry is under more pressure than ever. This high-touch, low-margin, logistics-heavy business is facing rising freight costs, labor shortages, and evolving food safety standards — all while trying to deliver perishable products across a fragmented national landscape. Between 2020 and 2024, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for all food increased by 23.6%, outpacing the overall CPI increase of 21.2% during the same period, highlighting the significant impact on food prices.

So, how does fresh produce make it from farms to restaurant tables in multiple cities, all while maintaining consistent quality — and...

Across college and professional sports, a new kind of competition is unfolding—one not fought on the field but in the locker rooms. As schools and teams battle for recruits, retain talent, and elevate their brand, investments in next-level athletic facilities have reached unprecedented levels. In fact, some Division I programs are now allocating millions toward hyper-customized lockers featuring everything from antimicrobial UV lighting to built-in recliners. The stakes? Recruiting wars, player retention in the NIL era, and the growing expectation of premium athlete treatment.

So, how did the humble locker evolve into a futuristic recruiting tool? An...

The college football playoff rankings generate intense debate as the sport undergoes significant shifts due to conference realignments, NIL deals, and transfer portal dynamics. The dominance of the SEC and Big Ten raises questions about fairness, while committee inconsistencies frustrate fans and analysts. For instance, four of the top five ranked teams hail from the Big Ten, and SEC teams with two losses are still ranked over one-loss teams from other conferences.

What does being one of the "best" college football teams in today’s era of unprecedented change mean?

On this episode of Krow Kn...

Private aviation has seen significant changes since the COVID-19 pandemic, with increased demand and shifts in customer demographics. And in 2024, the private aviation industry continues to experience growth and challenges, with emerging trends influencing the market. The stakes are high for business owners and high-net-worth individuals considering private travel, as well as for the aviation industry itself, which must adapt to new demands and expectations.

How has the private aviation market adapted post-COVID, and what does this mean for potential buyers and charter customers in 2024?

In this episode of Krow Knows, host AJ Krow is...

Anthony Zhang, co-founder and CEO of Vinovest, discusses the rise of wine investment and the technology aiding it.

In today’s rapidly evolving market, the tension between maintaining brand identity and embracing innovation poses significant challenges, especially in industries rooted in tradition and community, such as craft coffee. This delicate balance is crucial as businesses navigate labor challenges, supply chain issues, and the relentless pressure of rent and operational costs. The stakes are particularly high in the craft coffee industry, where passion meets the harsh realities of economics.

How can businesses maintain their brand identity while effectively integrating new technologies and innovations to stay competitive and relevant? This question is vital for small to medium en...

The spotlight is shifting, we're not just cheering on professional athletes during their prime, but also wondering what happens when the final whistle blows as they move from the peaks of their careers into the next chapter of their lives. The conversation turns to the challenges they face outside the sporting arena and the strategies they can employ to navigate this significant change smoothly.

What does life after professional sports look like for athletes, and how can they navigate their transitions successfully?

This episode of the "Krow Knows Podcast" by AJ Krow features Keith Elias...

As the travel industry emerges from the shadows of the pandemic, it finds itself at a crossroads, particularly in the realm of airline loyalty programs. Historically seen as ancillary benefits to enhance customer retention, these programs have undergone a profound transformation, now standing at the heart of airline revenue strategies. This pivot has not only changed the way airlines engage with their customers but has also introduced a new paradigm where loyalty programs play a pivotal role in financial sustainability. The evolving landscape raises pertinent questions about the future trajectory of these schemes and their impact on consumer behavior.<...

In the rapidly evolving world of entertainment venues, the transition from the basic amenities of the past to the high-tech, immersive stadium experiences of today marks a significant shift in how fans engage with live events. This transformation, driven by advancements in technology and changing consumer expectations, is reshaping the landscape of stadiums and arenas, turning them into state-of-the-art entertainment hubs. Recent studies, including those by Capgemini and TRAX Analytics, highlight the critical role of technologies like VR, AI, and mobile conveniences in enhancing the fan experience, both in terms of engagement and operational efficiency​​​.

But what does t...

In a world where digital noise is louder than ever, AJ Krow of "Krow Knows" sits down with Brent Carney, client partner at Fooji, to explore the evolving landscape of customer engagement. In this enlightening episode, they delve into the shifting paradigms of brand interaction, moving beyond the bombardment of social media ads to the tangible touchpoints of analog engagement. The conversation illuminates Fooji's unique approach, marrying digital actions with physical experiences, and how this blend resonates with consumers in a post-COVID era.

Fooji stands out in the crowded field of customer engagement by leveraging technology and...

Welcome to another electrifying episode of the Krow Knows Podcast, where today we delve deep into the seismic shifts transforming college sports, with a special focus on the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) and the transfer portal. Joining host AJ Krow is Billy Embody, the esteemed publisher of On3 Sports, who brings unparalleled insight into the rapidly evolving landscape of college athletics.

The advent of NIL and the transfer portal has ushered in an era of unprecedented change, fueling each other to alter the very foundation of college sports. While critics often point to these developments as...

In a world where dining experiences increasingly dictate travel plans, the latest episode of Krow Knows delves into the trend of culinary tourism with Wayne Conte, CEO of Aspire Americas. This episode illuminates how food enthusiasts are now prioritizing coveted dining reservations over traditional travel bookings, inspired by international food lists, Michelin stars, and the global spotlight social media casts on culinary destinations.

Host AJ Krow sits down with Conte to explore the impact of culinary tourism, discussing how travelers are crafting itineraries around dining experiences, from local hidden gems to internationally acclaimed eateries. Conte's insights into...

In the latest episode of "Krow Knows," we dive into the electrifying world of private jets amidst the Super Bowl frenzy, a time when the stars align in Las Vegas, not just for football but for a spectacle of private aviation unlike any other. As the city brims with celebrities, athletes, and the elite, the skies tell their own story of luxury and exclusivity. We're joined by Preston Holland, Chief Commercial Officer at Flying Finance, to unravel the mysteries of private jet ownership and explore how the landscape has evolved, especially post-COVID.

Private jets, once the realm...

In a monumental shift within the entertainment and sports industry, the recent $5 billion deal between WWE and Netflix marks a significant moment, not just for the broadcasting landscape but for intellectual property rights in the athletic and entertainment spheres. This deal, highlighted by the announcement of Dwayne Johnson, aka "The Rock," joining the board of directors for TKO—a newly formed entity between WWE and UFC—underlines a pivotal change. The agreement includes granting Johnson full trademark rights to "The Rock," a move that sparks a broader conversation about the value and power of trademarks in branding and business stra...

Get ready for a groundbreaking journey into the heart of industry insights with Krow Knows, a brand-new podcast series that's set to redefine the landscape of digital storytelling! In its sensational debut, OPW Commercial Services LLC CEO AJ Krow, an innovator and visionary in the realms of hospitality and media, teams up with Daniel Litwin, the Voice of B2B from MarketScale. Together, they're kicking off an exhilarating exploration of industries like sports, media, and hospitality, unveiling the unseen connections and disruptive trends shaping our world.

What can listeners expect from Krow Knows, and how will AJ...