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WELCOME TO THE ONLINE HOME OF THE DLE AGENCY.The DLE Agency is a full-service Sports, Entertainment, and Communications Firm, based out of Washington, DC. Founded in 2007, the Representation Division of the DLE Agency has demonstrated aggressive growth across eight sports and virtually all sectors of the entertainment industry. Over the last two years, we have also developed a free-standing Consultation Division, which provides global strategic communication services to individuals and businesses of all shapes, sizes, and sectors. Between the Representation and Consultation Divisions, the DLE Agency now has clients competing, performing, and doing business on six of the seven continents--a status that continues to expand along with the scope, range, and sheer talent of our diverse clientele. At DLE, we adhere to the maxim that "the only thing constant is change" but we also believe that just because you're growing and expanding, doesn't mean you lose sight of the positive practices and attributes that got you where you are today. Accordingly, we will remain committed to the mantra that got us to this point, as we continue to grow, expand, and find new and innovative ways to benefit our valued clientele. At the DLE Agency, we are:DEFINED BY DEDICATION,DISTINGUISHED BY RESULTS.

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Representation

Consultation

In the Media

Whether it's one of our Athletes, Personalities, Corporate clients, or even Doug Eldridge doing on-air analysis and commentary, the DLE Agency and our clientele are regularly featured across all channels of mainstream media.
Founded by Doug Eldridge in 2007, the DLE Agency provides unparalleled representation and consultation services to clients around the globe.
Between our Olympic and Team Sports Divisions, the DLE Agency represents client athletes across eight different sports, while our Personalities Division represents a growing roster of talent in the music, TV, film and literary realms.
The Consultation Division of the DLE Agency is committed to comprehensive brand development and management; an effort which is driven by the successful implementation of a cohesive, long-term messaging and image management strategy.

About

REPRESENTATION.

CONSULTATION.

COMMUNICATION.

DEFINED BY DEDICATION, DISTINGUISHED BY RESULTS.

WINNER!

Wealth

Manager

of the Year

About

The DLE Agency is a full-service Sports, Entertainment, and Communications Firm, based out of Washington, DC. Comprised of both a Representation Divison and a Consultation Division, the DLE Agency effectively handles the contractual, marketing, management, communication, and strategic advisement needs of a diverse client base, covering a broad range of sporting, entertainment, and commercial sectors. With DLE clients now competing, performing, and doing business on six of the seven continents, and with the agency set to open offices in both Europe and in Africa in mid to late 2012, the DLE Agency is not only one of the fastest growing firms in the industry, it's also one of the most diverse. THE DLE MANTRA:Defined by Dedication. Distinguished by Results.THE DLE MISSION STATEMENT:To recruit, advise and serve as zealous, responsible advocates and advisors for our clients, across all sectors of the sports, entertainment, communication, and commercial industries, whether from a representation or consultation standpoint.THE DLE VISION: HANNIBAL BARCAThere is a reason and a story behind the new DLE Agency logo featuring a war elephant entering the battle field. That reason is Hannibal Barca. In 220 BC, the Roman Empire occupied roughly 80% of what is modern day Europe, Africa and Asia. They were the preeminent force at the time and were so powerful and ruthless that few dared to challenge their bloody expansion across the continents. One of the lone bastions of opposition to the imperial Roman foothold were the upstart Carthaginians, who resided in what is modern day Tunisia. Lead by the mighty General Hamilcar Barca, the Carthaginians mounted a valiant and violent resistance to the Roman acquisition of their lands. When Hamilcar was felled in battle, in his final words, he made his son Hannibal vow to avenge his death by resisting, attacking, and defeating the Roman Army at all costs, in the hopes that one day he might invade and conquer the impenetrable city of Rome itself.Hannibal's commitment to his dying father's request, and his subsequent military campaign that ensued, resulted in the start of the Second Punic War. As Hannibal matured, so too did his military skill and strategic prowess. Yet, as mighty as he was in battle, it was his leadership and his vision that compelled the once fractious and warring tribes to band together and unite in common opposition to the expansive Roman military machine. Battle after battle, Hannibal demonstrated unconventional tactics, unrelenting execution, and unwavering courage in the face of almost certain defeat. Yet despite such staggering odds, Hannibal continued to defeat the once unbeatable Roman phalanx, driving their defenses back, as he pushed deeper into the Roman Empire and moved closer to invading their homeland. As Hannibal's victories mounted, so too did his following; the once miniscule fighting force of a few thousand men eventually grew to over 50,000 infantrymen and cavalry from across the once-occupied Roman lands. Hannibal's character had united the embattled tribesmen, giving them commonality of purpose, and a strategic roadmap for a victory that was once thought impossible. It was at that point, that Hannibal made a decision that would forever define his legacy; a military maneuver so unthinkable, so unconventional, and so improbable, that it would be studied and immulated by military strategist and historians for centuries to come. In 218 BC, seeing great Roman opposition lining the flat and easily passable roads into Italy, Hannibal knew that in order to succeed in his invasion of the Roman Empire's homeland, he would need to engage in unconventional strategies and tactics altogether. In a stunning show of military vision and innovation, Hannibal marched his entire army of 20,000 footsoldiers, 4,000 horsemen and a cadre of battle-equipped war elephants around the waiting Roman armies and instead entered Italty by crossing over the arduous and unforgiving snow-covered Alps separating modern-day France and Italy. The sheer brilliance and audacity of this decision, bore testimony to Hannibal's innovative strategies and aggressive tactics. His daring maneuver struck fear and confusion into the hearts of the Roman Senate as he brutally fought his way closer and closer to the political capital of the Roman Empire, all in his quest to fulfill the promise he made to his dying father. After Hannibal's legendary crossing of the Alps, the Romans came to a terrifying realization: if he could march war elephants and a massive army of cavalry and infantrymen across and over the near-impassable Alps, then it was entirely feasible that he could very well march all the way to the gates of Rome itself. It was this vision, and willingness to implement a different approach that allowed Hannibal to do the improbable and move once step closer to fulfiling his destiny.As history will tell, however, in the end his vision fell short. Hannibal Barca was not the ultimate conqueror of Rome, but his unconventional tactics and relentless strategy proved that any mountain can be climbed, any obstacle can be overcome, and any foe can be defeated.THE DLE FOUNDER: DOUG ELDRIDGEDoug Eldridge (shown above) is the Founding President of the DLE Agency. As a young attorney, Doug realized that the most productive negotiations are those born out of cooperation and communication rather than table-pounding threats and ultimatums--a mantra he carried into the formulation of DLE.In 2007, he left government practice and started the DLE Sports Management Group, focusing on Olympic and endurance athletes. As those early clients garnered success in competition, Doug generated extensive and creative media exposure on their behalf. As a result, his representation base began to grow, and eventually expanded into cycling, track and field, road racing, triathlon, football, basketball, soccer and tennis. However, as some of his older clients sought to make a transition at the end of their athletic career--into the "second chapter" of their professional lives--they asked Doug to negotiate their on-air television and literary agreements. As the story goes, one soon became two and eventually a free-standing Personalities Division was created within DLE, comprised entirely of non-sporting, entertainment-based clientele. Recognizing the diversity of the emerging client base, as well as their growing presence and bandwidth in the entertainment industry, the DLE Sports Management Group was renamed and rebranded as the DLE Agency, to better reflect the multi-dimensional representational services that were being provided to our clientele. Today, the Representation Division of the DLE Agency is comprised of both a Sports Division and a Personalities Division.Over that same period, Doug was being asked to consult and advise a number of non-representation clients on communication, branding and strategic management issues. Much like the organic growth of the Personalities Division within the Representation side of the DLE Agency, eventually these extrinsic consultation requests by individuals and corporate entities, necessitated the formulation of what is now the second half of DLE: the Consultation Division. This side of the agency has undergrone substantial expansion over the last two years and is poised to be a growth leader for the DLE Agency in the months and years to come. Due to the aggressive growth of DLE, Doug has been all over the world over the last two years, overseeing the expansion of the DLE Agency and ensuring that the one-on-one client care that was one of the early trademarks of this company, remains in tact as we continue to expand our client base and core competancies. An integral part of this expansion and growing brand recognition has been Doug's role as an in-studio, on-air television analyst. Since 2008, he has made countless TV appearances, providing topical analysis on a variety of issues in the sports, entertainment, legal, communications and fitness realms, and has contributed to networks such as FOX, NBC, ABC, and CBS, across the country as well as providing content and analysis for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. In his spare time, Doug has delivered numerous guest-lectures at various law schools, business schools, and undergraduated colleges and universities, as well as providing charitable fundraising and consultation for organizations such as the Wounded Warrior Project, the American Cancer Society, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Best Buddies International, LiveStrong, Hear Our Voices, Holiday Cards for Heroes, and the Boy Scouts of America. When asked how he finds the stamina to keep this grueling schedule, he usually laughs and says "four hours of sleep, a good workout, and a strong cup of coffee." To some degree he is right. As a high school All-American, a Division I collegiate 400-meter hurdler, a two-time Ironman and 14-time marathon finisher, Doug brought a distinct work ethic and pain tolerance--from being a life-long athlete--into the formulation and growth of this innovative agency. As explosive as the DLE Agency's growth has been up to this point under Doug's leadership, he still vows that the best is yet to come. To learn more about Doug's travels and his industry insight and commentary, visit the DLE Agency blog. To learn more about Doug Eldridge, visit his personal website.

Representation

Katie Compton
Lonnell DeWalt
Marcus Johnson
Katie Compton
Bobby Lea
DLE Agency Triathlon
DLE Agency at the Super Bowl

Representation

"EFFECTIVE REPRESENTATION IS WHERE PLANNING AND PREPARATION MEET VISION, DISCIPLINE, STRATEGY AND EXECUTION." -DOUG ELDRIDGE

The DLE Agency was originally incorporated as the DLE Sports Managment Group, in 2007. Formulated with an eye toward providing representational services to the chronically underserved Endurance and Olympic athlete community, DLE quickly developed a name within the boutique agency market, due to our creative, unconventional PR and marketing methodology, as well as our aggressive contractual negotiation and endorsement procurement. Today, the DLE Agency represents a diverse array of clients acoss the Entertainment and Media industries, while our Professional Sports clientele have included: Football, Basketball, Cycling, Soccer, Road Racing, Tennis, Track, and Triathlon, as well as the more recent formulation of both a Mixed Martial Arts and Motorsports group.

ATHLETES & PERSONALITIES

Proven Public Relations Strategic Communications

At DLE, we provide a comprehensive communications platform for our clients, from the very inception of the business relationship. Founding President Doug Eldridge built this agency on the notion that "there is neither money, nor nobility in being the greatest athlete that nobody has ever heard of." While DLE has expanded into entertainment and corporate communications and messaging, that early mantra has held true. We believe that establishing a positive, proactive profile for our clients is of paramount importance. With each client, we assemble a three-dimensional, multimedia communications plan focusing on activation-oriented strategies that will not only broaden their profile and general cognoscibility but in so doing, also lay the foundation for the marketing and eventual branding opportunities that we seek to provide during the course the client's career. On the other end of the communications spectrum, we also recognize that not all media strategies fall within the realm of "positive PR." Accordingly, we have a proven track record of providing advanced strategic and crisis communications for our clients during times of need. It is that comprehensive, all-encompassing media platform that sets DLE and our clientele apart.

Contract Negotiation Endorsement Procurement

Effective contract negotiation and aggressive endorsement procurement are at the heart of successful sports and entertainment representation. In today's marketplace, it is imperative that professional athletes and entertainers have a skilled agent--who understands not only the legal concepts and construction involved, but also the relevant industry-specific incentives, salary caps, and back-end options necessary for effective negotiations. At DLE, we aggressively represent our clients' contractual interests from conception to negotiation to ratification. But for our clients, the income-generating opportunities do not end at the signing of their player, performance, or on-air agreement; we work tirelessly to find and create short, medium, and long-term endorsement opportunities for our clientele. We believe that the well-managed and strongly marketed client is capable of carrying a diverse sponsorship portfolio outside of his or her "on-court" job requirements and obligations. At DLE, we pair contractual fluency and aggressive negotiation, with well-developed industry relationships to ensure that our clients are not only placed in the best possible position to succeed professionally, but that they're also able to capitalize financially, once they get there.

Interactive Marketing

Global Brand Management

"Opportunities multiply as they are seized" -Sun TzuAt DLE, we work to identify the unique backgrounds, skill-sets and personal attributes of each of our clients before embarking on a marketing and media strategy. It is the isolation and amplification of these attributes that allows us to distinguish, differentiate and then separate our clients--from a marketing and media standpoint--from their would-be competitors within the marketplace. It is this commitment to marketable distinction, that leads to brand identification and management. When it comes to brand development and managmenet, you simply can't put the cart before the horse, like so many so-called "marketers" in the industry unsuccessfully try to do, to the detriment of their clientele. In general, Branding is one of the most commonly misunderstood and misused terms within the sports and entertainment industry. First Rounders, A-listers, lesser-knowns and everyone in between seem to be talking about branding as if it is simply a formula to be followed; a varitable 'paint by numbers' process, which takes the client from insignificant to inescapable in a few short months. At DLE, we understand that in order for the modern day client to achieve their full commercial potential, it requires a multi-dimensional international media strategy coupled with an interactive marketing platform, if the client is going to achieve the desired global brand identification.

Consultation

DLE lecturing to BLAW at JMU.jpg

DON'T PRAY FOR CALMER WATERS

BUILD STRONGER SHIPS...

Consultation

"HANNIBAL BARCA WAS NOT THE ULTIMATE CONQUERER OF ROME, BUT HIS UNCONVENTIONAL TACTICS AND RELENTLESS STRATEGY PROVED THAT ANY MOUNTAIN CAN BE CLIMBED, ANY OBSTACLE CAN BE OVERCOME AND ANY FOE CAN BE DEFEATED." -DOUG ELDRIDGE

Perspective

At the DLE Agency, we place an emphasis on finding utility in the unconventional, and harnessing synergy in the tangential.

Within the DLE Agency, we have the Representation Division which deals with the contractual and endorsement negotiation and management, as well as the media, marketing, imaging and brand management of our clientele. As a compliment to that practice group, we also have the Consultation Divison, which comprises the other half of the agency. The Consultation Division works with a stable of diverse individual and corporate clients, that are not part of our Representation Division, which means that we do not negotiate their athletic, entertainment, or media employment contracts or corporate agreements, but we do perform all of their marketing, media, and brand development and management services.This type of bifurcated representation plan first gained traction among professional athletes, who felt they were best served by splitting their professional needs and going with older company X for their employment contracts but with aggressive, innovative company Y for their marketing, media and brand management. It is the merging of these divergent backgrounds and viewpoints among agencies that often provides the most comprehensive, three-dimensional, service for the client. Even though DLE is a full-service agency offering all of these amenities to the clients in our Representation Division as part of our all-inclusive agreement, we nonetheless recognize that the modern day client needs to find the right formula and combination of talents and core competencies, that best serve their wants and needs, as well as increase their income-earning potential. At DLE, we believe the foot doesn't have to fit the shoe, it is the shoe that must fit the foot. As such, we work tirelessly to find, fit and meet the diverse needs and opportunities of our consulting clientele. We accomplish this by identifying and assessing the unique, personal attributes of each client and use those idiosyncricies to identify synergistic opportunities available to them, which are distinct and different from those available to ther competitors and peers.

Understanding

Effective Public Relations means knowing your client, understanding your target audience, and tailoring your message accordingly.

The DLE Agency was founded upon two core competancies: the rule of law and the power of public relations. Today, there is no shortage of people who identify themselves as a "publicist" or who claim to "work in PR" yet when you press them for a deeper explanation of their place and role in the communications industry, their answer seems to fall flat and void of detail. At DLE, we know that the demands and qualificaitons of a communications strategist for an upper-tier client, go far beyond merely being a "publicist" or "working in PR." In order to build a brand, you must first start by defining the name behind it. So when it comes to our Consulting clientele, we understand that effective message conception, formulation and dissemination are integral to crafting and managing their professional identity and reputation. In a competitive marketplace, perception is reality, so at DLE, the first step in finding a solution is to ask a series of questions. In order to understand and improve a client's core messaging strategy. We must understand who they are, their strengths and weaknesses, their competitive market, their competitors, and their target demographic.Collectively, this communicative analysis and message formulation has come to be known as Public Relations. Make no mistake, this process is far is far more expansive than the simple PR moniker would lead you to believe. At DLE, this encompasses responsibilities such as: image managementreputational rehabilitationcharitable development & oversighttarget messagingmedia penetrationproduct placementmultimedia training & developmentlocal, regional, national and international individual and corporate brand analysis and developmentAs a whole, our approach to Public Relations managment is far more comprehensive and aggressive than many of our peers in the marketplace, but we believe that what they are saying about you can be just as important as what they are not saying about you, and vice versa. At DLE, we know that this does not happen due to chance, it happens due to execution.

Execution

In formulating and implementing a Strategic Communications plan you can either be the hammer or the nail, there is no third option.

At DLE, we often say that Strategic Communications are the professional equivalent of an elementary school fire drill: an exercise that you plan, prepare, rehearse and then set-aside for the day when that one in a million scenario arises and you actually need it. When you are in the heat of an emerging crisis, having a pre-determined strategy to navigate the danger, mitigate the harm, and effectively return to safety is often what makes the difference in those who survive professionally, and those who do not. In the context of professional communications and image management, Strategic Communications is that emergency evacuation plan. At DLE, we recognize that bad things happen to good people and sometimes it is as simple as being with the wrong group, at the wrong place, at the wrong time. Regardless of the intent or the relative culpability of the actor, we understand that the potential damage done in the court of public opinion, can not only impact and influence the verdict in a court of law; sometimes it can even exceed it in terms of scope and reputational damage. To be clear, Strategic Communications can not change or blur the facts or legalities of the situation at hand, but it can shape and dictate how those facts are interpreted by the mass public and how that interpretation affects the short, medium and long-term interests of the individual or corporate entity at the heart of the accusations. For today's modern professional athlete, entertainer, personality, emerging or establish business the reality is that much like driving on the interstate, it is not a question of whether you will eventually be hit, it is a question of when. For DLE clients--whether on the Representation or Consultation side--our comprehensive Strategic Communications plan is what makes the difference in that inevitable impact being a full-on blind-siding, or simply a repairable fender bender. In formulating and implementing a Strategic Communications plan you can either be the hammer or the nail, there is no third option. There is neither room for timidity nor chance; only preparation and execution.To watch some TV clips of DLE Founding President Doug Eldridge doing live, in-studio risk assessment and strategic communications analysis, please visit the Media tab on this site, or simply click here.

Media

At the DLE Agency, we place a premium on aggressive Public Relations strategies on behalf of our clients, predicated on concentrated media management, target messaging, and image cultivation, as well as comprehensive strategic and crisis communications. Our clients are frequently featured on television and radio, as well as in magazines, newspapers and various international online news mediums. This is a practice that is simply engrained in our agency DNA, as DLE Founding President, Doug Eldridge, is a frequent contributor and on-air TV analyst for networks such as FOX, CBS, NBC and ABC, providing insight and analysis across a range of PR, marketing, communications, and legal issues facing today's professional athletes and entertainers. Media Management is something we emphasize from the outset of each new client relationship and it is yet another category, where we at DLE lead by example. Move your mouse over any one of the photos below and click on the arrows that appear, to view Eldridge discussing that particular topic, during a different network television appearance. We will continue to load more TV appearances in the weeks ahead.

Contact

DLE Agency: U.S. Office
DLE Agency: International Offices
Interns, MBAs & Law Clerks

DLE Agency: U.S. Office Cap Dome--Cloudy Nov. 2011 (cropped).jpg

DLE Agency: U.S. Office

The DLE Agency is headquartered in Washington, DC (USA) with a growing global presence, marked by continued domestic and international expansion.CONTACT BY MAIL:DLE Agency309 8th St, NEWashington, DC 20002United States of AmericaCONTACT BY PHONE:+1 202 296 7006 ................Main Office Phone+1 202 296 7004 ................Main Office FaxCONTACT ELECTRONICALLY:info_DLEagency.com ........General Inquiriesmedia_DLEagency.com ....Media InquiriesSOCIAL MEDIA:Twitter.................................... Click hereFacebook.............................. Click hereFOR APPOINTMENTS:Please call the Main Office Phone, listed above, to schedule all appointments.

DLE Agency: International Offices

DLE Agency in Barcelona
DLE Agency in Paris
DLE Agency in Freetown
DLE Agency in Amsterdam
DLE Agency in Dakar

DLE Agency: International Offices

"HOW ARE WE EVER GOING TO SEE EYE TO EYE,IF WE NEVER SIT FACE TO FACE?" -WARREN BUFFETTAt the DLE Agency, our clients have become as diverse geographically, as they are professionally. In order to meet the growing demand of our international clientele within the Representation and Consultation divisons of the agency--as well as to facilitate the continued expansion of each of those respective divisions--we will be broadening our U.S. base of operations in 2012. While the details are finalized over the coming months, we are planning to open boutique DLE Agency offices in strategic locations across Europe and Africa. At DLE, we have always believed that in-person client relations and support, are critical to the efficacy and productivity of the underlying business relationship. In an effort to broaden that level of on-hand, in-person support, it was only logical that we expand our global infrastructure to meet the needs of our diverse, global clientele. We look forward to providing more information about our international office expansion, over the coming months. In the interim, please contact our U.S. Office, located in Washington, DC:PHONE+1 202 296 7006.........Main Office Phone+1 202 296 7004.........Main Office FaxELECTRONICALLYinfo_DLEagency.com

Interns, MBAs & Law Clerks

The DLE Agency accepts applications for unpaid intern, MBA, and law clerk positions for the spring and fall semesters, as well as the summer term. INTERNS Qualified applicants for the DLE Intern program, must have completed two years of undergraduate studies at an accredited college or university, and have resumes, writing samples, references and transcripts available upon request. MBAsQualified applicants for the DLE MBA program, are eligible for the program upon commencement of their MBA coursework, and must have resumes, writing samples, references and transcripts available upon request. LAW CLERKSQualified applicants for the DLE Law Clerk program, must have completed their first year at an accredited law school and have resumes, writing samples, references and transcripts available upon request. Completed applicant packets must be submitted electronically to:internships_DLEagency.comDeadlines for applicant submission for each season are as follows:Spring Semester........Jan. 15 - Apr. 15........Submission Deadline: Dec. 1* Summer Semester.....May 15 - Aug. 15........Submission Deadline: Apr. 1Fall Semester.............Sep. 15 - Dec. 15........Submission Deadline: Aug. 1*The Applicant Deadline for Spring 2012 has been extended to Jan. 10, 2012

Bobby Lea 2008 US Olympian

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