Dallas Dweller: Erin Patton

Dallas is full of colorful characters. There are those you see monthly in the society pages, whose stories are legendary in this town. But, this feature is inspired by the people that I think you should know more about because of their fabulous style, interesting back-story or amazing accomplishments.  Dallas Dweller seeks to introduce you to these fabulous faces. OSC Contributor Alison Weinstein says "Erin Patton is likely one of the most sincere human beings I have ever met and if you’ve had the chance to grab a handshake or hug, you know what I mean." Let's read more about why she feels so passionately about him, shall we?

Erin Patton

Erin Patton: A Man and A Mission for Change
by Alison Weinstein

Marketing guru, author  and Adjunct Professor at TCU's Neeley School of Business, Erin Patton, exudes passion and positivity. He became legendary in the sports marketing world when he created the PR campaign that put Nike's Michael Jordan brand on the map as one of the highest grossing brands of all time.

D CEO magazine profiled Patton in 2010 and talked about his decision to leave Nike to launch the New York-based The Mastermind Group, a boutique brand-management agency. Among Mastermind’s successes was the launch of the Starbury shoe brand for Stephon Marbury and Steve & Barry’s. Mastermind also developed marketing plans for NBA star LeBron James and tennis’s Williams sisters.

The youngest of 3 boys, Erin was raised by a single Mother in the toughest part of Pittsburgh, PA. “Based on statistics, I was not supposed to see past my eighteenth birthday. My mother taught us that we were not products of our environment but of our imagination. She constantly encouraged us to become self-reliant and visualize a better future with education and a college degree as the gateway to our dreams. She also made sure that we took advantage of programs like Upward Bound and Inroads that provided us with the exposure we needed to bring clarity to that vision.”