In mist of an incredible Philadelphia 76ers season, we have the perfect feature interview this month. Christian Crosby is recognized around town for his high energy as the officially Philadelphia 76ers in-arena host. We’d say he’s definitely in the running for the coolest job ever. Success, however, only comes with hard work, as Christian is perpetually busy on and off the court.
PPRG: Christian, tell us about your journey to becoming a Sixers’ personality.
CC: In 2006, I started as a member of the “Hare Raisers,” the 76ers trampoline dunk team. The energy of being on the court was unbeatable, but I wanted to further develop my career with the organization and soon earned a full-time position in game presentation.
Four seasons ago, they gave me the mic, and I had the opportunity to bring my energy back to the court as the in-arena host. Most career journeys don’t start with dunking from trampolines, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
PPRG: That’s definitely a unique start to a career. Speaking of beginnings, how did you get involved with the Sixers Innovation Lab Crafted by Kimball?
CC: I always knew that I wanted to be an entrepreneur. Before the Sixers Innovation Lab crafted by Kimball, I had been working on developing my own company, “Live Life Nice.” For a few years, I had balanced working on my own company and working for the 76ers. When the Innovation Lab launched, it seemed like a perfect opportunity to really grow and develop Live Life Nice by learning from the best, while also continuing my relationship with the 76ers organization.
I approached the Managing Director, Seth Berger, in passing and pitched him on the spot. Within 48 hours or so, we had a formal meeting on the calendar. Now, here we are. Live Life Nice is a cause-driven Digital Media & Apparel Company dedicated to empowering, motivating and inspiring people to be nice and do nice. We have already acquired some major partnerships and have some really big announcements in the upcoming months. I honestly couldn’t be more excited about it. God is good!
PPRG: As a businessman, you’ve built your company around “be nice, do nice.” What inspired you to create Live Life Nice?
CC: I grew up watching my parents give selflessly to our family and our community. From theater arts and mentorship programs to feeding the homeless each Sunday, my parents inspired my mindset to be nice and do nice. There is so much focus on the negativity in the world; I’ve always wanted to change that. Live Life Nice is my way of doing my part to inspire, motivate and empower people to Live Life Nice.
PPRG: We support that mentality, too! There is so much “nice” work being done in Philly. What influence do you see the Innovation Lab having on our city?
CC: The Innovation Lab encourages that “you can do anything you want to do” mentality. It’s inspiring for young entrepreneurs – whether they’ve been working endlessly on their business plan or simply just have an idea that they’re passionate about. The Sixers Innovation Lab encourages thinking out of the box and provides entrepreneurs with the resources that may not have had access to. It’s huge for this city where there are so many talented and driven individuals. It’s honestly changed my life and my way of thinking forever.
PPRG: Christian, it seems like you’ve done it all. You’re a businessman, vlogger and trampoline dunker. What has been the best part of your career so far?
CC: I have been incredibly blessed with all of the opportunities I’ve been given thus far, both personally and professionally. I’m extremely thankful to the 76ers and the Innovation Lab for all they have done for me. We are doing some really cool and impactful things with Live Life Nice. Every day I’m doing something different and facing a new challenge. I love that. I love growing. I love creating. Knowing I have a purpose to inspire others in a positive way is what keeps me going and is what I love the most. I still think the best part of my career is yet to come!
PPRG: When you first began working with the Sixers’ franchise you were a member of the Dunk Squad. We’ve got to ask, how much practice goes into being a member of that team?
CC: I grew up doing martial arts, so I was able to apply a lot of what I learned there to dunking. The guys on the team practice 1-2x a week perfecting their jumps, dunks, dance moves, tricking, gymnastics, and overall routines. It’s a lot more work than people might think! While it’s hard, it’s more fun than anything else. I’ll forever miss the thrill of dunking in front of 21k Philly fans… there’s nothing like it!
PPRG: It’s true, there’s nothing like Philly sports fans. How would you describe Philadelphia 76ers’ fans in three words?
CC: TRUST. THE. PROCESS.
Does that count? But seriously…Sixers fans are also the most relentless, passionate, and dedicated fans in the world. Everyone says that, right? But really though… Philly fans are the best. I think those 3 words sum them up perfectly.
PPRG: We trust. Though, with the newer tagline, “Welcome to the Moment,” how will that shape the upcoming season? What does it mean to you?
CC: I think it speaks for itself. We’re finally at that “moment” that Philly and Sixers fans have been waiting for. It’s just really exciting and speaks volumes to not only the fans but the organization as a whole. Philly fans are some of the most passionate in the world, and for us to finally witness this “moment” coming together… it’s something really special, and I couldn’t be more excited to be part of it. I’m so blessed to have seen the rise of the 76ers organization.
PPRG: So, when you’re not at Wells Fargo Center, where can you we find you in Philly?
CC: When I’m not working on Live Life Nice or hosting 76ers games, I’m most likely just enjoying life, networking or spending time with my family and friends. I love going bowling even though I’m awful at it.
When I have the time, I am also a huge travel junkie. I love traveling and going to new places.
Catch Christian Crosby LIVE during Sixers’ home games or connect with him on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook and use hashtag #TrustTheProcess.
