Brewers' Braun meshes businesses with his main job

Phoenix — In just three years as a major-league baseball player, Ryan Braun has become quite prolific.

And he has done amazing things on the field, also.

The Milwaukee Brewers' all-star leftfielder is not satisfied merely to make his mark on a baseball diamond. At 26, he already has become quite the entrepreneur.

You almost expect his baseball card to read "Ryan Braun, Inc."

"I realize baseball has provided me the opportunity to do all of these things," said Braun, a first-round draft pick in 2005 who made an immediate impact in the majors.

"I love being a baseball player. I'm living my dream every day. But at the same time I don't ever want to be defined just by baseball. I have a lot of ambitions to succeed with all of my business ventures and other parts of my life."

No one can accuse Braun of starting small in that regard. His initial foray into the real world was Remetee, a "California Couture" clothing line for men and women.

Beyond wearing the stylish T-shirts himself, Braun showed up last spring with samples for his teammates, turning the Brewers' clubhouse into the baseball version of "Project Runway."

"It's so much easier to promote a product if it's something you actually believe in," said Braun, a Los Angeles resident who definitely thinks L.A.-big.

"With the clothing line, I actually wear the majority of those clothes. I only get involved in things I believe in, companies that I think have the same ambition, same drive that I have. I wouldn't get myself in something and put my name and reputation on the line unless I really believed in it and unless I was involved."

With the help of agent Nez Balelo and his associates at Creative Artists Agency, Braun has expanded his business portfolio. He endorses CytoSport nutritional beverages, including Muscle Milk, a legitimate means for athletes to get an edge.

"We're thinking about developing my own drink," said Braun. "That would be pretty cool."

Always on the lookout for the next successful venture, Braun decided to try his hand at the volatile restaurant business. He actually has two opening days this year, one April 5 at Miller Park and the other around the same time in Lake Geneva with Ryan Braun's Tavern & Grill.

Braun already has plans for other restaurants to follow. He is well aware that today's trendy eatery is tomorrow's boarded-up building but is a big believer in nothing ventured, nothing gained.

"I've always approached everything from an optimistic perspective," he said. "At the same time, I'm realistic about my expectations.

"I think initially people will be interested; there will be some buzz and you'll get people in the door. From there, it all comes down to service and the quality of the food and drinks.

"Our goal is to provide them with a great experience. If you're able to do that, you have staying power."

When he steps to a different kind of dish, Braun uses Sam Bats, made by a maple bat manufacturer in Canada. His likeness can be seen on the home page of the company's Web site with a link to www.getrealbraun.com, a promo for the RB8, the model bat Braun personally designed.

Not satisfied merely to plug his own lumber, Braun hopes to help develop a metal bat that can be used at the high school and college levels. No moss is growing under this guy's feet.

"Early in my career, I've had an opportunity to get involved in some pretty cool things. I always say that I took my education seriously," said Braun, who majored in business management at the University of Miami, with a minor in sports management.

"I feel like I've always been preparing myself for this opportunity. Baseball has provided me an opportunity to get involved in some pretty cool things. I'm in a position where I can pick and choose what I want to get involved in."

But what about Braun's night (and sometimes day) job? Isn't it a dangerous balancing act to try to maintain an all-star level of play while also going all Donald Trump off the field?

"It can become busy at times, but baseball is always my No. 1 priority," said Braun, who led the National League with 203 hits last season. "I take a tremendous amount of pride in being a baseball player. I'm honestly living my dream every day.

"But at the same time I have a lot of other goals, a lot of other ambitions. I'm not married; I don't have any kids. I know at some point I will. It really is a small window. Just like with your career, you have a small window to be relevant as a baseball player.

"I hope to play for 15, 20 years, who knows. But it's definitely a small window to get involved with some of these things. I've always felt that the earlier I was able to get involved, the better chance I have to see some of these things succeed and really grow to the level I want."

Braun developed an early eye for business as a ballplayer, also. After his rookie of the year season with the Brewers in 2007, he signed a landmark eight-year, $45 million deal.

Some folks thought Braun sold himself short, and it might turn out that way, considering his accomplishments thus far. But, realizing he wouldn't be arbitration eligible until after the 2010 season after a late start to his rookie year, Braun cashed in with an agreement that pays $1 million this season before bumping to $4 million, $6 million, $8.5 million, $10 million and $12 million in succeeding years.

Despite that financial nest egg, Braun has avoided sinking gobs of his own money into projects, another sign of an astute businessman.

"I'm not necessarily invested in all of these projects," he said. "Some of them I am; others I'm not. (The contract) was more about my financial security."

The Brewers certainly consider it a wise investment on their part. In less than three full seasons, Braun has compiled a .308 batting average, 104 doubles, 19 triples, 103 home runs and 317 runs batted in, while combining with Prince Fielder to form one of the most feared slugging duos in the majors.

Never one to lack for confidence - in life, business or baseball - the answer came quickly when Braun was asked if even he has been surprised by the level of his early success.

"No," he said.

Then, with a broad grin, Braun added, "Honestly, I haven't been. I mean, maybe, a little bit. I've always believed in myself. At this point, maybe I've gotten there a little sooner than I anticipated, but I've always had lofty expectations.

"I've always prepared myself to have success. I feel like as long as you're prepared, there's no reason not to be confident. I've always believed in myself and expected myself not to just succeed but to excel.

"If you don't believe in yourself, there's no reason for anybody else to believe in you. That's my outlook on life. I focus on my positive attributes as a person and baseball player. It's something I'm proud of."



(jsonline.com)