Our Founders story
A Brotherhood Built on Impact
Athletes Influence Everything (AIE) was founded by Malcolm Johnson Jr. and Elijah McAllister, two former collegiate athletes who met at Auburn University in January 2023. Coming from different backgrounds—Elijah from New Jersey and Malcolm from Maryland—they were drawn together by their intelligence, shared worldviews, and commitment to leadership.
What truly solidified their bond was their shared belief in Kingdom principles and their ability to see the world through a Kingdom perspective. They understood that life is about more than just sports and business—it’s about purpose, stewardship, and maximizing the influence God has given them.
They quickly realized that their connections, experiences, and knowledge positioned them to empower the younger generation. With a heart for service, they founded AIE to equip athletes with the tools to build wealth, protect their influence, and create lasting success beyond the game.
Elijah McAllister
Hometown: New Jersey
Specialization: Community & Education
Elijah is a natural leader passionate about mentorship, education, and community development. His mission is to equip young athletes with the knowledge, resources, and confidence they need to thrive not just on the field, but in life.
Founder of All4:1and1ForAll Foundation
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Beyond AIE, Elijah leads the All41andOneForAll Foundation, an organization dedicated to:
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Developing youth athletically and academically
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Building confidence and mental health awareness
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Providing equitable access to resources and opportunities
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Partnering with organizations to uplift communities
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The foundation’s mission is rooted in faith based principles, guiding young people toward becoming responsible, community-minded adults while reaching their full potential.
Hometown: Maryland
Specialization: Business & Entrepreneurship
Malcolm has always had a vision for business and financial independence. He specializes in teaching athletes how to leverage their influence, secure opportunities, and build generational wealth. His focus is on helping athletes think beyond their playing careers and step into roles as business owners and brand leaders.
Founder of Start a Conversation
Malcolm is also the creator of Start a Conversation, a movement designed to:
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Encourage face-to-face conversations and genuine human connection
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Promote civility, empathy, and social engagement
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Combat social isolation and mental health struggles, especially among Gen Z
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Through this movement, Malcolm challenges people to step away from digital distractions and rebuild real-world relationships—one conversation at a time.
MEET OUR TEAM
Elijah McAllister
"Big E"
Scottie McMillion
"Scott"
Tyler Smith
"Ty"
Donovan Kaufman
"DK"
Malcolm Johnson Jr
"MJ"
NAME OF THE GAME
Athletes truly do influence everything. Everyone was an athlete or is connected to one in some capacity in their lives. Athletes drive culture and influence in fashion, sport, education, lifestyle, and everything in between. Knowing yourself helps fuel the vision to help utilize your influence. Ultimately your name is your game and it will last you far beyond your playing days.
WHY
We are the first generation of athletes to live in this space of collegiate athletics. No one on earth has a better pulse on where that is and where its going. As a company we have a heart to impact the next generation because they are the leaders of tomorrow. This company is best predicted off the saying “Leave it better than you found it." We know our days here on earth are numbered and we believe it our duty to leave our communities, our earth, and most importantly as black men… our people better then what we were born into!
KEY PILLARS
01
NAME, IMAGE, LIKENESS
NIL refers to the use of an athlete's name, image, and likeness through marketing and promotional endeavors. It allows for athletes to be financially compensated by schools, companies, people, social media, etc. Most athletes do not understand how to navigate the NIL space, and there is not the right education within this space provided by parents, colleges, or agents. How can they educate if they never lived it? We have.
"It is one thing to study war and another to live the warrior's life."
03
FINANCIAL LITERACY
Our team will provide 30 minute financial literacy courses that cover the essential financial principles for managing all forms of compensation. Through real world examples, interactive exercises, and key professional financial strategies, students will learn how to make smart money decisions. They will leave with a "Financial Playbook."
05
BRAND BUILDING
For athletes and people of all levels, a step by step process is required for building a brand and securing sponsorship deals. This is why we aim to build brand awareness that will help students to market their brand and establish an audience. It is important to engage with those who support you.
02
MENTORSHIP
Building lifelong relationships with each athlete is important for their foundation and personal growth within this process. We aim to impact in a positive way by representation and presence. This connection will allow athletes to learn from our experiences and have a well-rounded approach that balances academics, athletics, community, and fun.
04
ATHLETE EMPOWERMENT
We aim to empower athletes to take control of themselves. It takes a village to raise one up, but individual discipline gets them to where they are. Offloading power to coaches and other influences is unhealthy, but taking extreme ownership of oneself is currency. We want to empower athletes with the knowledge to make good decisions and have a guideline for a positive life.
06
PHILANTHROPY
Athletes have a lasting influence beyond their sport, and how they give back to others defines their legacy. That’s why we provide opportunities for athletes to engage with communities through meaningful initiatives, allowing them to gain valuable experiences from their own perspective. We believe in building leaders, and the true test of leadership is learning to be a good servant.
NEXT STEPS
Our vision is to partner with schools and companies in hopes to provide information to the next generation that encompasses all of our six pillars. Along with that will allow for representation and commitment back into communities that need it. Being innovators in this space will set your school or company a part from everyone, it will help aid your brand by being trailblazers for interpersonal development garnering more trust and respect from all.
