Meet the Team Powering the Next Generation of Athlete Brands
We’re a team of strategists, storytellers, and NIL trailblazers—committed to helping student-athletes build, protect, and profit from their personal brand.
At The 42U, we specialize in empowering student-athletes to navigate and thrive in the evolving world of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). Our team brings together decades of expertise in branding, marketing strategy, content creation, and athlete development to help athletes maximize their NIL potential. From building a standout personal brand to securing partnerships and managing long-term visibility, we’re here to guide every step of the journey—on and off the field.
Former student‑athletes, entrepreneurs, psychologists, and creatives united by one mission: giving college athletes the tools, mindset, and brand power to win on the field and for decades after.
With over 20 years of experience in innovation, development, and management of a diverse spectrum of ventures, Stephen Bienko brings a wealth of knowledge to his role as a co-founder of 42U. His extensive experience as the founder of the Institute of Athletic Performance/Parisi Speed Schools, CEO of Fownders, the largest franchise owner of College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving, along with a decade of involvement in sports marketing and athlete management, has cultivated a distinctive perspective on empowering student-athletes. A former Division 1 football player and decathlete himself, Stephen understands the challenges and opportunities facing student-athletes. As a leading life performance coach, Stephen thrives on individual coaching for his clients, supporting their success and growth in both their personal lives and career development. His education at the United States Air Force Academy, Villanova University, and Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business, as well as his experience as a State Trooper for the NJ State Police, have honed his skills in leadership and personal development
A former student-athlete and Division 1 football player at Rutgers University, Joe Donato brings a deep understanding of the student-athlete experience to his role as a co-founder of 42U.
His 25 years of corporate sales experience at Canon Solutions America and 20 years as a small business owner of National Dance Showcase, Inc. have equipped him with the skills to guide student-athletes in their personal and professional development.
Joe’s ongoing involvement in the collegiate sports community, including his roles as a mentor, athletic program supporter, and board member of the Varsity R Letterwinners Association, demonstrates his commitment to helping student-athletes succeed.
His passion for assisting student-athletes in their personal growth, both during and after their athletic careers, aligns seamlessly with 42U’s vision of empowering individuals to take control of their futures and build meaningful careers beyond sports.
Co-Founder & VP of Athlete Experience
As a co-founder and vice president of 42G since 2020, Chase Munkholm brings a blend of branding, marketing, and social media expertise, paired with sports industry knowledge, to 42U. His studies in organizational leadership and entrepreneurship at the University of Delaware, combined with his experience as a high-level basketball player and his family’s deep tennis roots, give him a unique understanding of the high school and college sports markets.
At 42G, he helped build and run an internship program to give student-athletes real-world experience in the fields of marketing and branding, with a focus on social media. Chase’s role at 42U involves managing and growing the internal team, ensuring that all verticals within the company work cohesively to deliver high-quality products and services to their clients.
His background and experience align perfectly with 42U’s mission to help student-athletes build their personal brands and capitalize on the opportunities presented by the ever-changing landscape of collegiate athletics.
Manager, Athlete Success
A former lacrosse player at Bucknell University, Leah is your athletes’ day-to-day point of contact. Leah tracks progress, coordinates brand activation, delivering communications and athlete go to market strategy.
Lead Creative Design
Charles takes ideas and turns them into visuals. A 5-year leader in athlete branding design, he brings the visuals of each athlete’s brand and personality to life.
Lead Engineer
A transformative engineer from the Rutgers University Honors College of Computer and Neuroscience. As a Rutgers presidential scholar Dhruv turns the vision of 42U and the athletes served into the digital realm.
A former football player at Rutgers University Joe has spent 25 years in corporate sales and owning a national dance competition. Joe turns strategy into repeatable systems, ensuring every university launch runs on time and on budget.
A former lacross player at Bucknell University, Leah is your athletes’ day-to-day point of contact. Leah tracks progress, coordinates brand activation, delivering communications and athlete go to market strategy.
