From Pads to Portfolios: How Tony Hills Is Reshaping the Financial Playbook for Athletes

Economic Insider Staff on May 5, 2025

By: Ciara Suesberry

When most professional athletes retire, the crowd’s roar fades. But for Tony Hills, former Super Bowl Champion turned wealth strategist and founder of STATT Financial Services, the next chapter didn’t begin with silence—it started with a strategy.

After nearly a decade in the NFL, including a victorious run with the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLIII, Hills now leads a purpose-driven mission: to transform the financial trajectory of athletes and entrepreneurs by equipping them with tools to thrive far beyond the game.

“I’ve lived the highs and the uncertainty,” Hills reflects. “I’ve seen what’s possible when you plan—and what’s at risk when you don’t.”

Headquartered in Plano, Texas, STATT Financial specializes in life insurance, annuities, and income planning, with a particular focus on athletes navigating career transitions. But the mission isn’t just about wealth—it’s about well-being. Under Hills’ leadership, the company has become a trusted partner for clients looking to reduce tax liability, protect generational assets, and build legacies that extend far beyond sports or status.

“Our mission is simple,” Hills says. “Protect and grow our clients’ wealth. Empower them with knowledge. And help them build a solid foundation that lasts long after the stadium lights go out.”

What sets STATT apart isn’t just its expertise in financial products—it’s the team’s holistic, personalized approach to helping clients align their income with their identity.

As an author and speaker, Tony Hills draws on both his professional experience and personal transformation. His three published works have added a fresh voice to the conversation around financial empowerment and identity beyond success:

Master the Market explores how insurance is more than protection—it’s a value amplifier when strategically aligned with life goals.
The Alignment of Belief and Becoming unpacks how conviction and behavior shape purpose-driven progress.
What to Do When It’s Done speaks directly to athletes and high performers on how to find purpose, identity, and direction when the “main chapter” ends.

These books, like his advisory model, are designed to guide—not preach—and to provide clarity during seasons of transition.

STATT Financial is positioning itself not just as a service provider, but as an advocate for redefining what financial success means for modern athletes and legacy-minded professionals.

In a rapidly shifting economy where longevity, liquidity, and protection are more important than ever, Hills and his team are at the forefront of:

Customized life insurance and annuity strategies
Financial foundational leverage plans that fit seamlessly into the lives of high-achievers

What’s clear is this: Hills isn’t just managing wealth. He’s helping clients design lives that feel as fulfilling as they are financially sustainable.

What makes STATT Financial uniquely compelling isn’t just its track record or range of services—it’s the team’s approach. Hills has built a firm culture rooted in trust, transparency, and education, led by professionals who are as committed to listening as they are to advising.

“We’ve walked in our clients’ shoes. That’s what makes our guidance personal,” says Hills. “We’re not here to talk at people. We’re here to walk with them.”

His leadership is backed by a team known for navigating complex financial challenges with clarity and calm—helping clients gain not just security, but confidence.

As Hills continues to expand STATT Financial’s influence—both through private client services and public speaking engagements—his message remains focused: wealth is a tool, but purpose is the true reward.

In an age where athletes are increasingly becoming investors, business owners, and mentors, Tony Hills is proving that with the right strategy, retirement isn’t the end of the playbook. It’s where legacy begins.

To learn more about Tony Hills and STATT Financial Services, visit:
stattfs.com

www.tonyhills.com

For interviews or inquiries, contact:
Berry Dynamic Agency
Launch@berrydynamicagency.com

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Readers are encouraged to seek professional financial guidance before making any decisions related to investments, insurance, or other financial matters.

Published by Stephanie M.

Benjamin England on Building a Compliance Strategy with FDAImports.com

Economic Insider Staff on May 5, 2025

By: Lucas M. Rhodes

In the labyrinth of federal regulation, where food, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices are constantly scrutinized, few individuals have the expertise—or the nerve—to challenge the system from both the inside and out.

Meet Benjamin England, a former FDA Regulatory Counsel, Special Agent, and criminal investigator who now leads a legal and consulting firm that supports companies navigating the complexities of U.S. regulation.

With over 17 years working inside the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and nearly 20 years building his own practice—FDAImports.com—Ben England has become a widely recognized advisor and strategist for companies seeking to stay compliant, manage enforcement risks, and expand into the U.S. market.

But his story didn’t begin in a courtroom or a boardroom. It started in lab coats and fieldwork.

From Inside the FDA to Working Across the Aisle

“I might have once been your worst nightmare,” England jokes, “a scientist with a gun.”

That’s not an exaggeration. England spent years as a Special Agent in the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations, conducting undercover operations, executing search warrants, and supporting federal cases against violators. He later moved into senior legal roles, advising the Associate Commissioner for Regulatory Affairs and contributing to interagency policy efforts—work that involved shaping how the FDA collaborated with Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and other federal and state entities.

Since then, he’s transitioned from regulator to consultant and legal advocate.

“I know what the FDA looks for during enforcement,” England says. “And I understand how to engage with them—and, when necessary, challenge their decisions through legal means.”

He has represented clients in litigation against the FDA—and reports success in multiple cases.

“Sometimes the only way to get the FDA’s attention is through legal action,” he notes.

Building a Modern Framework for FDA and CBP Compliance

In 2008, England launched FDAImports.com, a regulatory consulting firm that today represents clients from over 100 countries. Through his affiliated law firm, Benjamin L. England & Associates, and partner firm Olsson Frank Weeda, he helps clients bring FDA-regulated products into the U.S., including foods, supplements, cosmetics, pet products, medical devices, and more.

The firm offers services such as:

FDA inspection and enforcement response support
CBP seizure and penalty mitigation
Labeling and marketing compliance
USDA and wildlife permitting (including pet food and bottled water)
Regulatory strategy and expert witness support

His model is built on direct regulatory experience and procedural insight. “We’ve designed an approach we believe aligns with both the letter and the intent of federal law,” England explains. “Because we’ve seen how things can break down in practice.”

A Strategic Partner When the FDA Comes Knocking

England’s clients include early-stage businesses, global importers, and large manufacturers. One common thread: they often reach out when a regulatory crisis is already in motion.

“By the time I get the call, things are already complicated,” he says. “My role is to help manage the fallout and clarify next steps.”

More recently, companies have started to seek guidance earlier—during product development, marketing reviews, and pre-launch regulatory planning.

“Proactive compliance doesn’t mean over-regulation,” he says. “It can lead to more efficient operations and reduced enforcement risk.”

A Constructive Voice on Regulatory Reform

Ben England has publicly expressed concern over how the FDA applies guidance documents. He argues that these documents, while non-binding, are often treated as enforceable rules—raising questions about due process.

“In my view, applying guidance as de facto law can create unnecessary uncertainty for businesses,” he explains. “And that uncertainty can have real consequences.”

His position reflects growing debate in regulatory circles about the agency’s balance between flexibility and formal rulemaking.

Practical Insights, Not Just Commentary

England shares his perspective through articles, podcasts, whitepapers, and LinkedIn commentary. He positions himself not as a critic, but as a pragmatic advisor who draws from experience.

“I don’t just tell people what sounds good,” he says. “I focus on what I would do if I were in their position.”

Learn More

To explore Benjamin England’s work or regulatory consulting services, visit FDAImports.com or connect with him on LinkedIn.

Disclaimer: The information presented in this article reflects the professional background, insights, and personal experiences of Benjamin England and is intended for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as a substitute for consultation with qualified legal counsel. Regulatory requirements can vary by jurisdiction, product category, and specific circumstances. For advice tailored to your unique compliance or legal situation, please consult a licensed attorney or regulatory expert.

Published by Stephanie M.

Decisiveness Amid Uncertainty: Making Tough Calls with Confidence

Economic Insider Staff 2 on May 5, 2025

Assessing Situations Quickly: Gathering Information to Make Informed Decisions

In fast-paced environments, the ability to make decisions quickly and confidently is vital, especially when uncertainty looms large. While some decisions require careful deliberation, others demand swift action to avoid missed opportunities or escalating problems. The first step in making confident decisions amid uncertainty is to gather relevant information as efficiently as possible.

One effective approach is to break down the situation into its key components and prioritize the most critical factors. What is the immediate impact of the decision? Who will be affected, and how? By identifying the most important aspects of the situation, decision-makers can focus their attention on what matters most, rather than becoming overwhelmed by an abundance of details.

Tools like decision trees, risk assessments, and expert consultations can aid in gathering data quickly, allowing for a clearer understanding of potential outcomes. It is important to rely on both qualitative and quantitative information—combining data with insights from team members, stakeholders, or industry experts can provide a more well-rounded perspective.

In situations of uncertainty, speed is often just as important as accuracy. The ability to quickly analyze available information, assess risks, and act decisively can be the difference between success and failure. Therefore, sharpening one’s ability to assess situations swiftly while gathering enough information to make an informed decision is a critical skill for navigating uncertainty.

Accepting Imperfection: Understanding That No Decision Will Have Complete Certainty

In any decision-making process, there is always a degree of uncertainty. No matter how much data is gathered or how much analysis is performed, there will never be a scenario where all factors are fully known or predictable. Accepting imperfection in decision-making is crucial for maintaining confidence and making progress, rather than getting stuck in analysis paralysis.

The fear of making the “wrong” decision can be paralyzing, but it is important to remember that perfection is rarely achievable, especially in dynamic environments. Instead of focusing on finding the perfect solution, successful decision-makers focus on making the possible choice with the information available at the time. This mindset encourages a willingness to take calculated risks and embrace the possibility of learning from any mistakes.

To make decisions with confidence, it is essential to trust one’s judgment and experience, even when faced with ambiguity. Accepting that uncertainty is inherent in the process allows for a more resilient approach to decision-making. When individuals are comfortable with imperfection, they are more likely to act decisively and keep moving forward, instead of waiting for certainty that may never arrive.

Learning from Outcomes: Using Results to Refine Future Decision-Making Processes

Once a decision has been made and implemented, the next step is to evaluate the outcomes and learn from them. Effective decision-makers understand that every decision, whether it leads to success or failure, is an opportunity for growth. By analyzing the results of decisions, leaders can refine their approach and improve future decision-making processes.

It is important to assess both the intended and unintended consequences of a decision. Did the outcome align with expectations? Were there any unexpected challenges or benefits? By taking a comprehensive look at the results, decision-makers can identify areas of improvement and adjust their strategies accordingly.

In addition, feedback from stakeholders and team members can provide valuable insights into how the decision was received and executed. Were there communication breakdowns? Were key factors overlooked? Engaging in reflective practices, such as post-mortems or team discussions, helps capture lessons learned and integrate them into future decision-making processes.

By continuously learning from the outcomes of past decisions, leaders can build a more agile and informed decision-making framework. Over time, this process strengthens the ability to make decisions with greater confidence, knowing that mistakes are not setbacks but valuable learning experiences that contribute to growth.

The One Metric That Matters (OMTM): What It Is and How to Use It

Economic Insider Staff 2 on May 5, 2025

Defining the OMTM

The One Metric That Matters (OMTM) is a concept used by startups and growing businesses to streamline their focus and measure progress effectively. Unlike traditional metrics that track multiple aspects of a business’s performance, the OMTM focuses on a single key indicator that aligns with the company’s most immediate goals. It helps teams direct their efforts and resources toward what is most critical for growth and success at a particular stage of the business.

The OMTM is particularly valuable in the startup phase when resources are limited, and clarity of purpose is essential. By narrowing focus to one metric, businesses can avoid the distraction of too many data points and concentrate on what truly drives progress. The metric chosen should be actionable, easy to track, and directly correlated to the company’s growth trajectory.

The OMTM is not a one-size-fits-all solution—it can evolve as a startup progresses through different stages, addressing immediate needs such as customer acquisition, retention, or revenue growth. Its purpose is to serve as a compass for decision-making and strategic direction, ensuring that the team is always aligned and moving forward.

Criteria for Selecting Your OMTM

Choosing the right OMTM is crucial for achieving focus and alignment. The metric must meet several criteria to ensure that it effectively drives progress and aligns with the company’s current priorities. Here are the key factors to consider when selecting your OMTM:

Relevance: The OMTM must directly relate to the most important goal or challenge the business is facing at that particular time. Whether it’s acquiring new customers, improving product-market fit, or increasing revenue, the metric should provide insight into how well the business is progressing toward that goal.
Actionable: The OMTM should be something that the team can influence directly. It should be measurable in a way that allows for quick adjustments to strategy if needed. This ensures that the team is empowered to take action based on the metric’s performance.
Clarity: The OMTM should be easily understood by everyone in the organization. It must be straightforward and transparent, ensuring that all team members, from the CEO to individual contributors, can grasp its significance and work toward achieving it.
Measurability: A good OMTM is quantifiable. Whether it’s revenue, number of active users, or customer retention rate, the metric should be tracked with data that is easily collected and consistently reported.

Selecting the right OMTM helps businesses avoid distractions and keep everyone aligned on a single, measurable target. When the OMTM is chosen thoughtfully, it serves as a guide for decision-making and can significantly accelerate growth.

How OMTM Guides Focus and Alignment

One of the most powerful aspects of the OMTM is its ability to guide focus and alignment within the organization. With many potential initiatives and distractions competing for attention, the OMTM serves as a filter that helps teams prioritize efforts. When everyone is aligned around one key metric, decision-making becomes more efficient, and resources are allocated more effectively.

The OMTM provides clarity by ensuring that all actions, from marketing campaigns to product development, are working toward the same goal. This focus prevents the fragmentation of efforts and helps maintain momentum, especially during the early stages of growth when every decision counts.

Moreover, the OMTM enables transparency and accountability. It becomes the point of reference for evaluating performance and progress. If the metric is not improving, it serves as a signal that adjustments need to be made. Conversely, seeing positive movement in the OMTM offers reassurance that the business is on the right track.

By consistently tracking the OMTM and integrating it into day-to-day operations, teams remain motivated and oriented toward outcomes. This helps businesses stay agile and responsive to changes in the market while staying committed to their overarching goal.

Evolving Your OMTM Through Startup Stages

As a business grows and evolves, so too must its focus. What matters most in the early stages of a startup may no longer be as critical as the company matures. As a result, the OMTM should evolve to reflect the shifting priorities and challenges the company faces.

In the early stages, startups often focus on validating product-market fit or acquiring their first customers. During this phase, metrics like user acquisition, engagement, or retention rates are commonly chosen as OMTMs. These metrics provide a clear indication of whether the product resonates with the target audience and whether the business model is viable.

As the startup progresses and scales, the focus often shifts to financial sustainability, revenue generation, or customer lifetime value. The OMTM might then evolve to include metrics like monthly recurring revenue (MRR), average revenue per user (ARPU), or customer retention rates. These metrics help measure long-term growth and profitability.

For businesses that have reached maturity, the OMTM might evolve once again to focus on efficiency and market leadership. Metrics like market share, brand awareness, or customer satisfaction could become central to the company’s strategy.

The key to success is recognizing when it’s time to evolve the OMTM. As the business progresses through its stages, it’s important to reassess what matters most and adjust the metric accordingly.