Tony Forte

Tony Forte, has made a career and hobby of empowering, connecting with & marketing to youth culture.  Mr. Forte is keen on exposing emerging and young professionals to their untapped potential and uncharted opportunities. As Founder & President of both Urban Professor LLC. and Silver Spoon Foundation, Tony challenges the career development and professional transition obstacles facing young adults. As a Partner and Vice President within WOODstack Retail stores, Tony oversees all Sales, Marketing and Buying for the multi-door NYC based streetwear chain.  With an immense passion for young professional development and a successful career marketing and driving businesses directed to young adults with companies such as Coca-Cola, Clear Channel Communications, Sean John Clothing, Phat Farm Clothing, Nike Inc., and LUTA Sportswear (a subsidiary of Adidas Group). Tony has an undeniable knowledge of emerging professionals, his candid and relatable method of speaking is both innovative and refreshing for today’s young professional audience.  He currently resides in the NY Tri-state area and has been working in the Fashion & Marketing capital of the world for over a decade. Mr. Forte started his career in fashion with Sean “Puffy” Combs, as an employee of Sean John, he contributed to one of the most historic corporate sales trajectories in fashion history, as Sean John became the fastest clothing line ever to reach salesin excess of $100 million. During his tenure at Sean John, he serviced accounts globally, and was the Director of Special Projects. As Director of Special Projects, he oversaw commerce for projects such as the highly influential “Vote or Die” campaign of 2004. Upon his departure at Sean John, Forte worked with yet another highly acclaimed entertainment mogul, Russell Simmons. Tony used his specialization in youth culture fashion to catapult him from employ with Phat Farm, to growing an emerging business within the industry leader in marketing to youth culture, Nike. Spanning seven successful years with Nike, he was the recipient of several highly acclaimed company awards including Nike “Rookie of the Year” and a Nike Regional Maxim Award. Upon leaving Nike, Tony, in the role of Vice President of U.S. Operations oversaw the U.S. growth and development for LUTA Sportswear, a socially responsible sportswear venture of the Adidas Group, later acquired by Reebok.