Article by from CEO Weekly
For many professional athletes, the end of their playing career can feel like a fumble on the one-yard line. However, for former NFL wide receiver Mark Clayton, it was just the beginning of a new game. Clayton, the founder of LIVV Audio, has taken the same grit and determination that fueled his football career and channeled it into creating a revolutionary headphone brand. LIVV Audio isn’t just about sound; it’s about pushing limits, breaking boundaries, and embodying the relentless spirit of those who refuse to quit.
Clayton’s journey, much like a challenging football season, was filled with obstacles and triumphs. Growing up in Oklahoma and Texas, Clayton found his passion in football. It was on the field where he channeled his natural energy and competitive spirit, ultimately earning him a scholarship to the University of Oklahoma and leading him to the NFL as a first-round draft pick for the Baltimore Ravens. He thrived in the high-pressure environment of professional football, earning a reputation for his dedication and precision on the field. “As a football player, I was very meticulous about how I did things, how I ran my routes, how I practiced,” Clayton explains. This attention to detail would later become a cornerstone of his entrepreneurial success.
But Clayton’s path took an unexpected turn. A career-ending injury forced him to re-evaluate his future. “It is what it is,” Clayton reflects, sharing his favorite life lesson quote. “Things in life happen regardless of your effort.” This acceptance of circumstances he couldn’t control, coupled with his inherent drive, propelled him toward a new goal: entrepreneurship.
Inspired by a friend’s simple question – “If you had a business, what would it be?” – Clayton began to envision a future beyond the football field. He realized that the same dedication and work ethic that made him a successful athlete could be applied to the business world. “A huge part of being a professional athlete is just having to work with a crazy work ethic,” Clayton explains. “It takes so much work and so much time. You gotta be dedicated, you really gotta be passionate about it, and you gotta love what you do…”
This relentless work ethic became the foundation for LIVV Audio. But LIVV isn’t just another headphone company. Clayton identified a gap in the market: high-quality headphones designed specifically for athletes and active individuals. “We have the first luxury sports over-ear headphones ever created,” Clayton states with pride. “It is exciting to be able to introduce a product into the massive headphone market with a product that’s game-changing and has never been done before.”
What makes LIVV Pro Headphones different? Clayton leveraged his years of experience as a professional athlete to design headphones that are designed to stay secure even during intense workouts. The patented headband design, combined with 40mm precision dynamic drivers, delivers an unparalleled audio experience. LIVV aims to provide powerful, high-fidelity sound that motivates and energizes, pushing athletes to reach their peak performance.
But LIVV Pro Headphones are more than just powerful sound. They’re designed to eliminate distractions with advanced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology, allowing athletes to focus on their training, their work, or simply their favorite tunes. Need to take a call or be aware of your surroundings? No problem. LIVV Pro Headphones feature crystal-clear pass-through audio, allowing for seamless transitions without missing a beat. And with a 50-hour battery life, these headphones are built to last, from morning runs to late-night gym sessions.
Clayton’s experience on the gridiron provided him with invaluable skills that translate seamlessly into the business arena. He emphasizes the importance of teamwork, preparation, and mental fortitude, strategies he honed during his athletic career. “My teammates…helped me sit in an atmosphere that may be a highly pressurized situation and be confident that it’ll get figured out,” Clayton shares. He also highlights the importance of preparation in mitigating risk and building confidence. “Preparation is putting the time in to know what you’re getting yourself into and understanding the cons as well as the pros,” Clayton advises. This meticulous approach, honed during his athletic career, has proven invaluable in his business ventures.
More Than Headphones: A Winning Mindset
LIVV Audio is more than just a headphone company; it’s a reflection of Clayton’s journey and a testament to the power of perseverance. His story is an inspiration to anyone facing a career transition or striving to achieve their dreams. He demonstrates that with passion, hard work, and a winning mindset, it’s possible to turn setbacks into springboards and achieve success both on and off the field. His advice to young people? “Be meticulous about everything… Then give yourself room to mess up; that’s your greatest teacher. Lastly, ask a lot of questions, even if it’s just for confirmation.”
Ready to unleash your inner champion? Experience the game-changing LIVV Pro Headphones and discover a new level of audio performance.