The Bobby Blair Story
From the courts of the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy to pioneering the world's first LGBTQ+ index listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the first related ETF on the NASDAQ under the symbol LGBT — this is a journey defined by athletic excellence, entrepreneurial vision, and barrier-breaking innovation. Blair also founded and operated one of the nation's largest single-family home development companies and served as a national spokesperson for SUCCESS Magazine.
Bobby Blair with tennis legend Billie Jean King
Tennis Journey
Bobby with tennis coach & life mentor Nick Bollettieri
The Bollettieri Years (1980-1983)
Bobby's tennis journey began at the legendary Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy (now IMG Academy), where champions are forged. Training alongside future pros, Bobby developed the skills and mental toughness that would define his career.
By 1983, Bobby achieved remarkable rankings:
- ▸#1 Junior Singles Player in Florida
- ▸#5 Junior Singles Player in the United States
College & Professional Career
At the University of Arkansas, Bobby continued to dominate, reaching the #4 national ranking in NCAA Division I tennis in 1986.
From 1984 to 1988, Bobby competed professionally on the world tennis circuit, earning victories over three former top-10 players — including Wimbledon champion Pat Cash.
Following his playing career, Bobby became a USTA National Coach (1987-1988), working with America's top junior players and shaping the next generation of champions.
Coaching Legacy
1990-1991
Wellington Aces
Head Coach & GM, World Team Tennis with Billie Jean King
1992
Tampa Bay Action
Head Coach & GM, World Team Tennis
1990-1998
Tennis Academy Owner
4th largest tennis academy in the United States
Bobby in Mexico representing USA — Copa Mundial Casablanca, 1982-83
After the finals of the 1983 USTA National Claycourt Championship — Boys 18 & Under with Aaron Krickstein. Three-set marathon won by Krickstein.
United States Junior Davis Cup Team, 1983
Building a Business Empire
Real Estate Development
From 1992 to 2006, Bobby founded and led one of the largest distressed real estate development businesses in the United States.
As a 50-50 partner in Success Conferences (1997-2000), Bobby served as the national spokesperson for SUCCESS magazine's real estate seminars, generating over $100 million in nationwide sales.
In 2015, Bobby authored Dream Big, a comprehensive real estate guide for investors, available on Amazon.
Current Ventures
Real Estate Investment Partnerships
Founded 2023
New-home construction focus in South Florida
FTLRealtyGroup.com →REIPTokens
Launched 2024
Pioneering real estate tokenization platform to democratize real estate investing
REIPTokens.com →Perks Plus VIP
Hyper-local marketplace that connects consumers with nearby businesses through discounted digital gift cards and exclusive complimentary perks. Members earn ongoing cash-back rewards, while participating businesses attract new customers through a tiered, cashless advertising model that combines Perks Plus VIP gift cards, featured special offers, and targeted promotional campaigns.
PerksPlusVIP.com →LGBTQ+ Business Pioneer
Breaking Barriers in Finance
In 2009, Bobby founded Multimedia Platforms, Inc. (MMPW), which grew to become the largest LGBTQ+ print media company in the United States. The company went public on the OTC markets in 2015.
In 2018, Bobby made history with LGBTQ Loyalty Holdings, Inc., creating:
- ▸The world's first LGBTQ Index on the NYSE
- ▸The first LGBTQ ETF on NASDAQ (ticker: LGBT)
Bobby pictured with LGBTQ sports pioneers Jason Collins and Billy Bean
LGBTQ Loyalty Holdings Board
Bobby assembled a distinguished board of LGBTQ+ leaders and allies:
2015
Inducted into the LGBT International Hall of Fame
Recognized for lifetime contributions to LGBTQ+ business and community
Bobby with life partner Brian Neal
Author & Storyteller
Hiding Inside the Baseline
Memoir, 2014
Bobby's powerful memoir chronicles his life as a gay athlete navigating the competitive world of professional tennis while hiding his true identity.
"A heartfelt and true All American tennis story... a road map for this generation and future generations of LGBT athletes worldwide."
— Billie Jean King
The memoir inspired a nationally televised documentary on Fox College Sports in 2015.
Click to Watch the Fox Sports Hiding Inside The Baseline Documentary. The Bobby Blair Story. →Purchase Your Copy Today →
Dream Big
Real Estate Guide, 2015
Drawing on decades of experience in distressed real estate development and his role as SUCCESS magazine's national spokesperson, Bobby shares practical strategies for investors looking to build wealth through real estate.
Purchase Your Copy Today →Gallery
Connect with Bobby
For business inquiries, podcast guest opportunities, or speaking engagements.