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Dingman to the rescue

Newport Beach resident helps sports stars relocate, some of his clients include Abreu, Pronger and Izturis. The 31-year-old loves his work.

August 07, 2009|By Steve Virgen

Newport Beach is home to quite a number of big names within the sports industry. Kobe Bryant lives here, as does sports agent Scott Boras.

There is also an up-and-comer, working behind the scenes, from Newport Beach.

When you hear the name Chris Dingman, you don’t think of sports, but for several athletes he’s been a life-saver, a welcomed relief, the ultimate problem solver. Athletes like Bobby Abreu, Chris Pronger, Steve Smith and even Chad Ochocinco know Dingman and the Newport Beach resident hopes more will come to know him each day, better yet after each trade or big free-agent signing in a sport.

Dingman is in charge of The Dingman Group, a company that specializes in relocating star athletes and those within the pro sports world.

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He’s splashed his company’s name all over the Internet, Dingman’s on Twitter, Facebook and amid the blogosphere. Four years into the project, he wants to keep building, and continue to help athletes.

“I love it,” Dingman said. “It’s so much fun. I can’t explain how passionate I am about it. I pinch myself every day. I’m providing an honest service that these people are in need of. I can’t explain how much I love what I do.”

Dingman’s energy doesn’t come off as fake. How can it be? As a 31-year-old he’s sure to use his youth to his advantage, and as a former athlete, albeit amateur, he also knows how to connect with his clients.

In the end, he just wants to provide the best for them. And he does it for free.

Yes, The Dingman Group makes money from real estate or other company referrals, but there are times when those don’t produce income. He’s still going to work because he knows helping could lead to another client.

Last year, before the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim were reaping the rewards of Abreu, Dingman was in the background, helping the former Yankees slugger leave New York and move to Orange County.

Dingman had to help find someone to purchase Abreu’s former home, then secure a place for his client to be closer to the Angels. There was also organizing the big move and helping Abreu and his family be worry-free of any stress that can come from such a relocation.

Turns out, a realtor involved in the Abreu move referred Dingman when Pronger needed help, leaving the Anaheim Ducks for the Philadelphia Flyers. Dingman’s still at work, trying to help sell Pronger’s former property at Shady Canyon.

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