Introduction
In the competitive world of fashion, knowing the stories behind the names helps you understand the companies that shape the market. Today we're sharing an exclusive interview with Jordan Bürger, a former professional basketball player who moved into fashion as a talent representative. Conducted by our writer, Gabriela S., this interview tells Jordan's story and his role at Cosmos Model Management.
Gabriela S. loves storytelling and fashion, and she's the one who brings good stories to the Cosmos Stories section. With a sharp eye and a knack for getting to the heart of the people she interviews, Gabriela takes us into a long conversation with Jordan Bürger.
Jordan Bürger, founder and CEO of Cosmos Model Management, started his career as a basketball player, playing in countries like Spain, Argentina, Japan and the United States. After retiring, he earned a degree in Graphic Design and, inspired by his brother Joel, moved into the fashion world. Today Jordan is known for a personal, committed approach to representing models and athletes, focused on the well-being and success of his talent.
In this interview, we look at Jordan's path, his values, and how he turned his passion for sport and design into a successful career.
Jordan's path in basketball
Gabriela S.: Hi, Jordan! It's a pleasure to have you here. Let's start with a basic question: what was your path in basketball like, all the way to the fashion world?
Jordan Bürger: Hi, Gabriela! The pleasure is mine. My path in basketball started early, at 9. I left home very young (at 12), dreaming of being a professional player. I played in Joinville and soon after went to Spain, where I lived until I was 19 and which shaped a lot of who I am as an athlete and as a person. My international experiences came almost entirely through sport, playing competitions in countries like Argentina, Japan and the United States, and I was even considered for the NBA draft at 18. I had a career that took me around the world and, when I "retired" at 28, I started exploring other passions.
From basketball to design and fashion
Gabriela S.: And how did you go from basketball to graphic design and, eventually, to representing talent?
Jordan Bürger: After retiring from basketball, I decided to follow my interest in the creative world. I studied Graphic Design at Univille, in Joinville, the city where I played for my last team and where I live today with my family. My way into fashion came through my brother, Joel, who was also a basketball player and an international model. The idea of representing talent came from a conversation with him, and over time I learned and fell in love with the process.
How family shaped the creation of Cosmos
Gabriela S.: So can we say Cosmos Model Management was born from a mix of family experiences and passions?
Jordan Bürger: Exactly! We're three brothers and we all started our lives in sport. Joel, besides playing, was an international model and today he's a mentor and high-performance basketball coach. Our younger brother, Luciano, is a graphic designer. We're a very tall family, all over 195 cm. I'm 203 cm, Joel is 195 cm and Luciano is 200 cm. The idea of representing talent came from Joel, who wanted to create an agency to look after other models' careers. At first I didn't understand much about the industry, but from my experience being represented in sport, I knew what it was like to be on both sides: the talent and the representative.
Why an agent matters to a talent's success
Gabriela S.: How do you see an agent's role in a talent's success?
Jordan Bürger: When I was an athlete, I saw an agent as someone who only wanted my money. Today I see how important it is to have someone who cares about the talent's well-being and looks for the best opportunities for them. Our goal is to make sure the talent can focus on their work and their development, while we follow every step and stay on their side through the process.
Cosmos Management's values and goals
Gabriela S.: What are the values and goals of Cosmos Model Management?
Jordan Bürger: Our mission is to create successful international experiences for our models and athletes, working with big brands and agencies. We want to build a team that shares our values. We pay close attention to our talent's mental health and help families and models understand the national and international market.
Representing basketball athletes at Cosmos
Gabriela S.: And what about representing basketball athletes? How is that new area of the agency going?
Jordan Bürger: Representing basketball athletes is a dream we recently made real. With my experience in the sport, I want to help other athletes reach their dreams, both in Brazil and internationally. We're very excited about this new area and looking forward to seeing the results.
Today athlete representation continues as its own brand, Cosmos Athletes.
Jordan's dream for Cosmos Management
Gabriela S.: To wrap up, what's your biggest dream for Cosmos Management?
Jordan Bürger: My biggest dream is to have a team that shares my values and can deliver successful experiences for our talent. I want every model and athlete we represent to have the chance to live enriching experiences, build a valuable network and, of course, reach financial success. These experiences shape your life and create memories and connections we carry forever.
Gabriela S.: Jordan, thank you so much for your time and for sharing your story with us. I'm sure many people will feel inspired and confident getting to know more about you and Cosmos.
Jordan Bürger: Thank you, Gabriela! It was a pleasure talking with you.
To follow more of the Bürger brothers' work, follow them on Instagram:
And if you want to talk about your career with the director of Cosmos, take a look at Career Direction.
