Key Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Linda Palonen |
| Birthplace | Nokia, Finland |
| Education | BBA & MBA in Finance, Stetson University |
| College Basketball | Guard at Stetson University (2000–2004) |
| Professional Roles | Pro Bodybuilder; CFP® at Resource Consulting Group |
| Combined Net Worth | Approximately $3 million with husband Apollo Crews |
| Family | Married to Apollo Crews; daughter Sade Sofiya (b. 2017) |
Early Life and Background
In Nokia, Finland, Linda Palonen was nurtured in a strong community due to her family’s four-generation paper mill tradition. Her grandmother’s wartime experiences taught tenacity and a love of history. She excelled in basketball early on thanks to her academic and athletic parents.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Hometown | Nokia, Finland |
| Family Heritage | Four generations in local paper mill; father’s 40-year tenure |
| Early Athletics | Member of Finnish junior national basketball team |
| Scholarship Move | Accepted full Division I basketball scholarship to Stetson University |
| Academic Focus | Pursued Business Administration and later an MBA in Finance |
Career Trajectory
Elite athletics and finance are effortlessly integrated throughout Palonen’s career. Over 114 games as a Stetson guard, she learned leadership and teamwork. After graduating, she used discipline and physicality to enter pro bodybuilding, then became a CFP®.
| Phase | Institution / Role | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| College Basketball | Stetson University (2000–2004) | 114 games, 3.2 PPG, 2.4 APG, leadership on and off the court |
| Bodybuilding | Professional Competitor | Competed nationally, maintained elite athletic conditioning |
| Undergraduate | Stetson University | BBA in Finance |
| Graduate Studies | Stetson University | MBA in Finance |
| Wealth Management | Resource Consulting Group (2006–Present) | CFP® specializing in athlete financial planning |
Financial Profile
Palonen has created a solid financial base through diverse careers. Her estimated net worth with Apollo Crews is ~$3 million, based on athletic and advisory earnings. She makes money from competition stipends, advisory fees, and brand collaborations.
| Source of Income | Estimate / Detail |
|---|---|
| Combined Net Worth | Approx. $3 million |
| Bodybuilding | Average pro earnings around $56 000 per year |
| Wealth Advisory | CFP® fee-based revenue and client commissions |
| Supplemental Income | Brand partnerships, public appearances, and consulting engagements |
Heritage and Community Impact
Finnish heritage and communal upbringing shape Palonen’s principles and outreach. Her resilience in Nokia inspires her mentoring of young athletes, and her bicultural background generates international ties. She continues to inspire Finnish and American sportspeople.
| Influence | Details |
|---|---|
| Finnish Roots | Four-generation family in Nokia; strong community ethos |
| Core Values | Resilience, teamwork, education, and mentorship |
| Role Model | Promotes athletic and academic balance for young sport talents |
Family and Personal Life
Palonen’s private life balances high-profile employment with family. She and WWE superstar Apollo Crews have a daughter. Her Finnish parents and brother are close, reflecting a society that values success and support.
| Relationship | Details |
|---|---|
| Spouse | Apollo Crews (Sesugh Uhaa), WWE Superstar |
| Daughter | Sade Sofiya, born June 22, 2017 |
| Parents | Father: paper mill veteran; Mother: advocate for education & sports |
| Sibling | Brother: former hockey player and academic achiever |
FAQ
Who is Linda Palonen?
Certified Financial Planner® Linda Palonen is a Finnish-born former Division I basketball player and professional bodybuilder.
What did she study in university?
She has a BBA and MBA in Finance from Stetson University.
How did she switch athletics to finance?
Her finance degrees helped her become a CFP® with Resource Consulting Group after bodybuilding.
What is her estimated net worth?
Her net worth with her husband, Apollo Crews, is at $3 million.
Does she have children?
She and Apollo Crews have a daughter, Sade Sofiya, born June 22, 2017.
