Episodes

  • 036 - Franchising for Athletes: James Hilovsky on Buying a Franchise and Building a Successful Business
    Aug 15 2024

    In this episode, host Courtney Stephen sits down with James Hilovsky, CEO of The FranDream, to delve into the world of franchising and its unique benefits. James explains how franchising offers a business playbook and ongoing support, providing a structured pathway to success for franchisees. He also discusses how franchising extends beyond the restaurant industry, touching on various sectors including home services, health and wellness, and entertainment. The conversation covers key considerations for aspiring franchisees, such as investment ranges, location, and ongoing costs, and highlights the importance of following the proven system to achieve success. Whether you’re an athlete transitioning to business or simply curious about franchising, James offers invaluable insights and practical advice on making informed decisions in the franchise world.

    Key Takeaways

    • Understanding Franchising: James breaks down the concept of franchising, explaining how it provides a business playbook and ongoing support for franchisees.
    • Diverse Franchise Opportunities: Exploring how franchising is not just limited to restaurants but spans various industries like home services, health and wellness, and entertainment.
    • Key to Success: Insights into what makes a successful franchisee – the ability to follow directions, adhere to the playbook, and hire the right team.
    • Franchise Investment Considerations: Important factors when buying a franchise, include investment ranges, location, and ongoing costs.
    • Popular Franchise Options: A look at trending franchise industries and what makes them appealing to new business owners.
    • ROI and Profitability: Discussion on the expected time frame for earning back the initial investment and achieving profitability in a franchise.
    • Advice for Aspiring Franchisees: James offers practical tips on conducting thorough research and crafting a clear plan before diving into franchising.


    Chapters


    00:00 Introduction and Definition of Franchising

    03:02 Franchising Beyond Restaurants

    06:01 Keys to Success in Franchising

    08:20 Considerations for Buying a Franchise

    15:03 Popular Franchise Options

    18:31 Earning Back the Initial Investment

    21:45 Advice for Individuals Interested in Franchising

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    33 mins
  • 035 - “Performance Engineer” - Usama Mujtaba (Pro Football Strength Coach)
    Jul 31 2024

    Usama Mujtaba, head strength and conditioning coach for the Toronto Argonauts, shares his journey from being an engineer to a coach for professional athletes. He emphasizes the importance of being a jack of all trades and developing skills like public speaking and sales. Mujtaba discusses his goals of growing the culture of strength and conditioning in the CFL and creating a facility that provides comprehensive training for athletes. He also highlights the significance of financial literacy for athletes and encourages them to educate themselves on money management. Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background

    06:50 Building Trust and Culture in Professional Sports

    11:38 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

    20:01 Feed the Fam: Affordable Luxury Clothing

    28:10 Growing the Culture of Strength and Conditioning in the CFL

    36:29 Favorite Athletes


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    39 mins
  • 034 - WNBA All-Star Event, Basketball, Fashion, and Experiential Marketing with Danielle Chong
    Jul 19 2024

    Danielle, the founder of Boxout Brand, shares her journey in the sports industry and her passion for basketball. She talks about how she fell in love with the sport and combined fashion and basketball to continue her dream of working in sports and entertainment. Danielle also discusses the growth of the WNBA and the positive changes happening in the league. She shares details about the event she is organizing called Drip Social, which celebrates the intersection of basketball and fashion during the WNBA All-Star Event in Phoenix. Danielle emphasizes the importance of intention, teamwork, and collaboration in creating successful events. She also talks about her plans, including a digital platform to assist people interested in working in sports and entertainment.


    Chapters


    00:00 Introduction and Background

    08:15 The Growth and Positive Changes in the WNBA

    10:35 Drip Social: Celebrating Basketball and Fashion

    19:25 Creating Successful Events

    28:21 Favorite Athletes

    35:46 Future Plans and His and Hers Pop-Up


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    34 mins
  • 033 - Why VIP Experiences Are the Future of Sports Team Revenue
    Jul 8 2024
    • Episode Summary: In this episode, Courtney Stephen delves into the dynamic world of sports marketing, sharing his wealth of experience and insights on the challenges of attracting fans to stadiums. The conversation touches on several key areas, including: Storytelling and Fan Engagement: Courtney emphasizes the critical role of creating compelling stories and memorable experiences to draw fans in and keep them engaged. Exclusive and Premium Fan Experiences: The growing trend of offering fans premium experiences, such as front-row seats and VIP areas, is explored, highlighting how these perks can enhance fan loyalty and excitement. Community and Atmosphere: The importance of fostering a lively and inclusive community atmosphere within stadiums is discussed, showcasing how a vibrant environment can enhance the overall fan experience. Marketing Strategies: Various strategies for effectively marketing sports events and engaging with fans are examined, providing valuable insights for anyone interested in the sports industry. Join us for an insightful discussion with Courtney Stephen as we explore the multifaceted world of sports marketing and discover innovative ways to fill the stands with enthusiastic fans.

    • Chapters

      00:00 The Challenge of Filling Up a Stadium

      02:19 Sports Marketing: Leveraging Athlete Influence

      05:41 The Rise of Premium and Exclusive Experiences

      08:57 Creating Unforgettable Experiences

      11:15 Community Experiences in Stadiums

      13:28 The Changing Landscape of Sports Viewing


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    15 mins
  • 032 - Player Development in College and Pro Sports with Edward Jones II
    Jun 28 2024

    Summary In this episode, Courtney Stephen interviews Edward Jones, a player development professional, about the importance of player development in sports. They discuss the growth and niche of player development, the challenges athletes face when transitioning out of sports, and the impact of name, image, and likeness (NIL) on player development. Edward shares his journey into player development and the pitfalls that athletes often encounter. He also explains the role of player development in welcoming and supporting athletes on campus. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the different roles and salaries in player development. In this conversation, Courtney Stephen discusses the importance of making connections and building relationships in player development. He emphasizes the skills needed in player development, including being a relationship builder, a lifelong learner, and adaptable. Courtney shares advice for breaking into player development, such as being great where you are, making memorable interactions, and being strategic in networking. He also talks about his podcast, the Player Development Pod, and his conference, the Player Development Conference, where he provides valuable content and resources for those interested in player development. Takeaways Player development is the enhancement of the athlete experience through holistic and intentional programming and initiatives. Athletes often struggle with their identity when transitioning out of sports, as they have been identified as athletes their entire lives. The introduction of name, image, and likeness (NIL) has both positive and negative impacts on player development, as it can help athletes become business-minded but also distract them from their development. Player development professionals play a crucial role in welcoming and supporting athletes on campus, providing them with the necessary information and resources to navigate their college experience. There are various roles in player development, ranging from student interns to senior associate athletic directors, with salaries increasing as individuals progress in their careers. Building relationships and making connections are crucial in player development. The skills needed in player development include being a relationship builder, a lifelong learner, and adaptable. To break into player development, be great where you are, make memorable interactions, and be strategic in networking. Courtney Stephen's podcast, the Player Development Pod, and his conference, the Player Development Conference, provide valuable content and resources for those interested in player development. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Edward Jones and Player Development 03:13 The Growth and Niche of Player Development 08:22 Challenges in Transitioning from Athlete to Non-Athlete 13:51 The Impact of Name, Image, and Likeness on Player Development 23:37 Roles and Salaries in Player Development 28:45 Building Relationships in Player Development 30:07 Skills Needed in Player Development 32:00 Making Memorable Interactions 33:22 Breaking into Player Development 38:36 The Player Development Pod and Conference 48:48 Favorite Athletes of All Time

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    57 mins
  • 031 - High-Performance Habits with Sports Dietitian Dezi Abeyta
    May 24 2024
    Dezi Abeyta, a high performance dietitian, discusses the importance of empathy and communication in his work with athletes and high performers. He emphasizes the balance between perfectionism and allowing athletes to be human. Dezi also shares his journey in starting his podcast and the power of consistency and community. He advises athletes transitioning out of sports to focus on their personal brand and leverage their skills and connections. Dezi's favorite athletes include Penny Hardaway, Barry Sanders, and Michael Jordan. Empathy and communication are key in working with athletes and high performers. Finding balance between perfectionism and allowing athletes to be human is crucial. Consistency and community are important in building a successful podcast and personal brand. Athletes transitioning out of sports should focus on their personal brand and leverage their skills and connections. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Dezi's Superpowers 02:20 The Mental Side of Athlete Nutrition and Performance 06:35 The Three Phases of an Athlete: Preparation, Performance, and Recovery 09:44 Applying Athletic Mindset to Other High-Performance Fields 13:32 Starting a Podcast and Honoring Ideas 19:36 Dezi's Journey with Men's Health and Red Bull 28:24 Balancing Work and Family Life 33:36 Advice for Athletes Transitioning to High-Performance Careers 37:57 Dezi's Favorite Athletes: Penny Hardaway, Barry Sanders, and Michael Jordan
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    42 mins
  • 030 - The 24-Year-Old Soccer Player Who Is Buying a Soccer Team with Kareem Rae
    May 9 2024

    Summary Kareem Rae, founder of One Soccer Nation, shares his journey from playing soccer to starting his own professional soccer team. He discusses the audacity and ambition it takes to pursue such a goal at a young age. Kareem highlights the challenges and requirements of starting a USL One franchise, including the need for a high net-worth individual and a strong ownership group. He emphasizes the importance of community relationships and authenticity in building a successful team. Kareem also shares his favorite athletes, including Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Neymar.

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    33 mins
  • 029 - Inside The Most Valuable Womens Sports Team In The World - Angel City FC
    May 3 2024
    Courtney Ksiazek is the Senior Director of Partnership Marketing for Angel City FC, one of the most popular sports franchises in the USA. She highlights the importance of partnership marketing in telling the team's story and engaging with the community. During our conversation, Courtney talks about the importance of their landmark partnership with DoorDash, which helps provide meals to hundreds of thousands of people in need. One major takeaway from this episode is the importance of creating impactful partnerships that align with the team's values when trying to build a brand and increase fandom. Courtney also discusses the indicators of franchise health, such as viewership and attendance, and the collaborative nature of business operations professionals on different NWSL teams. She highlights the importance of supporter culture and the passionate atmosphere created by soccer fans. Courtney also shares the goals and future plans for Angel City FC, including international brand penetration and fostering relationships in the global soccer community. We also discuss the emergence of the USL Super League and the opportunities it provides for women's soccer players. Additionally, Courtney emphasizes the significance of global competitions and the ongoing work towards pay equity in women's sports. She concludes by sharing her favorite athletes and the impact of Angel City FC on her life. 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:09 Founding of Angel City FC 04:11 Partnership Marketing and Storytelling 05:57 Partnership with DoorDash 07:37 Creating Impactful Partnerships 09:03 Engaging with the Local Community 10:22 Differentiating in a Competitive Market 11:55 Expanding the Fan Base 12:59 Partnership Tiers and Assets 15:08 Indicators of Franchise Health 19:13 Viewership and Attendance 21:29 Season Ticket Holders and Supporter Groups 23:09 Supporter Culture and Atmosphere 25:23 Goals and Future Plans 26:40 International Expansion and Equity 28:53 USL Super League and Opportunities 31:03 Global Competitions and Growth 32:11 Partnership Deals and Pay Equity 35:38 Favorite Athletes and Legends 36:06 Impact of Angel City FC
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    39 mins