The Profluence Pod 🌐

Mathew D. Focht is the Founding Managing Partner of EMERGING, a growth equity and concept development firm helping best-in-class restaurant and entertainment operators scale nationally. With over 25 years of experience, Mathew has worked with hundreds of restaurant and entertainment founders and CEOs, guiding early-stage concepts and technology investments from inception to national recognition.Mathew is the founder of EMERGING, Emerging Concepts, Consolidated Concepts, Acutely, and FB Insights. He has created operating companies focused on capital, real estate, supply chain, technology, and cost optimization. His portfolio includes prominent concepts such as Puttshack, F1 Arcade, Flight Club, Batbox, Blue Sushi, Federales, Silverspot Cinema, Pour House, City Works, Doc B’s, The PUB, Levity Live, Improv Comedy Club, Bar Louie, Cheesecake Factory, Brio, Bravo, Blue Martini, Hyde Park Steakhouse, Lucky Strike, and Houston’s.Prior to founding EMERGING, Mathew served as Vice President and executive at RKF Retail Property Advisors, Sierra Advisors, Pyramid Companies, and Steiner & Associates, providing leasing, marketing, and consulting services to developers and emerging chains. He holds an MBA in Finance and Real Estate and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Cincinnati.Podcast Chapters: 02:23 The Evolution of Experiential Social Entertainment 05:15 Data-Driven Approach to Scaling Concepts 08:02 Leveraging AI and Technology in Entertainment 12:00 Licensing, Avatars, and the Future of Guest Experiences 16:10 Growth Capital and Investment Strategy 20:05 Key Success Factors: Location, Team, Corporate, Technology 24:30 Sports Entertainment Districts and Global Expansion 29:35 Advice for Founders and Emerging Operators 33:21 Conclusion and Key TakeawaysMathew D. Focht: 🏠 Website:https://emerging.com/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathew-d-focht-89bb88b/Andrew Petcash:🏠 Website: https://profluence.com🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Christine Brown is the founder of Christine Brown & Partners, a law firm dedicated to protecting the rights of athletes, coaches, and institutions in the rapidly shifting landscape of college sports. With over thirty years of legal expertise, Christine focuses on core areas such as Title IX & gender equity, NIL disputes, athlete rights & advocacy, coaching employment issues, scholarship & financial aid, eligibility & compliance, and injury compensation & health coverage. Her firm is known for combining legal acumen with deep empathy, striving to “give clients clarity, confidence, and strength” in high-stakes disputes.Christine explains the evolution and current challenges of Title IX, the impact of recent NCAA reforms, and how the world of college athletics is adapting to changes in NIL and professionalization. You’ll hear her take on unintended consequences for women’s and Olympic sports, legal blind spots for athletes and coaches, and why she believes we need federal oversight in place of the current NCAA structure. Christine has achieved a 90% win rate in cases against some of the largest colleges and universities while operating in one of the most complex and contentious areas of lawChapters:02:40 Christine Brown's Journey in Sports Law05:09 The Effectiveness and Challenges of Title IX07:52 Unintended Consequences of Recent NCAA Changes10:24 Emerging Sports and Opportunities for Women13:11 Blind Spots in NIL Understanding15:28 The Need for Federal Oversight in College Sports18:24 Proactive Steps for Athletes and Coaches20:40 Staying Relevant in a Changing Sports Landscape23:17 Embracing Opportunities in SportsChristine Brown: 🏠 Website: https://www.christinebrownsportslaw.com/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-donahue-brown-a63530131/Scott Garber:🏠 Website: https://profluence.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/Thanks for watching! Hit the “subscribe” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Peter Frintzilas is the Chief Executive Officer of TeamSnap. TeamSnap is the leading technology platform transforming how youth sports are organized, managed, and experienced. Serving millions of athletes, parents, coaches, and administrators worldwide, TeamSnap has become the go-to solution for simplifying scheduling, communication, registration, and payments in sports. By combining technology with community, the platform empowers organizations to focus less on logistics and more on what really matters—creating meaningful sports experiences.With more than 20 years of experience in technology, innovation, and leadership, Peter has a proven track record of scaling organizations and building strong teams. His background spans corporate strategy, product development, M&A, and go-to-market execution across disruptive technologies like cloud, mobile, data analytics, and AI. Now leading TeamSnap, Peter is driving the company’s vision to strengthen the youth sports ecosystem while creating value for players, families, and communities.Beyond his role as CEO, he’s also an active investor and advisor, passionate about mentoring entrepreneurs and supporting innovative companies. His career reflects a consistent theme—leveraging technology to enhance human connection, whether in business ecosystems or youth sports communities. This unique perspective makes him not just a tech leader, but also a champion of using innovation to create lasting social impact.Chapters:02:31 The Growth of Youth Sports Tech05:07 Consolidation in the Sports Tech Industry08:29 Programming and Technology Interplay10:23 International Opportunities in Youth Sports16:08 Investment Strategies in Youth Sports Tech19:43 The Future of Youth Sports and Community ImpactPeter Frintzilas: 🏠 Website: https://www.teamsnap.com/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterfrintzilas/Andrew Petcash:🏠 Website: https://profluence.com🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Omer Atesmen is a serial entrepreneur and the CEO of Snow League, a professional league reimagining snowboarding and free skiing for a global audience. After successful ventures in robotics and ad tech, Omer partnered with Shaun White to launch the league, combining deep business expertise with a passion for action sports. With equal prize money for men and women, innovative competition formats, and a vision to capture the energy of winter sports on a worldwide scale, Snow League is setting out to become the premier platform for athletes, fans, and brands.In this episode, Omer dives into the origin story of Snow League, the challenges of building a new sports property, and the strategy behind fundraising, media rights, and global expansion. They also discuss why storytelling, PR, and athlete engagement are critical in driving fan adoption, and how the league is learning from models like Formula 1 to build long-term cultural and commercial impact.Podcast Chapters:02:36 Partnering with Shaun White and the League’s Vision05:12 Building a Sports Property from Scratch08:47 Fundraising and Market Opportunities in Winter Sports12:19 Equal Prize Money and Athlete-Centric Innovation15:08 Media Rights, PR, and Global Fan Engagement18:34 Learning from Formula 1 and Other Global Leagues22:11 The Future of Snow League and What’s NextOmer Atesmen: 🏠 Website: https://thesnowleague.com/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omer-a-5291062/Andrew Petcash:🏠 Website: https://profluence.com🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Connor Lim is the Founder of the International Dance League (IDL), a first-of-its-kind professional league redefining the global dance industry. Growing up in Queens, New York as a professional dancer, Connor experienced firsthand both the artistry and challenges of the dance community—a foundation that now fuels his mission to create new opportunities for dancers worldwide.Before launching IDL, Connor co-founded and served as President of STEEZY, the leading digital platform for dance education. Over more than a decade, he scaled STEEZY into an internationally recognized brand with millions of users across 100+ countries. By partnering with top choreographers and building a global community, Connor helped shape STEEZY into the premier destination for online dance learning and a cultural force that continues to influence dancers everywhere.With IDL, Connor is pioneering a global league modeled after Formula 1—blending elite competition with entertainment and fan engagement. Following its 2025 launch in Los Angeles, the league will expand to six countries in 2026, creating a professional structure that elevates dance to the global stage and provides sustainable career pathways for dancers. His story is one of innovation, culture, and vision—bringing artistry and athleticism together in an entirely new way.Podcast Chapters: 02:41 The Vision Behind IDL and Dance as a Sport 05:38 Global Expansion and the Dance Landscape 08:34 Business Model and Funding Strategies 11:09 Creating a Pathway for Dancers 13:56 Current Competition Landscape in Dance 16:48 Audience Engagement and Demographics 19:35 Future Plans and Trends in Dance22:36 Conclusion and Call to Action

Steve Strawbridge, President & CEO of Pop Warner, brings decades of experience from the Philadelphia Eagles and the Pro Football Hall of Fame to the conversation. He passionately discusses the legacy of Pop Warner and its pivotal role in youth sports. Topics include the rise of flag football, the importance of safety and technology in youth programs, and strategies for expanding cheer and dance offerings. Steve emphasizes building community connections while preparing for the future of youth athletics, ensuring young athletes continue to thrive.

Jake Deane is the Co-Founder of True Lacrosse, one of the fastest-growing youth lacrosse organizations in the country. With nearly 20 years of experience in the game, Jake has dedicated his career to developing players, building programs, and creating pathways for athletes to succeed both on and off the field. Since its founding in 2008, True Lacrosse has expanded from grassroots clinics in Illinois to a national footprint with programs across the United States. The organization is focused on elite coaching, player development, and teaching life lessons that extend far beyond the field. With a “player-focused, family-minded” philosophy, True Lacrosse has helped thousands of athletes achieve their goal of playing at the collegiate level while instilling the values of hard work, resilience, and teamwork.Jake shares the story of how True Lacrosse grew from a local idea into a national brand, the current challenges facing youth sports, and where he sees the future of lacrosse headed. 02:29 Growth and Evolution of True Lacrosse07:25 Taking Risks and Scaling the Business11:54 The Future of Youth Sports and Expansion Plans17:22 Current State of Youth Sports and Market Trends20:23 The Role of Private Equity in Youth Sports21:58 Professionalization of Youth Sports22:59 Conclusion and Future Opportunities

Jake Hoselton is the co-founder and CEO of Grass Clippings, the company behind Arizona’s only fully lighted golf course, Grass Clippings Rolling Hills. More than just a golf course, Grass Clippings is reimagining what it means to bring community, entertainment, and competition together. With its unique day-to-night transformation—playing as a par 61 during the day and a par 54 par-3 course under the lights—Grass Clippings offers golfers an entirely new way to experience the game.At Grass Clippings, the vision goes beyond the fairways. From the Top Tracer lighted driving range with lounge seating and food service, to Glenrosa, a restaurant serving Sonoran-inspired cuisine, and live music events that transform the course into a social hub, Jake and his team are building something much bigger: a new culture of golf. With the launch of Grass League, a professional golf league designed for a new generation of fans, Grass Clippings is blending tradition with innovation to create one of the most exciting evolutions in the sport.Beyond the golf and entertainment, Jake’s story is also about building for the future—developing a franchise model for Grass League, growing new talent pipelines, and redefining how golf can be presented as both competition and community. Grass Clippings isn’t just growing the game; it’s creating a movement.Podcast Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Grass League and Golf's Evolution01:09 The Origin Story of Grass Clippings and Grass League04:56 Understanding Grass League's Structure and Vision06:15 The Unique Experience of Night Golf and Entertainment12:11 Franchise Model and Growth Strategy of Grass League16:20 Talent Selection and Development in Grass League18:45 Reflecting on Milestones and Achievements23:05 Future Plans and Expansion of Grass League29:15 Mentorship and Learning in the Golf Industry

Sandeep Hingorani is the EVP and a founding team member of BallerTV, the leading live and on-demand streaming service for youth sports. Since its founding in 2016, BallerTV has grown into the go-to platform for families, athletes, and scouts, offering live streams, replays, and highlights of games that were once impossible to watch outside the gym. With a background as both an athlete and a parent, Sandeep has been at the forefront of building a company that ensures no family member ever has to miss a child’s game again.At BallerTV, the mission goes beyond streaming—it’s about access, opportunity, and connection. By dramatically expanding the spectrum of youth sports coverage, BallerTV keeps families connected, provides athletes with valuable footage for recruiting, and creates new pathways for visibility across the youth sports ecosystem. The platform has also proven itself as a community builder, capturing the moments that matter most to families while helping athletes at every level showcase their skills to the world.Beyond the platform, Sandeep’s story highlights the resilience required to navigate challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which reshaped the landscape of youth sports. Looking forward, BallerTV is doubling down on innovation—from advanced insights to expanded partnerships—ensuring that youth athletes have the exposure and opportunities they deserve.Podcast Chapters:05:03 BallerTV: Revolutionizing Youth Sports Broadcasting 10:47 Lessons from the Youth Sports Ecosystem 15:18 Navigating Challenges: The Impact of COVID-19 17:45 The Future of BallerTV: Beyond Live Streaming 21:58 The Role of Athletes in Shaping Youth Sports 29:28 Personal Connections: The Power of Community in SportsSandeep Hingorani: 🏠Website: https://www.ballertv.com/Scott Garber: 🏠 Website: https://profluence.com/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Scott Birnbaum is the co-founder and CEO of Booster, a platform reinventing fundraising for athletes and teams. With over 15 years of experience in PPC advertising and leadership roles at firms like System1, Demand Media, and Fullscreen, Scott brings a wealth of expertise in scaling operations, building high-performing teams, and driving digital growth. At Booster, he’s combining this background with his passion for sports to create a smarter, subscription-based fundraising model that eliminates the inefficiencies of traditional campaigns.At Booster, the mission is clear: make fundraising effortless so athletes and coaches can focus on what really matters—development, performance, and community. Whether at the high school, junior college, or NCAA level, Booster empowers teams to generate consistent, recurring revenue without upfront costs or the constant reset of starting from zero each season. The platform also provides athletes with the tools to build their brands, connect with fans, and unlock new pathways for support as they move through different stages of their athletic careers.Beyond the platform, Scott’s story is also one of leadership and adaptability. Having scaled System1 from 15 employees to IPO, he has firsthand experience building global teams, navigating transitions, and fostering cultures of collaboration and innovation. Now, with Booster, he’s applying those lessons to the youth and collegiate sports ecosystem—helping athletes and teams access resources that were previously out of reach.Podcast Chapters:02:40 The Evolution of Fundraising in High School Sports 05:37 Building Community Through Subscription Models08:07 Navigating the High School Sports Landscape 10:52 Engagement Strategies for Sustaining Interest13:45 Leveraging Corporate Partnerships for Growth 16:42 Market Penetration and Future Plans 19:19 The Importance of Youth Sports in Development 22:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts