The Profluence Pod 🌐

Adeel Yang, MD, Co-founder and CEO of Dryvebox, is reshaping the game of golf by making it more accessible to everyone, regardless of age or skill level. Dryvebox is a unique mobile golf experience that brings the game directly to communities, allowing people to improve their swing, have fun, and engage with golf in new ways. Adeel is also the Co-founder and CEO of Medumo, a healthcare tech company acquired by Philips, and Co-founder of Picmonic, an education platform focused on visual storytelling that was acquired by TrueLearn. Adeel shares his entrepreneurial journey, including the origins of Dryvebox and his previous ventures. He provides insights into the fundraising process for startups, navigating both B2B and B2C markets, and how technological advancements in golf simulators are changing the industry. We explore the future of off-course golf and Adeel’s vision for Dryvebox as well as trends in sports and community engagement. Chapters: (0:30) - The Genesis of Dryvebox (2:45) - Adeel's Entrepreneurial Journey (5:56) - Fundraising Insights for Startups (9:01) - Navigating B2B and B2C Markets (11:49) - The Golf Industry Landscape (14:55) - Evolution of Off-Course Golf (18:01) - Technological Advancements in Golf Simulators (20:51) - Dryvebox’s Vision and Future Insights (23:59) - Trends in Sports and Community Engagement Adeel Yang: 🏠 Website: https://www.dryvebox.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adeelyang 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.

SPORTIME Pickleball LLC is transforming the pickleball landscape, combining state-of-the-art facilities with decades of expertise in racket sports. A joint venture between SPORTIME Clubs, the leading operator of racket sports facilities in the Northeast, and Hornig Capital Partners (HCP), the company plans to open more than a dozen dedicated pickleball centers by 2027, starting with its flagship location in Armonk, NY, in 2024. Daren Hornig, Principal of SPORTIME Pickleball and Managing Partner of HCP, is spearheading this ambitious project. With over 30 years of experience in real estate investment and development, Daren brings a unique perspective on scaling ventures and creating value in emerging markets. His leadership has been critical in turning SPORTIME Pickleball into a dominant player in the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. Chapters: (0:34) - Introduction to Pickleball and its Growth (6:04) - The Business Model of SPORTIME and Pickleball Facilities (12:03) - Market Positioning and Future Plans (18:05) - The Competitive Landscape of Pickleball (23:58) - Future Outlook Daren Hornig: 🏠 Website: https://sportimepickleball.com/ https://hornigcapital.com/ 💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daren-w-hornig-03659316/ 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.

Founded in 2018, Branded is a modern communications agency disrupting traditional marketing by bringing a newsroom-style pace to brand strategy. With a focus on elevating brand presence across digital channels, Branded empowers its clients to increase visibility, drive influence, and achieve measurable results. Their approach has led clients to secure business exits, boost revenue, and establish industry leadership. Seth Gruen and Jonathan Gluskin, co-founders of Branded, are pioneers in strategic brand building and business growth. Their vision centers around bold, results-driven campaigns tailored to unique business objectives, ensuring their clients stand out from the competition. From fundraising to legislative impact, Branded success stories span a diverse range of industries, establishing their reputation as industry disruptors. Seth and Jonathan delve into their unique strategies, explore emerging trends in sports technology, and share insights into selecting clients who align with Branded’s mission for transformative growth. Chapters:  (2:57) - Understanding the Scope of Services  (5:53) - Success Stories in Sports Tech  (8:52) - Data, AI, and the Future of Youth Sports (12:07) - Balancing Agency Growth and Client Success  (15:49) - Navigating the Intersection of Sports and Technology (18:20) - Growth Strategies for Sports Businesses  (21:30) - Identifying the Right Clients for Growth  (24:37) - Building a Brand: Best Strategies for Startups  (27:36) - Emerging Trends in Sports Technology 🏠 Website :https://thebranded.agency/ 💼 LinkedIn:  Seth Gruen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-gruen-72848314  Jonathan Gluskin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jongluskin/ 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. 

The Aspen Institute’s Sports & Society Program, founded by Tom Farrey, aims to improve communities through accessible youth sports. Through its Project Play initiative, launched in 2013, the program connects leaders across sectors to address the rising costs, exclusion, and injuries in youth sports, mobilizing over $60 million in grants for community initiatives. Project Play’s campaigns, like #DontRETIREKid, have sparked global attention and action to keep kids engaged in healthy, accessible sports. Project Play creates system-level solutions by producing research, hosting the Project Play Summit, and offering resources like the Sport for All, Play for Life playbook. Its network of 20,000+ leaders, including 141 Project Play Champion organizations, collaborates on strategies to make sports more inclusive and impactful for all kids. Tom, a former ESPN journalist, has dedicated his career to reshaping youth sports. His reporting has won top awards and driven national conversations, and his book, Game On, catalyzed reform efforts across the sports ecosystem. With Project Play, Tom continues his mission to create a healthier, more equitable future for young athletes. Chapters: (2:52) - Landscape of Youth Sports and Private Equity (6:07) - The Role of Government in Youth Sports (8:52) - Data, AI, and the Future of Youth Sports (12:08) - Trends in Youth Sports Participation (15:09) - The Impact of Major Sporting Events (18:09) - Goals for Increasing Youth Sports Participation (20:50) - About the Aspen Institute and Future Initiatives Tom Farrey 🏠 Website: https://www.aspeninstitute.org/https://projectplay.org/ 💼 LinkedIn:   / tomfarrey   Andrew Petcash: 🏠 Website: https://profluence.com 🐣 Twitter:   / andrewpetcash   💼 LinkedIn:   / andrewpetcash   Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

D1 Sports Training was founded in 2001 by Will Bartholomew in Nashville, TN. Known for its elite, sports-based training, D1 has grown into one of the fastest-growing fitness companies with over 40 locations nationwide. It was recognized by Men’s Health as a TOP 30 Gym. D1’s success is rooted in Will’s journey as a multi-sport All-State athlete and captain of Tennessee’s 1998 National Championship team. His leadership and passion for fitness helped D1 set new standards in the industry. Will’s impact extends beyond business; he’s an active member of the Young Presidents' Organization and a family man. In this episode, he shares insights on his journey, the power of networking, and how his competitive mindset fueled D1’s growth into a multi-million-dollar brand. Chapters:  (01:00) - Will’s Journey from Athlete to Entrepreneur  (3:41) - The Power of Networking and Build Connections (6:15) - Building the Mindset of a Successful Entrepreneur  (8:38) - Scaling the Business: Lessons learned on the Field.  (12:03) - Training the Next Generation: D1’s Mission  (17:46) - The Power of Community and Influence  Will Bartholomew Website: https://www.dgpt.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-spring-5419b5a/ 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. 

Disc golf is a fast-growing sport that combines the precision of golf with the skill of disc throwing. Played in parks, forests, and open spaces, players aim to reach a target basket in the fewest throws, offering an accessible and nature-connected experience for fans and players alike. The Disc Golf Pro Tour (DGPT) leads the sport’s professional scene, organizing premier events that highlight top talent and engage a global audience. In recent years, DGPT has expanded rapidly, with events across the U.S. and Europe, record-breaking viewership on ESPN and CBS Sports, and a streaming platform, Disc Golf Network. The Tour has seen over 150% growth in participation and continues to innovate in live broadcasting and fan experiences. As CEO and Tour Director, Jeff Spring has been pivotal in DGPT's success. A seasoned sports event manager, Jeff transformed Vermont’s Smugglers’ Notch into a premier disc golf destination. Under his leadership, DGPT has become the Official Pro Tour of the PDGA, setting a high standard for the sport’s future. Chapters:  (03:04) - The Structure of Disc Golf Pro Tour (05:48) - Demographics and Accessibility of Disc Golf (09:00) - Understanding the Game: Scoring and Equipment (12:05) - Evolution of the Tour and Media Presence (15:04) - Challenges and Opportunities in Growing the Sport (17:56) - Future Trends and the Role of Technology (20:54) - The Global Landscape of Disc Golf Jeff Spring: Website: https://www.dgpt.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-spring-5419b5a/ 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.

TPH Academy provides a focused environment for student-athletes to Study, Train, and Play to their fullest potential. Combining accredited academics with hands-on, sport-specific training, TPH Academy’s holistic approach develops student-athletes both on and off the field, preparing them for long-term success. Since its founding, TPH Academy has consistently made an impact in the youth sports community, fostering student-athlete growth and achievement. TPH's innovative model ensures that student-athletes receive a balance of academic support and elite-level training, equipping them for future accomplishments in both sports and life. Nathan Bowen, the Founder of TPH Academy, brings over 30 years of experience in coaching and leadership. An NCAA hockey alumnus and former team captain, Nathan’s commitment to holistic development stems from his own journey as a student-athlete, making him a dedicated advocate for youth sports. Chapters: (03:13) - The Ecosystem of TPH: Brands and Offerings (06:07) - The Unique Education Model of TPH Academy (08:56) - Daily Life of a TPH Student-Athlete (12:08) - Success Stories and Impact of TPH (14:58) - Trends in Sports Academies and Future Outlook (18:11) - Growth Plan and Community Engagement (20:56) - Find More About TPH Nathan Bowen Website: https://www.tphacademy.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-bowen-49681815/ Andrew Petcash 🏠 Website: https://profluence.com 🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

In this conversation, Alex Bazzell, President of Unrivaled and co-founder of the athlete brand platform Through The Lens, shares his vision for the new 3v3 women’s basketball league launching in Miami in 2025. He discusses the innovative format's appeal and the importance of storytelling in sports. Bazzell addresses economic opportunities for female athletes and the transformative impact of name, image, and likeness (NIL) on their brand potential. With insights from his experience coaching elite players, he emphasizes fostering growth through collaboration and visibility.

This month's panel was around Youth Sports -  we delved into the opportunities, challenges, and future insights shaping the youth sports industry, which is projected to reach $69.4 billion by 2030, growing at an annual rate of 9.20%. The panel discussed key issues such as rampant market fragmentation, high customer acquisition costs (CAC), limited monetization options, short time frames to capture athletes' attention, and an oversaturated market filled with both niche solutions and companies struggling to succeed.  The panel featured insights from Peter Frintzilas, CEO of TeamSnap, the largest youth sports tech company, and David Geaslen, founder of 3STEP Sports, which has acquired over 100 clubs and events. The discussion offered valuable perspectives on the current landscape and what lies ahead for youth sports. Chapters: (03:09) - The Landscape of Youth Sports Technology  (05:57) - Market Size and Growth Potential  (08:59) - Understanding Youth Segmentation  (11:49) - Investment Perspectives in Youth Sports  (14:54) - Challenges in Youth Sports Operations (18:09) - The Role of Governing Bodies in Youth Sports  (20:57) - Promoting Multi-Sports Participation  (23:57) - Fragmentation and Accessibility Issues  (28:14) - Navigating the Youth Sports Landscape  (33:07) - The Role of Technology in Youth Sports  (37:54) - Future Trends in Youth Sports  (42:59) - Opportunities in Youth Sports  (48:10) - The Importance of Community and Collaboration  Peter Frintzilas, CEO of TeamSnap: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterfrintzilas/ David Geaslen, founder of 3STEP Sports: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-geaslen-96593350/ 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. 

Players Health, founded by Tyrre Burks, is transforming youth sports by creating safer, more accessible environments for athletes. Focused on injury prevention, risk management, and safety solutions, the company helps sports organizations provide a better experience for young athletes, ensuring their well-being both on and off the field. Through initiatives like the Microgrant Campaign, Players Health has directly impacted youth sports by funding participation for underprivileged kids across the U.S. In 2022 alone, 75 children from 20 states received grants to cover the cost of playing sports. This initiative highlights the company's commitment to making sports accessible for all. Tyrre Burks, a former football player, founded Players Health after his own struggles with injuries on the field. His firsthand experience drives his passion for athlete safety and inspired him to create a solution that bridges the gap between accessibility and protection in youth sports. Chapters: (03:11) - Transition from Athlete to Entrepreneur (06:06) - The Impact of NIL on Athletes  (08:59) - Understanding Players Health and Its Mission  (11:49) - Insurance in Professional Sports  (14:54) - Navigating the College Sports Landscape  (18:09) - Youth Sports: Trends and Challenges  (20:57) - Future Trends in Sports and Insurance  Tyrre Burks Website: https://www.playershealth.com/ LinkedIn: ​​https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyrreburks/ 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.