Puck Academy

Matt Calvert: From Aspiring Accountant to NHL Veteran 

In this episode of 'The Next Next,' host Jason welcomes former NHL player and current player agent Matt Calvert. They delve into Matt's journey from a small town in Brandon, Manitoba, to becoming a professional hockey player with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Colorado Avalanche. The episode explores the contrasts in upbringing and development paths between Matt and his friend and former NHL teammate Colin Wilson. Matt shares his insights on youth player development, the importance of mindset, and how he balances structure with fun in coaching his own sons. They also discuss the role of player agents in today's hockey world and the value of small-scale, personalized player development. 

00:00 Introduction to Matt Calvert 

00:42 Matt's Early Life and Hockey Beginnings 

03:34 The Journey to Professional Hockey 

06:53 Draft Day and Early Professional Career 

10:32 Making it to the NHL 

26:22 Balancing Structure and Freedom in Training 

40:01 Engaging Kids in Hockey Training 

40:47 The Role of Fun and Competition 

41:39 Coaching Styles and Learning from Others 

43:16 Balancing Parental Expectations and Child's Enjoyment 

44:09 Reading Your Child's Needs 

48:14 Different Paths to Success in Hockey 

52:31 Parental Involvement in Child's Development 

57:13 Team Concepts vs. Individual Skills 

01:02:18 Mindset and Handling Adversity 

01:08:40 The Role of Agents and Advisors 

01:17:09 Final Thoughts and Advice for Parents

Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

Navigating the Evolution of Youth Sports with Coaches Matt Kingsley and Tobin Anderson 

In this episode of The Next Next, host Jason catches up with Matt Kingsley, associate head coach for Yale's men's basketball team, and Tobin Anderson, special assistant to the head coach at University of South Florida's men’s basketball team. They discuss their wealth of coaching experience across different levels of college basketball, sharing insights into the changing landscape of youth sports, athlete development, and the increasing role of specialization and privatization. The conversation covers the impact of modern sports structures on young athletes, challenges with accessibility, the balance between fun and competition, and the evolving responsibilities of parents and coaches. The episode closes with personalized advice for sports parents and reflections on their own journeys and the joy of seeing their kids thrive in sports. 

00:00 Introduction to Guests: Matt Kingsley and Tobin Anderson 

00:04 Matt Kingsley's Coaching Journey at Yale 

00:27 Tobin Anderson's Diverse Coaching Experience 

01:52 Personal Reflections and Catching Up 

02:09 Discussion on Athlete Development Across Sports 

02:42 Current Roles and Coaching Backgrounds 

05:57 Changes in Youth Sports Development 

06:49 Impact of Specialization in Sports 

10:33 Parental Involvement and Organized Sports 

14:54 The Business of Youth Sports 

15:26 Positives and Negatives of Modern Youth Sports 

19:12 Recruitment and Specialization Debate 

26:29 Parental Roles in Athletic Development 

31:46 Coaching Challenges and Personal Growth 

32:53 Parenting and Coaching Dynamics 

34:57 Youth Coaches' Impact 

36:38 Balancing Involvement and Independence 

41:02 Accessibility in Youth Sports 

44:51 Development vs. Competition 

48:01 Digital Solutions for Skill Development 

57:46 Final Thoughts and Advice for Sports Parents

Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

In this episode, the host sits down with Jack Ramsey, a former pro hockey player who grew up in the hockey-rich state of Minnesota. Jack talks about his journey through high school hockey, junior leagues, and college, as well as his transition to a tech job and roles as a hockey color commentator and high school assistant coach. The discussion covers the evolution of Minnesota's hockey landscape, the increasing specialization and commercialization of youth sports, and the challenges of burnout. Jack shares insights on the importance of balanced development, both on and off the ice, and reflects on how his father's legendary hockey career influenced his own path. The episode also touches on potential digital solutions to make high-level hockey knowledge more accessible to young players and their families. 

00:00 Introduction to Jack Ramsey 

00:04 Jack's Hockey Journey 

00:55 Minnesota Hockey Landscape 

02:56 Jack's Early Life and Family Influence 

06:33 High School and College Hockey

11:55 Youth Sports Specialization 

15:18 Balancing Passion and Development 

24:03 Minnesota vs. New England Hockey Models 

32:41 Nature vs. Nurture in Hockey Development 

40:27 Digital Platforms for Hockey Development 

44:54 The Role of Assessment in Player Development 

46:14 The Business of Youth Hockey Coaching 

48:46 Challenges of the Hockey Path 

49:36 The Importance of Relationship Skills 

52:26 The Junior Hockey Landscape 

55:54 Balancing Hockey and Life 

57:56 Teaching Hockey IQ 

01:00:31 The Value of Shift Reviews 

01:02:05 Innovative Ideas for Player Development 

01:04:15 The Role of Advisors in Player Development 

01:09:35 The Importance of Skating 

01:12:29 Making Development Resources Accessible 

01:21:26 Jack's Current Endeavors and Future Plans

Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

In this episode, former professional ice hockey player Colin Wilson, who played 11 seasons in the NHL with the Nashville Predators and Colorado Avalanche, discusses his journey in the sport. As a third-generation NHL player, Colin delves into how genetics and family environment (nature and nurture) influenced his development. He shares insights on his upbringing, the mentorship from his father and grandfather, and the competitive landscape of growing up in Winnipeg. Colin reflects on his career, his transition out of professional hockey due to injury and addiction recovery, and his current academic pursuits at NYU. The conversation also explores broader themes of youth sports development, ambition, balancing pressures, and the potential of digital platforms to democratize access to elite training and mentorship. Colin's experiences and reflections offer a thoughtful perspective on what it takes to succeed in hockey and life. 

00:00 Introduction to Colin Wilson 

00:25 Exploring Nature vs. Nurture in Hockey 

01:25 Colin's Journey in the NHL 

03:27 Early Beginnings and Family Influence 

06:25 Challenges and Competitiveness in Youth Hockey 

08:36 Parental Influence and Self-Drive 

24:53 Transitioning from Hockey to Life Beyond 

31:01 Reflecting on Personal Experience and Stress 

31:40 Changes in Hockey Development Pathways 

32:15 The Cost of Hockey and Social Inequality 

33:23 Positive Developments in Hockey Skills 

34:01 Challenges of Balancing Development and Enjoyment 

37:42 Potential of Digital Platforms for Hockey Training 

40:42 Cross-Training and Year-Round Play 

43:09 Parental Perspectives on Youth Sports 

52:54 Exploring Career Paths Post-Hockey 

54:56 Future Involvement in Hockey and Advice for New Ventures

Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

Elevating Youth Sports: The Journey and Vision of CoachUp with CEO Alex Stone In this episode, the guest is Alex Stone, CEO of CoachUp, a service that connects athletes with private coaches aimed at changing kids' lives through sports. Alex discusses the origins of CoachUp, its growth, and its mission in the youth sports space. He shares insights into the evolution of youth sports, emphasizing the importance of one-on-one and small-group training, and the challenges and opportunities of running a sports-focused two-sided marketplace. Alex also dives into the strategic decision to open physical training centers, blending digital and physical spaces to enhance the athlete and coach experience. Additionally, he recounts his personal journey from being a Marine to working with Under Armour and eventually leading CoachUp. Alex reflects on the current youth sports landscape through the lens of both a business leader and a parent, highlighting the impact of sports on children's development and the crucial role of quality coaching. 

00:00 Introduction to Alex Stone and CoachUp 

00:31 Jason's Quest for a New Athlete Development Company 

02:40 Alex Stone's Background and Journey 

04:36 CoachUp's Evolution and COVID Challenges 

13:29 Alex's Personal Connection to Youth Sports 

14:43 The Changing Landscape of Youth Sports 

17:43 Supporting Coaches and Athletes with Technology 

24:43 The Challenges of Building a Marketplace 

27:05 Flexible Business Structure for Long-Term Growth 

28:04 The Logic Behind Opening a Physical Facility 

30:22 Benefits of a Physical Location for Coaches and Clients 

32:01 Balancing Coverage and Quality in Coaching 

39:04 Remote Coaching vs. In-Person Training 

41:17 Measuring Progress and Success in Youth Sports 

45:19 Growth Strategies and Market Penetration 

49:13 Future Plans and Key Priorities 

50:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

In this episode, Jason Jacobs, a seasoned entrepreneur, shares his journey towards building a new company focused on youth sports, specifically hockey. He recounts his evolution from exploring AI and flexibility in startups to delving into sports tech due to his experience as a parent involved in his child's hockey development. 

Jason hosts Kevin McCoy, a long-time friend, and youth hockey coach, to discuss the differences between past and present youth hockey, the role of technology in sports, and the importance of balanced development for young athletes. They also explore the potential of a digital platform to transform player development by providing accessible and structured training at home. The conversation highlights the need for better user experience in sports tech and how AI could revolutionize talent discovery and development. 

00:00 Introduction and Host's Journey 

00:30 Exploring Sports Tech and Youth Hockey 

01:08 Guest Introduction: Kevin McCoy 

01:36 Kevin's Hockey Background 

04:08 Youth Hockey Development and Coaching 

16:21 Differences in Hockey Ecosystems 

29:12 Balancing Development and Competition 

34:20 Dad's Role in Development and Exposure 

35:42 Challenges and Strategies in Youth Hockey 

40:27 Importance of Off-Ice Training 

43:29 Balancing Skills and Hockey IQ 

46:24 The Role of Video in Coaching 

48:07 Technology in Hockey Development 

53:53 Future of Player Development Platforms 

01:00:48 Final Thoughts and Advice for Parents

Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

Exploring Acquisition Entrepreneurship with Jordan Fliegel: From Sports Tech to Shareholder Ventures In this episode of The Next Next, host Jason Jacobs interviews Jordan Fliegel, co-founder and CEO of Shareholder Ventures. The conversation chronicles Jordan's diverse journey from a professional basketball player to a successful entrepreneur and investor in the sports tech industry. Highlights include the founding of Coach Up and successful ventures like Draft, which was acquired for $48 million. The discussion delves into Jordan's recent focus on acquisition entrepreneurship through Shareholder Ventures, a holding company aimed at helping entrepreneurs acquire small- to medium-sized businesses. The episode covers various topics such as the current state of youth sports, the nuances of sports tech investments, and the unique opportunities arising from the impending retirement of baby boomer business owners. Listeners will gain insights into different entrepreneurial models, the strategic building of a HoldCo, and how emerging tools can assist founders in building and sustaining profitable businesses. 

00:00 Introduction to Jordan Fliegel 

00:09 Jordan's Early Life and Career 

00:17 Founding Coach Up and Draft 

00:39 Transition to Techstars and Shareholder Ventures 

01:13 Discussion on Youth Sports 

03:05 Jason and Jordan's Personal Reflections 

04:13 Challenges and Realities of Entrepreneurship 

16:01 Jordan's Journey with Techstars 

31:53 The Concept of Shareholder Ventures 

45:46 The Challenges of Running a Business Solo 

46:10 Tim and I Bought Businesses 

47:53 Joining the Center for American Entrepreneurship 

48:55 Structuring Shareholder Ventures 

49:28 The HoldCo Model and Its Benefits 

51:04 Supporting Acquisition Entrepreneurs 

01:02:49 The Role of Search Funds 

01:06:53 Financial Structure and Cash Flow Management 

01:25:35 Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Entrepreneurs

Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

Navigating the Intersection of Customer Success and AI with Mike Redbord In this episode of The Next Next, host Jason Jacobs interviews Mike Redbord, a veteran in customer success and former VP at HubSpot. Mike shares his journey from being an inbound marketing consultant to holding various leadership roles in customer success. The conversation delves into how AI is transforming the customer success function and the broader SaaS landscape. They discuss the challenges and opportunities for CS teams in adopting AI tools and how these technologies can improve efficiency. Mike also highlights his work with Agent AI, a platform aimed at democratizing access to AI tools for professionals. The discussion provides valuable insights for leaders and practitioners in the CS space on how to navigate the evolving technological landscape and leverage AI for growth and efficiency. 

00:00 Introduction to Today's Guest: Mike Redbord 

01:19 Exploring the Customer Success Function 

04:16 The Evolution of Customer Success Roles 

06:37 Operational Dynamics in Customer Success 

11:31 Challenges and Best Practices in Customer Success 

21:45 The Future of SaaS and AI's Impact 

26:04 Navigating AI Disruptions in Customer Success 

27:22 The Push for AI Adoption in CS Teams 

30:36 Leveraging AI for Operational Efficiency 

33:09 The Role of Rev Ops in AI Integration 

36:52 Personal Insights and Future Directions 

39:49 Introduction to Agent AI 

44:47 The Future of AI and Professional Growth 

47:53 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

Building an Efficient Remote Talent Network with Telescope Co-Founders Max and Adam 

In this episode of The Next Next, host Jason Jacobs welcomes Max and Adam, co-founders and co-CEOs of Telescoped, a company connecting top remote software engineers in Latin America with U.S. tech startups. They discuss their journey, the problems they identified in the global talent market, and how their unique business model and trust network address these issues. The conversation also covers the impact of AI on recruiting, how they leverage AI agents, and their approach to work-life balance and building a sustainable business. The episode concludes with insights into their company culture, future goals, and the broader implications of their model for the tech industry. 

00:00 Introduction to The Next Next 

03:33 Meet Max and Adam: The Minds Behind Telescoped 

04:59 The Genesis of Telescoped 

09:00 Challenges in Remote Hiring 

12:29 Telescoped's Unique Business Model 

20:25 The Role of AI in Recruitment 

27:59 Collaborative AI Agents for Better Outcomes 

28:47 Building the AI-Powered System 

30:25 Challenges in AI Implementation 

32:04 AI in Go-to-Market Strategies 

36:30 Future of Work with AI 

42:33 Global Network and Impact 

45:34 Work-Life Balance and Company Culture

52:06 Conclusion and Call to Action

Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

From Baseball to Business: Exploring Youth Sports Tech with Ted Sullivan In this episode of 'The Next Next,' host Jason Jacobs speaks with Ted Sullivan, co-founder and former CEO of Game Changer, a youth sports scorekeeping app. Sullivan shares his journey from playing minor league baseball to entering the sports tech industry. The conversation covers the development and growth of Game Changer, its acquisition by Dick's Sporting Goods, and Sullivan's subsequent role as Chief Growth Officer at IMG Academy. The discussion also delves into philosophical topics such as parenting, work-life balance, and the future of youth sports. Jacobs updates listeners on his current venture into youth sports technology, inspired by the intersection of sports and digital tools to build a business that serves kids and families while maintaining personal well-being. 

00:00 Introduction to Today's Guest: Ted Sullivan 

00:31 Ted Sullivan's Career Journey 

01:17 Philosophical Insights on Parenting and Youth Sports 

03:26 Ted's Entrepreneurial Ventures 

07:04 The Role of Sports in Entrepreneurship 

10:08 Challenges in Modern Youth Sports 

15:36 Balancing Fun and Competition in Youth Sports 

24:29 IMG Academy: Inside Look 

31:06 Digital Expansion of IMG Academy 

35:07 IMG Academy Plus: Expanding Access to Student Athletes 

35:25 NCSA: The World's Largest Recruiting Platform 

36:55 The Growth and Impact of IMG Academy Plus 

38:03 Exploring Game Changer and Personal Reflections 

39:13 Building a Youth Sports Technology Endeavor 

45:05 Challenges and Opportunities in Youth Sports 

52:49 Game Changer: Origin and Evolution 

59:40 Reflections and Future Plans 

01:02:20 Conclusion and Podcast Information

Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).