In this episode of The Next Next, Jason Jacobs sits down with Matt Wheeler and Chris Meade, co-founders of SportsRecruits. The company connects millions of high school athletes with college coaches, helping them find the right fit for their athletic and academic future. Matt and Chris share their entrepreneurial journey, starting from their days at Wesleyan University where they played lacrosse, to identifying inefficiencies in the sports recruiting process, and eventually founding SportsRecruits. They discuss the initial challenges, including their early model of filming lacrosse events and transitioning to a scalable digital platform. They reveal the company's scaling through partnerships with clubs and events, leading to a significant growth in user base. Furthermore, they highlight the company's recent acquisition by IMG Academy, aiming to deliver more value in the increasingly complex recruiting landscape. Beyond business, the conversation also touches on personal experiences and philosophies concerning youth sports, player development, and parenting. 

00:00 Introduction to SportsRecruits 

00:40 Founders' Background and Early Challenges 

01:23 Transition to Digital and Business Scaling 

01:44 Recent Acquisition and Future Vision 

02:03 Reconnecting and Reflecting on the Journey 

02:26 Welcome to the Show: Matt and Chris 

03:26 Early Career Paths and Initial Business Idea 

03:52 First Steps and Initial Struggles 

07:14 Breakthrough Moment and Business Model Shift 

17:59 Expansion into Other Sports 

22:05 The Role of Clubs in Recruiting 

28:21 Challenges and Successes in Scaling 

34:42 The Importance of Technology in Recruiting 

35:57 Defense vs. Offense in Club Marketing 

36:53 The Role of SportsRecruits in Club Success 

39:29 The Impact of AI and Future Prospects 

40:39 Transitioning to Software and Funding Challenges 

44:51 Acquisition by IMG Academy 

55:57 Balancing Parenting and Youth Sports 

01:06:01 Reflections on the Journey and Final Thoughts

Navigating Hockey Development with Advisor Brock Kautz 

In this episode of The Next Next, former University of Minnesota goalie and current hockey player advisor, Brock Kautz, shares his extensive journey from a junior hockey player to a college athlete and finally transitioning into coaching and player representation. Discussing his early beginnings in Minnesota hockey, Kautz highlights the importance of multi-sport participation, the evolving role of parents in youth hockey, and the significance of adapting to different roles within a team. He provides insights on player development, the impact of technology, and the essentials of being a good teammate. This episode offers valuable perspectives for young athletes, parents, and anyone involved in hockey. 

00:00 Introduction to Brock Kautz 

00:49 Brock's Early Hockey Journey 

03:50 College and Coaching Career 

11:10 Transition to Player Advisor 

17:17 Parental Involvement in Youth Hockey 

25:04 Hockey IQ and Skill Development 

30:58 The Role of Coaches and Video Analysis 

33:57 Embracing Roles and Identity in Hockey 

36:08 The Rise of Agents and Advisors 

41:48 Balancing Development and Exposure 

43:56 Key Attributes Scouts Look For 

47:16 Training, Burnout, and Multi-Sport Benefits 

51:46 The Impact of Technology in Player Development 

56:25 Changes in Junior and College Hockey 

58:29 Life as a Hockey Advisor

01:03:09 Final Thoughts and Advice

In this episode of The Next Next, host Jason converses with Jesse Winchester, a former NHL player and player development coach for the Ottawa Senators. Jesse shares his unconventional journey to the NHL, emphasizing the importance of work ethic and passion. They discuss the evolution of the game, contrasting Jesse's development era with the present, and the increasing role of skill at the expense of hockey IQ. The conversation also delves into the challenges of raising young athletes today, balancing ambition, intrinsic motivation, and healthy development. The episode explores the potential for new platforms to better support youth athletes in their development, focusing on skill-building, competition, and balancing passion with structured growth. 

00:00 Introduction to Jesse Winchester 

00:43 Jesse's Journey to the NHL 

01:10 Comparing Past and Present Hockey Landscapes 

03:43 Early Influences and Work Ethic 

15:32 The Role of Parents in Youth Sports 

24:27 Balancing Structure and Freedom in Development 

29:30 Building a New Athlete Development Platform 

31:04 Emphasizing Joy in Skill Development 

32:11 Balancing Development and Joy 

33:59 Intrinsic Motivation and Gameplay 

35:03 Challenges of Home Training 

37:28 The Role of Parents in Development 

38:47 Hockey IQ and Skill Development 

42:25 The Importance of Video Analysis 

44:44 Coaching Philosophy and Player Development 

50:04 The Role of Agents in Player Development 

52:15 Balancing Competitive and Personal Goals 

57:37 Reflections on Personal Development 

01:00:52 Future Plans and Advice for Parents

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

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

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

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

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

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

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