The Profluence Pod 🌐

Matt Joyce, a 17-year professional baseball player, made his mark in Major League Baseball with 14 seasons, most notably with the Tampa Bay Rays. A 2011 MLB All-Star, Matt earned a reputation as a consistent and versatile outfielder during his career from 2008 to 2021.

Now retired from professional baseball, Matt has seamlessly transitioned into the business world. He is the owner and operator of five F45 Training gyms across the Tampa Bay area, focused on high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts. Additionally, Matt is a partner in Guardian Baseball, an e-commerce brand providing accessible baseball equipment, and co-owner of the Empire League, an independent baseball league supporting rising talent. Beyond business, Matt serves as a broadcaster for Bally Sports, sharing his expertise with a broader audience.

With a proven history of success in sports industries and business, Matt is highly skilled in entrepreneurship, athlete development, fitness, marketing, and public speaking. In this episode, he discusses his journey from pro athlete to business leader, the importance of culture and community, and his approach to providing value and making an impact.

Chapters:
(1:00) - Intro to Matt Joyce and his story
(5:15) - Navigating life after baseball
(10:29) - The role of community and giving back
(15:30) - The importance of culture and community in sports and business
(18:50) - Learning to provide value to others

Matt Joyce
💼 LinkedIn: Matt Joyce

Andrew Petcash
🏠 Website: Profluence
🐣 Twitter: @andrewpetcash
💼 LinkedIn: Andrew Petcash

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Graham Leveston, Co-Founder of College Properties Group (CPG), is redefining athlete experiences through world-class event management and brand development. With over 25 years of leadership experience, Graham has earned recognition for his expertise in strategy, brand marketing, and operations.

During his 20+ years at Nike, Graham held senior roles in sales, licensing, marketing, and product development, managing $100M in annual revenue. At CPG, he brings this experience to life by creating unforgettable sports events. CPG operates over 80 elite camps and tournaments, partnering with top-tier academic institutions such as Harvard, Stanford, and MIT. These events have helped over 1,000 athletes achieve their recruiting goals.

CPG is also known for initiatives like the Intercollegiate Men’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IMLCA) Game of the Week and the Girls High School Lacrosse National Championship, which draw national attention and elevate the youth sports ecosystem.

Chapters:

(2:56) - The Unique Structure of the NIL Tournament

(6:13) - Evolution and Scaling of Sports Camps

(9:02) - Navigating NCAA Compliance and Camp Operations

(12:00) - Lessons Learned from Yearly Events

(15:06) - Trends in NIL and Brand Engagement

(17:52) - Future Directions and New Initiatives

(20:55) - Information and Resources for Families Interested

Graham Leveston

🏠 Website: https://www.collegepropertiesgroup.com/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/graham-leveston-2b552627/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

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i9 Sports®, under the leadership of Matt Kurowski, is America’s leading multi-sport league provider, known for its innovative approach to youth sports. With programs for kids ages 3 to 14, i9 Sports emphasizes fun, convenience, and sportsmanship, helping children succeed in life through sports. The organization recently celebrated 5 million player registrations and was recognized as one of the Most Profitable Franchises of 2024.

Since its founding, i9 Sports has created leagues, camps, and clinics for popular sports such as flag football, soccer, basketball, and volleyball. Its unique focus on age-appropriate instruction and teaching sportsmanship values has garnered accolades, including a ranking on Entrepreneur's Top 500 Franchises list and recognition as a Project Play Champion by the Aspen Institute for promoting multi-sport participation.

Matt Kurowski, President of i9 Sports®, brings decades of experience in marketing, franchising, and operations. Before joining i9 Sports in 2023, he held leadership roles at Franworth and Soccer Shots, where he helped shape franchise systems and operational excellence. As a former Senior Brand Manager at Under Armour, Matt combines his expertise with a passion for youth enrichment to drive i9 Sports’ growth and impact in communities nationwide.

(3:00) - Introduction to i9 Sports®
(6:07) - Addressing Youth Sports Dropout Rates
(11:50) - Franchising and Community Impact
(18:08) - Staying Relevant as a Leader
(24:12) - Insights on the Future of Youth Sports

🏠 Website: https://www.i9sports.com/
💼 LinkedIn: Matt Kurowski on LinkedIn

Scott Garber:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/

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Five Iron Golf began in 2017 as a bold venture to transform how people experience golf in urban settings. Combining cutting-edge technology with a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere, Five Iron Golf quickly became a hub for both serious players and casual enthusiasts, offering simulators, lessons, food, drinks, and entertainment in a social environment.

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Old Tom Capital is an early-stage investment group dedicated to fostering innovation and growth within the golf industry. By combining decades of entrepreneurial experience with hands-on mentorship, Old Tom Capital supports startups in redefining the future of golf through strategic investments.

The golf industry is evolving rapidly, attracting new audiences and creating opportunities in content, tech, and consumer engagement. Old Tom Capital is at the forefront of helping these ventures thrive in a rapidly evolving market.

Matthew Erley scaled startups like Drizly (sold to Uber for $1.1B) and advised over 100 companies on growth. Evan Roosevelt founded Random Golf Club, building a thriving golf community and leading investments in early-stage ventures. Both bring extensive expertise as personal angel investors and advisors to the golf sector.

Chapters:

2:53 – The investment strategy in the golf industry

6:02 – The changing landscape of venture capital

9:06 – Lessons from Drizly: Growth and distribution

12:00 – Identifying opportunities in golf startups

14:50 – The rise of golf-curious consumers

18:02 – The evolving golf content and IP landscape

20:50 – The future of golf: New formats and engagement

23:59 – Building in golf

26:54 – The future outlook for golf investments

Evan Roosevelt

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-roosevelt

Matthew Erley

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewerley/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

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Sports Facilities Companies (SFC) is the largest network of tournament and community-based sports facilities in the U.S., hosting over 25 million annual visits and delivering $250 million in direct annual economic impact. With a focus on feasibility studies, financial modeling, and destination development, SFC plays a pivotal role in enhancing community development through sports.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

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GMTM (pronounced Gametime) is a social network connecting athletes, organizations, and brands to maximize opportunities. By offering tools to increase reach and engagement, GMTM ensures equitable access for athletes to share their stories and pursue their goals.

The platform works with partners like DIII colleges, National Governing Bodies, NFL teams, and brands such as Sports Illustrated. It’s helping reshape recruitment, amplify initiatives, and address the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies.

Joey Grant, a former UCF team captain and Lake Brantley Patriot, founded GMTM to empower athletes and transform their careers. In this episode, he shares his journey from the football field to building a platform that’s redefining opportunities in sports.

Chapters:

0:30 – Joey's background and history as an athlete

5:18 – The evolution of GMTM

11:17 – The importance of balancing digital with in-person experiences

17:16 – How GMTM is connecting athletes to opportunities

20:11 – The impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL)

23:06 – The future vision for GMTM and athlete development

Joey Grant:

🏠 Website: https://www.gmtmsports.com

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joey-grant-8b8482181/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

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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/

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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:

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.