The Profluence Pod 🌐

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.

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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/

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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/

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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/

Unrivaled, led by President Alex and co-founded with WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, launches in Miami in January 2025. The league will showcase 30 top women athletes in an exciting 3v3 format, aiming to captivate basketball fans worldwide.

Alex also co-founded Through The Lens with Carmelo Anthony, a platform empowering athletes to build personal brands while retaining ownership. His work has supported athletes like Kyrie Irving and Candace Parker in expanding their influence.

With over nine years of experience coaching NBA and WNBA players and working directly with Kobe Bryant, Alex brings a passionate, mission-driven approach to advancing women’s sports.

Chapters:

(02:56) - The Vision Behind Unrivaled Basketball

(06:12) - The Impact of International Opportunities on Women’s Basketball

(09:01) - The State of Women’s Basketball and Future Prospects

(11:56) - Building Storylines and Character Development in Sports

(14:55) - Challenges and Insights on Building a New League

(17:59) - Innovative Approaches and Market Trends in Women’s Sports

Alex Bazzell:

Website: https://www.unrivaled.basketball/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-bazzell-35352090/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

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

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

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/

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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/

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BatFast, led by Runish Gudhka, is transforming how athletes and fans experience sports through cutting-edge simulation technology. BatFast combines advanced hardware—such as ball-throwing machines, actuators, and sensors—with machine learning algorithms, immersive graphics, and gamification modules to create world-class sports simulation products. 

From cricket to multiple sports, BatFast's technology is reshaping how sports training and entertainment are delivered to 21st-century consumers.

Runish Gudhka, a leader in sports tech, is driving BatFast’s mission to create engaging and innovative sports experiences. BatFast is expanding into new sports markets and exploring future growth opportunities, bringing exciting advancements to the global stage.

Chapters:

(02:59) - The Global Landscape of Cricket 

(05:58) - BatFast’s Technology and Expansion into Other Sports 

(08:48) - Business Model and Marketing Strategy 

(12:56) - Growth and Participation Metrics 

(15:06) - Market Differences and Strategic Approaches 

(17:50) - Future Outlook and Excitement for BatFast 

(21:05) - Building Community and Engagement 

Runish Gudhka:

Website: https://batfast.com/

LinkedIn: ​​https://www.linkedin.com/in/runish-gudhka-09a18a52/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

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

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

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Amir Zonozi, CEO of Zoomph, is revolutionizing how sports, entertainment, and esports measure sponsorship value and audience engagement. With advanced analytics and real-time viewership insights, Zoomph empowers teams, leagues, and brands to make informed decisions across broadcast and social channels, setting the standard for quality analytics.

Zoomph’s advanced features include industry-leading logo detection and rapid data delivery, trusted by major sports and entertainment partners. Their comprehensive analytics help clients understand audiences better and elevate partnership strategies.

Amir leads with a passion for sports tech and data-driven innovation. As a board member of Women in Sports Tech, he also advocates for diversity within the industry.

Chapters:

(02:56) - Understanding Brand Value Exposure in Sports 

(06:09) - Evolution of Zoom’s Product and Services  

(09:00) - The Role of Athletes, Fans and Entities 

(12:02) - Analyzing Caitlin Clark’s Impact on Women’s Sports 

(17:57) - The Future of Sports Media and Technology 

(20:52) - Macro Trends in Sports Investments 

(23:49) - The Role of AI in Sports 

(27:13) - Community and Human Connections in Sports 

Amir Zonozi:

Website: https://zoomph.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zonozi/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

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

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

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Uplift Labs, co-founded by Sukemasa Kabayama, is breaking new ground in athlete performance and health using AI-powered movement analysis. Uplift's latest launch, the 'Uplift' app, uses a single iPhone camera to track and analyze user movements, making advanced technology previously reserved for professional athletes available to the everyday gym-goer.

The app provides personalized training programs through a generative AI coach, helping to enhance mobility and prevent injuries. With major backing from pro athletes like Renee Montgomery, Marc Gasol, and Seth Curry, Uplift aims to make AI-driven movement analysis accessible to all.

Sukemasa Kabayama, who formerly led Tesla Japan, combines his leadership experience with a passion for accessible sports technology, driving Uplift Labs’ impact in the fitness space. Uplift Labs is also kickstarting its next fundraising round starting October 1st, aiming to expand its innovative solutions further.

Chapters:

(01:40) - The Journey from Tech to Sports 

(04:43) - Identifying Market Opportunities and Pivots 

(08:20) - Building a Tech-Driven Solution for Sports 

(11:28) - Navigating Remote Work and Team Cohesion 

(13:22) - The Role of AI and Machine Learning in Sports 

(18:05) - Launch of UPLIFT’s New Products 

(21:45) - Future Trends in Sports Tech 

Sukemasa Kabayama: 

Website: https://www.uplift.ai/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sukemasa-kabayama/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

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

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

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