The Profluence Pod 🌐

Matt Lederer is the Vice President of Brand Partnerships & Engagement at Comcast, where he leads the strategy and execution behind a $90 million portfolio of partnerships that bring the Xfinity brand to life across sports, entertainment, gaming, and music. With over 20 years of experience in brand and experiential marketing, Matt has positioned Comcast at the center of culture and innovation—connecting technology with passion. Under his leadership, Comcast has developed one of the most dynamic partnership ecosystems in the industry, managing more than 8,000 events each year through its national Events Center of Excellence.Throughout his career, Matt has led high-impact collaborations with some of the world’s biggest names and properties—spanning NASCAR, the NBA & WNBA, Team USA, and Unrivaled, as well as partnerships with Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, FaZe Clan, and AEG. His data-driven approach has transformed Comcast’s sponsorship model, producing a 200%+ marketing payback and setting new benchmarks for brand engagement.An interesting fact: Matt began his career as a grassroots marketer before scaling to oversee Comcast’s entire national partnership strategy. His journey from field marketing to leading a global entertainment and sports portfolio reflects his unique ability to blend creativity with analytics, ensuring every fan experience delivers both emotion and measurable value.Podcast Chapters: 02:53 Navigating Partnerships in Sports and Technology 05:52 Evaluating New Partnerships and Audience Engagement09:00 The Role of Data in Partnership Decisions 12:00 Adapting to New Sports Trends and Experiences 14:59 The Evolution of Sponsorships and Athlete Engagement17:58 The Future of Media Consumption and Live Experiences20:59 The Impact of AI on Sports Sponsorships 24:02 Looking Ahead: Major Events and Consumer BehaviorMatt Lederer: 🏠 Website: comcastcorporation.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewjlederer/Andrew Petcash:🏠 Website: https://profluence.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Daniel J. McClory is an international investor, investment banker, and venture philanthropist with decades of experience leading equity capital markets and M&A transactions across the globe. As Founder, CEO, and Chairman of Boustead & Company, Dan has built a global financial powerhouse with a presence spanning Singapore, the UK, Switzerland, Mauritius, Monaco, and Latin America. His work has helped companies list on major exchanges including NASDAQ, NYSE, and the London Stock Exchange — earning industry recognition with multiple “Deal of the Year” awards.Beyond finance, Dan brings a philanthropic vision to his work, serving on the boards of the USA Track & Field Foundation, Alder Foundation, and other organizations bridging sports, capital, and social impact. His listing of the world’s first foreign-funded, venture philanthropy-backed IPO on Brazil’s Bovespa Social Stock Exchange stands as a landmark in blending business with purpose.In this conversation, Dan shares insights into global finance, the evolution of SPACs, and the intersection of sports, investment, and culture — revealing how innovative funding models and bold leadership continue to shape the future of international business.Podcast Chapters:01:01 The Formation and Strategy of Brera04:51 Going Public: The Advantages of IPOs09:02 SPACs vs. Traditional IPOs12:06 The Future of Brera and Soulmate16:24 Understanding the Crypto and Sports Connection22:36 Cultural Perspectives on Risk in Business26:42 Emerging Trends in Sports and InvestmentDan McClory: 🏠 Website: https://www.boustead1828.com/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-mcclory/Andrew Petcash:🏠 Website: https://profluence.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Greg Hoffman is the founder of the brand advisory group Modern Arena, the former Chief Marketing Officer of Nike, and the bestselling author of Emotion by Design: Creative Leadership Lessons from a Life at Nike.Now, Greg introduces Beyond Your Limits — a first-of-its-kind, seven-week masterclass created in partnership with the Business of Creativity. Designed for modern athletes, it's designed to help them build a powerful personal brand alongside their playing career.Beyond Your Limits empowers athletes to express who they are, shape their story on their own terms, and unlock opportunities that extend far beyond the game.Own your story. Own your future.Chapter: 01:27 The Evolution of Athletes and Branding05:06 Understanding Creativity in Branding07:50 Building a Brand with Depth and Substance11:25 Resources Behind Elite Athlete Branding15:53 Introducing Beyond Your Limits22:18 The Importance of Brand Evolution26:35 Empowering Athletes and Organizations31:17 Conclusion and Call to ActionGreg Hoffman: 🏠 Website: https://beyondyourlimitscourse.com/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-hoffman-1b196a25/Scott Garber:🏠 Website: https://profluence.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Mathew D. Focht is the Founding Managing Partner of EMERGING, a growth equity and concept development firm helping best-in-class restaurant and entertainment operators scale nationally. With over 25 years of experience, Mathew has worked with hundreds of restaurant and entertainment founders and CEOs, guiding early-stage concepts and technology investments from inception to national recognition.Mathew is the founder of EMERGING, Emerging Concepts, Consolidated Concepts, Acutely, and FB Insights. He has created operating companies focused on capital, real estate, supply chain, technology, and cost optimization. His portfolio includes prominent concepts such as Puttshack, F1 Arcade, Flight Club, Batbox, Blue Sushi, Federales, Silverspot Cinema, Pour House, City Works, Doc B’s, The PUB, Levity Live, Improv Comedy Club, Bar Louie, Cheesecake Factory, Brio, Bravo, Blue Martini, Hyde Park Steakhouse, Lucky Strike, and Houston’s.Prior to founding EMERGING, Mathew served as Vice President and executive at RKF Retail Property Advisors, Sierra Advisors, Pyramid Companies, and Steiner & Associates, providing leasing, marketing, and consulting services to developers and emerging chains. He holds an MBA in Finance and Real Estate and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Cincinnati.Podcast Chapters: 02:23 The Evolution of Experiential Social Entertainment 05:15 Data-Driven Approach to Scaling Concepts 08:02 Leveraging AI and Technology in Entertainment 12:00 Licensing, Avatars, and the Future of Guest Experiences 16:10 Growth Capital and Investment Strategy 20:05 Key Success Factors: Location, Team, Corporate, Technology 24:30 Sports Entertainment Districts and Global Expansion 29:35 Advice for Founders and Emerging Operators 33:21 Conclusion and Key TakeawaysMathew D. Focht: 🏠 Website:https://emerging.com/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathew-d-focht-89bb88b/Andrew Petcash:🏠 Website: https://profluence.com🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Christine Brown is the founder of Christine Brown & Partners, a law firm dedicated to protecting the rights of athletes, coaches, and institutions in the rapidly shifting landscape of college sports. With over thirty years of legal expertise, Christine focuses on core areas such as Title IX & gender equity, NIL disputes, athlete rights & advocacy, coaching employment issues, scholarship & financial aid, eligibility & compliance, and injury compensation & health coverage. Her firm is known for combining legal acumen with deep empathy, striving to “give clients clarity, confidence, and strength” in high-stakes disputes.Christine explains the evolution and current challenges of Title IX, the impact of recent NCAA reforms, and how the world of college athletics is adapting to changes in NIL and professionalization. You’ll hear her take on unintended consequences for women’s and Olympic sports, legal blind spots for athletes and coaches, and why she believes we need federal oversight in place of the current NCAA structure. Christine has achieved a 90% win rate in cases against some of the largest colleges and universities while operating in one of the most complex and contentious areas of lawChapters:02:40 Christine Brown's Journey in Sports Law05:09 The Effectiveness and Challenges of Title IX07:52 Unintended Consequences of Recent NCAA Changes10:24 Emerging Sports and Opportunities for Women13:11 Blind Spots in NIL Understanding15:28 The Need for Federal Oversight in College Sports18:24 Proactive Steps for Athletes and Coaches20:40 Staying Relevant in a Changing Sports Landscape23:17 Embracing Opportunities in SportsChristine Brown: 🏠 Website: https://www.christinebrownsportslaw.com/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-donahue-brown-a63530131/Scott Garber:🏠 Website: https://profluence.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/Thanks for watching! Hit the “subscribe” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Peter Frintzilas is the Chief Executive Officer of TeamSnap. TeamSnap is the leading technology platform transforming how youth sports are organized, managed, and experienced. Serving millions of athletes, parents, coaches, and administrators worldwide, TeamSnap has become the go-to solution for simplifying scheduling, communication, registration, and payments in sports. By combining technology with community, the platform empowers organizations to focus less on logistics and more on what really matters—creating meaningful sports experiences.With more than 20 years of experience in technology, innovation, and leadership, Peter has a proven track record of scaling organizations and building strong teams. His background spans corporate strategy, product development, M&A, and go-to-market execution across disruptive technologies like cloud, mobile, data analytics, and AI. Now leading TeamSnap, Peter is driving the company’s vision to strengthen the youth sports ecosystem while creating value for players, families, and communities.Beyond his role as CEO, he’s also an active investor and advisor, passionate about mentoring entrepreneurs and supporting innovative companies. His career reflects a consistent theme—leveraging technology to enhance human connection, whether in business ecosystems or youth sports communities. This unique perspective makes him not just a tech leader, but also a champion of using innovation to create lasting social impact.Chapters:02:31 The Growth of Youth Sports Tech05:07 Consolidation in the Sports Tech Industry08:29 Programming and Technology Interplay10:23 International Opportunities in Youth Sports16:08 Investment Strategies in Youth Sports Tech19:43 The Future of Youth Sports and Community ImpactPeter Frintzilas: 🏠 Website: https://www.teamsnap.com/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterfrintzilas/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.

Omer Atesmen is a serial entrepreneur and the CEO of Snow League, a professional league reimagining snowboarding and free skiing for a global audience. After successful ventures in robotics and ad tech, Omer partnered with Shaun White to launch the league, combining deep business expertise with a passion for action sports. With equal prize money for men and women, innovative competition formats, and a vision to capture the energy of winter sports on a worldwide scale, Snow League is setting out to become the premier platform for athletes, fans, and brands.In this episode, Omer dives into the origin story of Snow League, the challenges of building a new sports property, and the strategy behind fundraising, media rights, and global expansion. They also discuss why storytelling, PR, and athlete engagement are critical in driving fan adoption, and how the league is learning from models like Formula 1 to build long-term cultural and commercial impact.Podcast Chapters:02:36 Partnering with Shaun White and the League’s Vision05:12 Building a Sports Property from Scratch08:47 Fundraising and Market Opportunities in Winter Sports12:19 Equal Prize Money and Athlete-Centric Innovation15:08 Media Rights, PR, and Global Fan Engagement18:34 Learning from Formula 1 and Other Global Leagues22:11 The Future of Snow League and What’s NextOmer Atesmen: 🏠 Website: https://thesnowleague.com/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omer-a-5291062/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.

Connor Lim is the Founder of the International Dance League (IDL), a first-of-its-kind professional league redefining the global dance industry. Growing up in Queens, New York as a professional dancer, Connor experienced firsthand both the artistry and challenges of the dance community—a foundation that now fuels his mission to create new opportunities for dancers worldwide.Before launching IDL, Connor co-founded and served as President of STEEZY, the leading digital platform for dance education. Over more than a decade, he scaled STEEZY into an internationally recognized brand with millions of users across 100+ countries. By partnering with top choreographers and building a global community, Connor helped shape STEEZY into the premier destination for online dance learning and a cultural force that continues to influence dancers everywhere.With IDL, Connor is pioneering a global league modeled after Formula 1—blending elite competition with entertainment and fan engagement. Following its 2025 launch in Los Angeles, the league will expand to six countries in 2026, creating a professional structure that elevates dance to the global stage and provides sustainable career pathways for dancers. His story is one of innovation, culture, and vision—bringing artistry and athleticism together in an entirely new way.Podcast Chapters: 02:41 The Vision Behind IDL and Dance as a Sport 05:38 Global Expansion and the Dance Landscape 08:34 Business Model and Funding Strategies 11:09 Creating a Pathway for Dancers 13:56 Current Competition Landscape in Dance 16:48 Audience Engagement and Demographics 19:35 Future Plans and Trends in Dance22:36 Conclusion and Call to Action

Steve Strawbridge, President & CEO of Pop Warner, joins the show to discuss the legacy and future of one of America’s most iconic youth sports organizations. With a century of history behind it, Pop Warner has become the gold standard in youth football, cheerleading, and now flag football, helping millions of young athletes build character, confidence, and a lifelong love for sports.Before leading Pop Warner, Steve spent over 20 years with the Philadelphia Eagles, building deep expertise in sponsorships, partnerships, and fan engagement. His career has been marked by growing brands, creating meaningful community connections, and expanding opportunities for athletes at every level. At Pop Warner, he’s using that experience to elevate the organization’s reach and impact, ensuring it continues to thrive in a changing sports landscape.Fun fact: Pop Warner alumni include NFL legends like Tom Brady, Drew Brees, and Emmitt Smith—proof of the program’s role in shaping generations of elite athletes. Steve and his team continue to build on that tradition, blending grassroots development with a vision for the next 100 years of youth sports.Podcast Chapters: 02:41 Steve Strawbridge's Journey in Sports Management 05:21 The Business of Football: Insights from the NFL 08:15 Assessing and Innovating at Pop Warner11:19 The Role of Technology and Safety in Youth Sports 13:53 The Growth of Flag Football and Partnerships 16:35 Cheer and Dance: Expanding Pop Warner's Offerings 19:32 The Impact of Private Equity on Youth Sports 22:07 Future Goals for Pop Warner

Jake Deane is the Co-Founder of True Lacrosse, one of the fastest-growing youth lacrosse organizations in the country. With nearly 20 years of experience in the game, Jake has dedicated his career to developing players, building programs, and creating pathways for athletes to succeed both on and off the field. Since its founding in 2008, True Lacrosse has expanded from grassroots clinics in Illinois to a national footprint with programs across the United States. The organization is focused on elite coaching, player development, and teaching life lessons that extend far beyond the field. With a “player-focused, family-minded” philosophy, True Lacrosse has helped thousands of athletes achieve their goal of playing at the collegiate level while instilling the values of hard work, resilience, and teamwork.Jake shares the story of how True Lacrosse grew from a local idea into a national brand, the current challenges facing youth sports, and where he sees the future of lacrosse headed. 02:29 Growth and Evolution of True Lacrosse07:25 Taking Risks and Scaling the Business11:54 The Future of Youth Sports and Expansion Plans17:22 Current State of Youth Sports and Market Trends20:23 The Role of Private Equity in Youth Sports21:58 Professionalization of Youth Sports22:59 Conclusion and Future Opportunities

Jake Hoselton is the co-founder and CEO of Grass Clippings, the company behind Arizona’s only fully lighted golf course, Grass Clippings Rolling Hills. More than just a golf course, Grass Clippings is reimagining what it means to bring community, entertainment, and competition together. With its unique day-to-night transformation—playing as a par 61 during the day and a par 54 par-3 course under the lights—Grass Clippings offers golfers an entirely new way to experience the game.At Grass Clippings, the vision goes beyond the fairways. From the Top Tracer lighted driving range with lounge seating and food service, to Glenrosa, a restaurant serving Sonoran-inspired cuisine, and live music events that transform the course into a social hub, Jake and his team are building something much bigger: a new culture of golf. With the launch of Grass League, a professional golf league designed for a new generation of fans, Grass Clippings is blending tradition with innovation to create one of the most exciting evolutions in the sport.Beyond the golf and entertainment, Jake’s story is also about building for the future—developing a franchise model for Grass League, growing new talent pipelines, and redefining how golf can be presented as both competition and community. Grass Clippings isn’t just growing the game; it’s creating a movement.Podcast Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Grass League and Golf's Evolution01:09 The Origin Story of Grass Clippings and Grass League04:56 Understanding Grass League's Structure and Vision06:15 The Unique Experience of Night Golf and Entertainment12:11 Franchise Model and Growth Strategy of Grass League16:20 Talent Selection and Development in Grass League18:45 Reflecting on Milestones and Achievements23:05 Future Plans and Expansion of Grass League29:15 Mentorship and Learning in the Golf Industry

Sandeep Hingorani is the EVP and a founding team member of BallerTV, the leading live and on-demand streaming service for youth sports. Since its founding in 2016, BallerTV has grown into the go-to platform for families, athletes, and scouts, offering live streams, replays, and highlights of games that were once impossible to watch outside the gym. With a background as both an athlete and a parent, Sandeep has been at the forefront of building a company that ensures no family member ever has to miss a child’s game again.At BallerTV, the mission goes beyond streaming—it’s about access, opportunity, and connection. By dramatically expanding the spectrum of youth sports coverage, BallerTV keeps families connected, provides athletes with valuable footage for recruiting, and creates new pathways for visibility across the youth sports ecosystem. The platform has also proven itself as a community builder, capturing the moments that matter most to families while helping athletes at every level showcase their skills to the world.Beyond the platform, Sandeep’s story highlights the resilience required to navigate challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which reshaped the landscape of youth sports. Looking forward, BallerTV is doubling down on innovation—from advanced insights to expanded partnerships—ensuring that youth athletes have the exposure and opportunities they deserve.Podcast Chapters:05:03 BallerTV: Revolutionizing Youth Sports Broadcasting 10:47 Lessons from the Youth Sports Ecosystem 15:18 Navigating Challenges: The Impact of COVID-19 17:45 The Future of BallerTV: Beyond Live Streaming 21:58 The Role of Athletes in Shaping Youth Sports 29:28 Personal Connections: The Power of Community in SportsSandeep Hingorani: 🏠Website: https://www.ballertv.com/Scott Garber: 🏠 Website: https://profluence.com/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Scott Birnbaum is the co-founder and CEO of Booster, a platform reinventing fundraising for athletes and teams. With over 15 years of experience in PPC advertising and leadership roles at firms like System1, Demand Media, and Fullscreen, Scott brings a wealth of expertise in scaling operations, building high-performing teams, and driving digital growth. At Booster, he’s combining this background with his passion for sports to create a smarter, subscription-based fundraising model that eliminates the inefficiencies of traditional campaigns.At Booster, the mission is clear: make fundraising effortless so athletes and coaches can focus on what really matters—development, performance, and community. Whether at the high school, junior college, or NCAA level, Booster empowers teams to generate consistent, recurring revenue without upfront costs or the constant reset of starting from zero each season. The platform also provides athletes with the tools to build their brands, connect with fans, and unlock new pathways for support as they move through different stages of their athletic careers.Beyond the platform, Scott’s story is also one of leadership and adaptability. Having scaled System1 from 15 employees to IPO, he has firsthand experience building global teams, navigating transitions, and fostering cultures of collaboration and innovation. Now, with Booster, he’s applying those lessons to the youth and collegiate sports ecosystem—helping athletes and teams access resources that were previously out of reach.Podcast Chapters:02:40 The Evolution of Fundraising in High School Sports 05:37 Building Community Through Subscription Models08:07 Navigating the High School Sports Landscape 10:52 Engagement Strategies for Sustaining Interest13:45 Leveraging Corporate Partnerships for Growth 16:42 Market Penetration and Future Plans 19:19 The Importance of Youth Sports in Development 22:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Konstantin Sonkin is the CEO and co-founder of i-BrainTech, a company transforming how athletes train through the power of neurotechnology. With a background in neuroscience and years of research into brain-computer interfaces, Konstantin launched i-BrainTech to bring cognitive training into elite sports. The platform allows athletes to play video games using only their minds—strengthening focus, tactical decision-making, and mental resilience.At i-BrainTech, the mission goes beyond novelty—it’s about unlocking the brain as the next performance frontier. By partnering with top football clubs in LaLiga, Serie A, MLS, and the Premier League, the company has introduced brain training into professional locker rooms, proving its impact on precision, reaction speed, and recovery. This top-tier adoption has validated i-BrainTech as not just an R&D project, but as a critical tool for modern performance enhancement.Beyond sports, Konstantin’s journey highlights the challenges of building a neuroscience startup—from translating lab research into a scalable product, to navigating hardware, software, and clinical validation. i-BrainTech is now expanding into healthcare and education, opening doors for cognitive therapy, neurorehabilitation, and even mental skills training for youth athletes.With AI integration, improved accessibility, and new partnerships ahead, Konstantin and his team are proving that mental training will soon stand alongside physical training as a pillar of athletic development. And in the process, they’re redefining how the sports world thinks about the brain.Podcast Chapters:00:00 Introduction to i-BrainTech and Konstantin Sonkin02:18 How Brain-Computer Interfaces Work in Sports05:45 Partnerships with Elite Clubs in Europe and the U.S.09:10 Training Focus, Awareness, and Decision-Making12:27 Challenges of Bringing Neurotech to Market15:52 Expanding Beyond Sports: Healthcare and Education18:34 The Role of AI in Cognitive Training21:08 Future Vision: Making Brain Training MainstreamIKonstantin Sonkin: 🏠Website: https://www.i-brain.tech/💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/konstantin-sonkinScott Garber: 🏠 Website: https://profluence.com/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Amanda is the co-founder of Sequel, a company reimagining women’s health products with athletes in mind. Alongside her co-founder Greta Meyer, she launched Sequel while at Stanford, driven by a frustration that period products hadn’t meaningfully changed in over 80 years. As former high-level athletes, both Amanda and Greta struggled to find a tampon they could rely on in competition—so they leaned on their engineering training to build the product they wished they had on game day. The result was Sequel’s patented spiral technology, designed to offer women more reliable, comfortable, and distraction-free performance.At Sequel, the mission goes beyond just technology—it’s about impact and visibility. By partnering with top sports organizations like Stanford Athletics, the Indiana Fever, DC United, and Audi Field, Sequel has brought period products directly into stadiums and locker rooms, making history as the first tampon partner in NCAA athletics. Their approach combines top-down credibility with bottom-up storytelling—leveraging creator partnerships, social platforms, and founder-led storytelling to build trust, awareness, and a movement for better women’s health solutions.Beyond the partnerships and the patented spiral design, Amanda’s story is also one of resilience and persistence. From navigating the challenges of FDA approval as a medical device, to securing early grants and funding from Stanford’s ecosystem, Sequel is a case study in founder-led innovation. And with more products and activations ahead, Amanda and Greta are proving that when you combine sports, engineering, and a mission to help women win, the impact goes far beyond the field.Podcast Chapters: 02:34 Innovative Tampon Technology: The Sequel Spiral 05:32 Partnerships in Sports: Building Brand Awareness 08:25 The Importance of Creator Partnerships 11:02 Challenges in Developing a Medical Device 13:49 Funding Journey: From Grants to Equity 16:31 Design Thinking: Identifying Real Needs 19:16 Future Aspirations and Community EngagementAmanda Calabrese: 🏠Website: https://www.trysequel.com/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acalabre/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.

Ryan Silver, President of Attitude of Gratitude, is a trailblazer in youth sports and event operations. With a vision rooted in appreciation and impact, he has built one of the fastest-growing event platforms in the country, spanning basketball, volleyball, soccer, golf, and more. Silver’s philosophy of gratitude—shaped by personal experiences—drives his mission to transform youth sports into not just competitions, but meaningful experiences that empower athletes, families, and communities.Under Silver’s leadership, Attitude of Gratitude has rapidly expanded to become a premier operator of over 200 annual basketball tournaments, with camps and showcases across multiple states. Recently acquired by Rocket Youth Brands, the company now stands at the forefront of the evolving youth sports industry. With private equity investment, a powerful partner ecosystem, and Silver’s deep operational expertise, the organization is poised to redefine the future of youth events, blending growth with lasting community impact.Beyond his impressive business achievements, Silver has a rare distinction: he is one of the very few entrepreneurs who has successfully built and sold multiple youth sports companies, including West Coast Elite. His journey highlights both the challenges and opportunities in the commercialization of youth sports—while keeping gratitude, service, and athlete empowerment at the heart of it all.Podcast Chapters:02:44 Growth and Expansion in Youth Sports05:21 The Business of Youth Sports: Insights and Challenges07:54 Rocket Youth Brands: A New Partnership10:22 The Future of Youth Sports and Private Equity13:07 NIL and Its Impact on College Sports15:44 Closing Thoughts and Future PlansRyan Silver: 🏠Website: https://attitudeofgratitude.com/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-silver-ba7a63293/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.

Karim Kassam is the Vice President of Product at Teamworks, the leading software platform transforming high-performance operations in sports, military, and public safety sectors. He joined Teamworks through its 2024 acquisition of Zelus Analytics, a premier sports intelligence platform. At Teamworks, Karim leverages his expertise in data science and analytics to integrate Zelus’ cutting-edge solutions into collegiate football, helping organizations unlock transformative insights and achieve peak performance.At Teamworks, Karim is focused on building unified, data-driven systems that empower teams to make smarter decisions, optimize operations, and develop athletes holistically. From predictive models to streamlined workflows, Teamworks Intelligence delivers tools that help organizations evaluate talent, construct rosters, and manage performance with precision. Karim’s work ensures that athletes and staff have the right insights and resources to prepare, compete, and excel.Beyond sports, Karim’s career is defined by a unique blend of academic rigor and practical innovation. Before joining Teamworks, he led data science initiatives for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Minnesota Twins, and Jacksonville Jaguars, and served as a professor at Carnegie Mellon University. Fun fact: Karim earned his Ph.D. from Harvard University in 2010, where he studied decision processes and emotion—an unusual but powerful lens for sports analytics.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to AI in Sports Analytics01:05 Karim Kassam's Background and Journey02:54 Evolution of Football Analytics04:40 Teamworks Intelligence and AI Innovations07:09 Challenges in College Football Scouting09:28 Key Metrics for Player Evaluation12:45 Comparative Analysis of Sports Analytics14:18 The Imperfection of Talent Identification16:53 The Role of Technology in Team Success18:23 Exciting Developments at Teamworks21:01 Integrating Diverse Solutions at Teamworks22:48 Future Acquisitions and Market StrategyKarim Kassam: 🏠Website: https://teamworks.com/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karim-kassam-a4369972/Andrew Petcash:🏠 Website: https://profluence.com🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/Thanks for watching! Hit the “subscribe” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Izell Reese is the CEO of RCX Sports, a youth-sports experiences business working with professional leagues, national governing bodies, and brands to reimagine accessibility and participation in sports. Under his leadership, RCX has become the official operating partner of NFL FLAG, NBA Jr. League, MLB Pitch, Hit & Run, and other grassroots programs that introduce millions of young athletes to sports each year.With a background as a former NFL player and now as one of the most influential executives in youth sports, Izell is dedicated to expanding opportunities for kids at every level. His vision emphasizes inclusion, character development, and pathways that connect community-based programs to high school, collegiate, and even professional opportunities. By aligning leagues, brands, and governing bodies around scalable, youth-first models, he’s helping to transform the future of sports participation in America.RCX Sports is not just about leagues—it’s about access, equity, and long-term growth. With initiatives that reduce barriers to entry and connect kids with positive experiences on and off the field, Reese is driving a movement to make sports a more inclusive and sustainable part of the youth experience.Chapters: 01:28 – Izell’s Journey from NFL Player to Sports Executive 04:45 – Building RCX Sports into a National Leader 08:56 – Partnerships with the NFL, NBA, and MLB 12:19 – Expanding Access and Equity in Youth Sports 16:42 – Creating Pathways Beyond the Game 20:11 – The Role of Brands and Governing Bodies 23:37 – Scaling Grassroots Programs Nationwide 27:50 – The Future of Youth Sports ParticipIzell Reese: 🏠Website: https://rcxsports.com/💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/izell-reese-2a597b11Scott Garber: 🏠 Website: https://profluence.com/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Brent Richard is the CEO of IMG Academy, the world leader in sports education, and Drew Weatherford is a Founding Partner at Weatherford Capital, a private investment firm focused on growth equity in rapidly growing technology and technology-enabled businesses with a business-to-business (B2B) or business-to-government (B2G) focus, as well as those operating in highly regulated industries. Together, they are leading Project Add More Athletes—an initiative to expand roster spots in college sports and create more opportunities for youth athletes to compete and develop at the next level.Across IMG Academy’s on-campus and online programs, its student-athletes fill roughly 25% of all college freshman roster spots annually, making it one of the most influential organizations in youth sports. Brent and Drew are advocating for structural changes in the NCAA system—such as bringing back JV teams, allowing multi-division programs in the same sport, and building participation-based models proven at IMG—to meet the growing demand from the 8 million high school athletes in the U.S., of whom only 500,000 currently get a roster spot.Project Add More Athletes is more than a policy push—it’s a movement to reimagine the pathway from youth to collegiate athletics. With strategic deregulation, universities could increase athlete participation, strengthen Olympic and non-revenue sports, and enhance the student experience—all while driving enrollment and community engagement.Chapters:01:36 – Understanding the Landscape of Youth Sports04:11 – Catalysts for Change in College Sports08:31 – Proposed Framework for Expanding Opportunities13:26 – Navigating Deregulation in College Sports17:34 – Vision for the Future of Youth Athletics20:24 – Introduction to Athlete Inclusion22:51 – Community Engagement and Feedback25:36 – Future Directions and Strategic ConversationsBrent Richard & Drew Weatherford: 🏠Website:💼 LinkedIn: Andrew Petcash & Scott Garber: 🏠 Website: https://profluence.com🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Samuel Westberg is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of LaSource, a sports consulting agency helping sports tech companies, startups, and media organizations grow and adapt in a rapidly evolving industry. With a decade of experience in sports—beginning with a professional football team and moving into business development roles across sports tech and digital startups—Samuel has built an extensive global network of rights holders, broadcasters, media companies, and clubs. His unique perspective bridges the gap between innovation and the traditional sports ecosystem.LaSource works with sports tech and SaaS companies to refine their business development and marketing strategies, enabling them to penetrate the European market and expand their client base. They also partner with sports and media organizations to anticipate industry shifts, develop forward-looking strategies, and drive revenue growth. By connecting technology providers with sports and entertainment stakeholders, LaSource helps shape the future of fan engagement, media rights, and digital innovation in sports.An interesting fact about LaSource is their ability to merge top-tier consulting expertise with deep sector knowledge in data, digital technologies, and media rights—creating a unique platform where sports tech companies, media players, and rights holders can collaborate to accelerate growth and innovation.Chapters:02:38 – The Evolution of Sports Tech in Europe05:22 – Navigating the Global Sports Tech Landscape08:15 – The Role of VR and AR in Fan Engagement10:53 – Youth Sports and Technology Trends13:47 – Finding Innovative Technologies in Sports16:37 – Building a Sustainable Sports Tech Agency19:16 – Staying Informed in the Sports Tech IndustryThanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.