Sports and Business may seem like two distinct realms, sure there are many ways it differ from one another. Some may say it’s the rules, the field and environment, the role you play, or the dimension of success. But have you thought of the significant interconnectedness it shares, or the underlying relevance it extends? This article is set to reveal how Athletic skills, mind set and experiences shaped a foundation for winning beyond inside a court or track field. Featuring real-life journey and testimonies of how Sports played its part in the lives of these successful Founders.
Jason Lopes Founder of Freedom 2 Retire
Jason Lopes’ early life, split between Portland, Oregon, and Bakersfield, California, was marked by an inherent restlessness and a love for activity. His childhood was a whirlwind of soccer and baseball games, influenced by his parents’ encouragement to stay active and engaged. As he matured and attended college, Jason’s athletic interests expanded to include track, where he honed not only his physical prowess but also the mental discipline that would later serve him well in business.
Do you feel your experience with sports makes you better at working with people?
Sports teaches you a lot about life. Number one, you have to practice what you do if you want to be the best at it. Number two, you have to be responsible and show up on time. It teaches you how to be a team player. It teaches you different strategies and different plays. Sometimes you have to adapt based on what your competition is doing. If you’re playing offense and they’re playing defense, you have to learn how to come together to work as a team. A team atmosphere taught me how to work with different people so much that now it comes naturally.
– GREY Journal’s Founder 1on1 Interview with Jason Lopes
Being in the Track team sport instilled him the value of having a strong character and determination—principles that would become foundational in his approach to leading Freedom 2 Retire. Jason applied the same mindset to his business venture. The early difficulties of building a business mirrored the initial struggles of getting in shape for track. However, the commitment to continuous improvement and resilience in the face of setbacks ultimately prepared him for entrepreneurial success.
His journey through competitive sports laid a foundation of discipline and respect, equipping him to navigate the complexities of the business world with a mindset forged on the track.
Find out more inspiration and game-changer advice from his unfolded story only here: How Running Track Taught This Founder How To Run A Business
Jeff Kohl Owner of OC Restoration
Marked by diverse and unexpected detours, Jeff’s early ventures included an exploration into Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and a unique role training NFL athletes across the country. His story is not just about resilience and adaptation but also about the influence of sports and being surrounded by athletic people who happened to be his source of support and inspirations he has along the way.
A pivotal influence in Jeff’s life was his brother, a master athlete who excelled in the athletic world and served as a role model for him. A pivotal influence in Jeff’s life was his brother, a master athlete who excelled in the athletic world and served as a role model for him. Inspired by his brother’s dedication to football, Jeff embraced the rigorous demands of athletic training, waking up at 6 a.m. to train and making significant sacrifices. But this disciplined routine, however, was cut short by injuries that prevented him from pursuing a professional athletic career.
What can you tell us about your time training at Xtreme Speed?
Growing up I always went to different kinds of training facilities to get faster and stronger. Xtreme Speed is a facility where you learn the proper techniques on running, lifting, and training for specific sports. But most of all, it was a mental aspect. That’s really what set me apart from everyone else, whether it was in sports or in life now. It’s how far I’m willing to push myself and Xtreme Speed taught me to go further than everyone else.
– GREY Journal’s Founder 1on1 Interview with Jeff Kohl
Despite the setbacks, Jeff’s time training at Xtreme Speed laid the foundation for his future success with OC Restoration. The discipline, perseverance, and understanding of high-performance dynamics he developed through his athletic experiences became instrumental in his professional life. Transitioning from the adrenaline of MMA and the high stakes of NFL training to the structured challenges of home restoration, Jeff utilized the same principles of hard work and adaptability. His diverse background, enriched by the lessons learned from athletic discipline, equipped him to navigate the complexities of the home restoration industry and achieve remarkable success.
Dive deep into his journey and learn more insights from his Training ground to Winnings in Business Career: It’s Not What You Know But Who You Know, With An Xtreme Mentality
Jonas Roeser Co-founder of CBD Move Free
Jonas’ journey from being professional snowboarder to the high-stakes world of marketing and entrepreneurship is a testament to his versatility and resilience. He has held the position of Chief Marketing Officer for several prominent national brands while successfully running his own full-service branding and marketing agency at CBD Move Free. From an early age, Jonas learned the value of prioritizing family over business, a lesson that grounded his personal and professional life. As he grew older, he discovered that incorporating the activities of his youth helped him navigate the pressures of the business world.
What do you remember the most about your childhood that still is relevant to who you are today?
As I got older, I found that incorporating activities of my youth helps me with the pressures of business today. For example, I will be 50 years old this April, and I still find a smile on my face the second I step on a skateboard. Calling on my youth activities reminds me to always put the innocence of my youth into my day to stay young at heart.
– Founder 1on1 Interview with Jonas Roeser
His experiences on the skateboard and snowboard not only shaped his youth but also profoundly influenced his professional ethos. The thrill of competition and the discipline required to excel in extreme sports translated seamlessly into his marketing career, where creativity, agility, and a youthful spirit are essential. Jonas’ ability to harness the lessons of his sporting endeavors—perseverance, balance, and a zest for adventure—has been instrumental in his success as a marketing visionary, infusing his professional ventures with the same passion and energy that defined his athletic achievements.
From Snowboarding to Marketing, find out more in his remarkable story: Co-Founder Jonas Roeser Making A Change In Business And CBD Industry Using Education
Meir Fried Co-Founder And CEO of Lightwater
Meir Fried has become synonymous with success in the national commercial real estate landscape. Recognized for his sincerity and adeptness at navigating complex situations, Meir excels in managing staff, engaging investors, and devising innovative solutions to hedge risks in a fluctuating economy. His approach to business reflects a lifelong belief in the power of hard work and perseverance—a mindset he cultivated on the basketball courts of his youth.
What do you remember the most about your childhood that still is relevant to who you are today?
I liked playing sports a lot. I was one of the top kids in my school. Especially in Basketball. We didn’t have organized sports, but we took our pickup games very seriously. Every now and then I would either have a bad day or meet a new kid that was better than me. But it wouldn’t get me down. Because I knew that all I needed to do was go back home, and spend a dozen hours in my backyard practicing, and I would be ready to take on any challenge.
– GREY Journal’s Founder 1on1 Interview with Meir Fried
For Meir, the lessons learned from those backyard basketball sessions go beyond personal development—they shape his leadership style and business philosophy at Lightwater. He instills in his children and his team the same belief: that with enough effort and dedication, any obstacle can be turned into an opportunity for success.
Dig deep to Meir’s journey from a passionate young basketball player to a revered CRE leader: How Co-Founder And CEO Meir Fried Rose To Prominence In The CRE Industry
Derrick McNeil CEO of DMPA Investment Group
For many, sports are just a way to unwind, socialize, or stay active, but for Derrick McNeil, they laid the groundwork for a successful entrepreneurial career. Derrick’s passion for basketball shaped his competitive spirit and drive. His athletic ambitions continued into college, where he planned to pursue basketball. However, the discipline and energy cultivated on the court ignited a spark that would propel him into the real estate industry.
How did playing basketball influence how you view entrepreneurship today?
Playing basketball or any type of sport is a mental battle. Back when I was playing I had to dedicate a certain amount of time to the gym, for studying, or just getting my body right to be able to endure a basketball season. So that also applies to business. You have to dedicate time to the office and time to the people you’re working with. I get the same feeling I did before a game as I do before I get on a call with someone. I feel that way because of all the work ethic that I put in and I know I’m about to reap the results.
– GREY Journal’s Founder 1on1 Interview with Derrick McNeil
Basketball taught Derrick more than just the mechanics of the game; it instilled in him a relentless work ethic, strategic thinking, and a profound understanding of teamwork and leadership. These qualities have been crucial in navigating the complexities of real estate. Much like leading a team on the basketball court, Derrick approaches his business with a blend of competitive intensity and a commitment to putting people first.
Derrick’s story demonstrates that success in business often mirrors the dynamics of sports: it requires the right energy, a strategic mindset, and, above all, a genuine focus on others. Read through his journey of bouncing from basketball courts of Coatesville to the forefront of real estate investment: How A Young Entrepreneur Plans To Scale His Business Amidst A Pandemic
Sal Mannino Co-founder of SB Marketing Team
Sal’s entrepreneurial journey took a pivotal turn about two to three years ago when he met his co-founder, Bryan, while playing a game called Vigor. Their connection quickly grew from casual conversations about sports and Call of Duty to in-depth discussions about Sal’s real estate flipping projects and their shared admiration for entrepreneurial leaders. Their brainstorming sessions ranged from real estate flipping to wholesale real estate and long-term business ideas, ultimately leading Sal to propose the creation of SB Marketing Team.
What’s the most important lesson you learned from your childhood?
I learned to take advantage of every experience that comes your way, whether it is coaching a sport or volunteering at your local fire department, because you might just find your hidden passions like I did. Don’t believe you have to be good at something or have prior experience to try it because, between my coaching and firefighting, I can say I was not a good athlete or had any connections to firefighting. But both of them have become something that I love to do day in and day out alongside running my business.
– GREY Journal’s Founder 1on1 with Sal Mannino
Sal Mannino’s story is a testament to the power of embracing every opportunity and the impact of passion on achieving success. His journey from casual gamer to co-founder of a thriving marketing agency highlights how diverse experiences and a willingness to explore new ideas can shape and enhance a career, proving that even the most unexpected connections can lead to extraordinary accomplishments in business and life: The Risk Taking Cofounder And Volunteer Firefighter Taking His Clients To The Next Level
Norman Cottrell Founder of Virginia Music Corp.
Norman Cottrell’s path from the east end of Richmond, Virginia, to a burgeoning career in music education is as inspiring as it is transformative. Before his musical aspirations took hold, Norman’s early life was shaped by diverse experiences in martial arts and baseball. These sports instilled in him a foundation of discipline and teamwork that would later influence his approach to music and community engagement.
What was your life like before you got into music?
I grew up in the east end of Richmond and before I got into music I was in martial arts and baseball. Being in an apartment complex that spoke mostly Spanish made it very difficult, but the residents and I never had any issues, regardless of the language barrier. Afterwards, I graduated high school and didn’t have the money to go to college. So I worked at multiple jobs for three years to save up enough money to pursue my calling of being a music educator.
– GREY Journal’s Founder 1on1 Interview with Norman Cottrell
Norman’s early experiences in sports, security, and hard work have profoundly influenced his approach to music education and his entrepreneurial pursuits. The discipline from martial arts and baseball, coupled with the resilience he developed as a young security guard, have been integral to his success with the Virginia Music Corporation. Get more valuable insights and learnings from his full-story: The Founder Helping Keep Kids Off The Streets Through Music
The Athletic Edge in Business Success…
The stories of these remarkable founders Jason Lopes, Jeff Khol, Jonas, Meir Fried, Derrick McNeil, Sal Mannino, and Norman Cottrell illustrate the powerful synergy between athletic experiences into shaping a mindset for entrepreneurial success. Their journeys from the fields, courts, and tracks of their youth to the competitive arenas of business world reveal a shared truth: the principles learned through sports—discipline, resilience, teamwork, and a relentless pursuit of improvement—are invaluable assets in the professional world. Whether it’s mastering the art of goal-setting or adapting to challenges under pressure, the lessons learned on the field or court foster a mentality of excellence and innovation.
