Renovating Your Sports Facility

Welcome to the world of Parks and Rec! This week we sat down with staff from the award-winning Johnson Country Parks and Recreation Department to talk about one of their recently renovated indoor facility, Okun Fieldhouse. From storage challenges to flooring choices, this episode explores the nuances of planning and executing changes made to preserve and improve this community pillar. Discover the insights shared by the facility managers and gain a deeper understanding of the strategies employed to navigate the ever-changing world of community sports.
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Life After Sports: Networking for Athletes

The world of sports creates a familial bond that connects people far beyond the thrill of the game, but what happens after an athlete retires from their sports career? Dive into the challenges and solutions presented by Chris Smith, CEO, and founder of Athlete Network, as he shares his journey and insights. Inspired by the experiences of his own sports community, Chris was determined to create the power behind the promise “Once Family, Always Family” so often delivered at the end of a season. In this episode, discover the potential impact on facility managers looking to hire athletes and how Athlete Network’s technology is reshaping the landscape. Join us as we unravel the key themes and valuable takeaways that bridge the gap between athletes, facilities, and the ever-evolving realm of technology. For more insights on creating a healthy culture, check out our episode on Creating a Company Culture that Empowers Employees.

Pick Up, Drop In, or Open Play: Which is it?

Welcome to the heart of the action where the thrill of the game meets the pulse of community engagement. In this blog, we dive deep into the nuances of pick-up sports leagues and open-play initiatives, exploring the strategies that turn casual sports events into thriving community hubs. We hear from Mitch and Greg of KC Crew to share the good and the bad from their experiences facilitating open-play sporting spaces.  From the first dribble to the final buzzer, we dissect the elements that contribute to the success of these events, offering valuable insights for facility managers, sports enthusiasts, and anyone seeking to create a community-based sports culture. For more from KC Crew, check out their episode on Running Adult Sports Leagues.

How to Generate Revenue in Your Sports Facility

In the world of sports facility management, success and stability don’t come easy. But what if you had a roadmap to profitability? Enter Chuck Stollery, Membership Director of US Indoor, an organization built to help sports programs succeed. In this episode, we have a  thought-provoking conversation, sharing insights on maximizing revenue, the importance of cleanliness, customer engagement, and what the future holds for sports facilities. Join us as we uncover common pitfalls new facilities often fall into and start your business ahead of the game.  For more insights from Chuck, check out his episode on Staff Recruitment, Training, and Retention.

Strategies for Winning Partnerships

Fundraising is typically a constant need when it comes to youth sports, and the right partnership can significantly reduce that stress on facility managers. Explore the dynamic realm of sponsorships in youth and amateur sports facilities, as we delve into insightful conversations with industry expert Mark Dvoroznack, co-founder of Base Sports Group. By channeling his varied experiences with landing mutually beneficial partnerships, he created an organization that seeks to secure those for other youth sports organizations. In this blog, we’ll hear about the pivotal role played by partnerships in shaping community centers, fostering growth, and creating positive impacts. Discover the nuanced strategies employed by Base Sports Group and gain valuable insights into the key elements that make these partnerships thrive. For more fundraising wisdom, check out our episode on Nonprofit Fundraisers.

Championing a Winning Culture: Wisdom from Joel Goldberg

With a career spanning over 25 years, Joel Goldberg has become a trusted voice in the world of baseball, specifically known for his deep connections with the Kansas City Royals. Beyond the glitz of victories and championships, Joel’s storytelling skills unveil the human side of the game, capturing the essence of resilience, leadership, and teamwork. His unique journey from a local sports anchor to a nationally recognized figure reflects his unwavering commitment to his craft. Joel Goldberg not only narrates the triumphs of baseball but also imparts invaluable lessons, making him a sought-after speaker, mentor, and storyteller. Explore the unique dynamics of a championship team, discover the secrets of cultivating a winning culture, and unravel the parallels between the baseball field and the business arena. Joel’s engaging anecdotes and lessons learned provide a valuable playbook for success in sports, leadership, and life. For more leadership insights, check out our episode with Pro Athlete!

Creating an Entertainment Destination: Insights from T-Shotz

This week on the Facility Playbook, we sat down with Zach Doerfler, Director of Operations at T-Shotz. Created to be a golfing hub for both the beginner and professional, TShotz has expanded into an entertainment destination. From enhancing customer experience to overcoming challenges in the entertainment and hospitality industry, we explore key themes and practical tips for facility managers. Expand and elevate your facility with expert insights and strategies for long-term growth. For more industry insights on golf-forward entertainment, check out our episode with Sinkers Lounge.

Corporate Events: Hosting Fun Team Outings

Looking to throw an event your employees actually want to attend? Look no further! In this week’s blog, we are once again joined by the event experts at KC Crew. We dive into some key points you should consider when planning your corporate events. Learn how to leverage your space, attract diverse clientele, and ensure seamless event execution. Discover insights on boosting engagement, optimizing your venue’s potential, and connecting with key industry associations. For more event advice, check out their recent episode on Nonprofit Events!

Heartland Soccer: Managing Growth and Tech Innovations

This week on the Facility Playbook Podcast, we talked to Shane Hackett, Executive Director of Heartland Soccer Association. They boast the title of largest soccer league and tournament host in the country, and they have the systems to back it. Heartland Soccer Association’s growth can be attributed to their commitment to investing in their community and continuing to stay up to date with the latest tech. In this blog, we break down some of their success stories of growth, how they handle training refs, tips for league management, and staying up to date on technological advancements in the industry. To hear insights from one of the top facilities Heartland built, check out our episode with Scheels Soccer Complex!

Creating a Company Culture That Empowers Employees

In this week’s blog, we pull back the curtain and see the foundation that built the remarkable success of Pro Athlete, named the #3 healthiest place to work in America. Explore how their unique workplace flexibility and personalized perk packages have elevated employee satisfaction and performance. Underneath the flashy workplace perks lies the significance of core values and how involving employees in their creation fosters a powerful company culture. See why embracing your employees’ diversity can enhance your work environment. No matter the industry, their approach offers valuable lessons for organizations looking to thrive in today’s ever-evolving workplace. Looking for more resources on building the core of your facility? Check out our blog on Strategies for Staff Recruitment, Training, and Retention.