Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dele Sobomehin, CEO of Team Esface Basketball Academy, located in Redwood City, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a year-round youth basketball academy taking a holistic approach to developing committed scholar-athletes. Our customers are parents with athletes who love basketball and have ambitions to play high school basketball and beyond. They also understand the value of using basketball as a vehicle to develop the whole athlete, skills, and character alike.
Tell us about yourself
My parents ran a nonprofit serving at-risk youth during my entire upbringing. At an early age, I saw the impact that extra-curricular programs can have on developing youth, building their confidence enriching their lives in powerful ways. I have loved basketball my entire life, and I've also always loved working with youth; Team Esface became the marriage of both. Every day I'm excited knowing that a kid will not only maximize their athletic potential by getting high-level coaching from our academy but will also learn valuable life lessons that will shape them into young men and women that will be leaders with strong character and healthy lifestyles enabling them to impact the lives of others.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Helping over 20 players go on to play college basketball while building a sustainable business that has provided over 100 full-time and part-time "dream jobs" for men and women who love the game and are passionate about positively impacting young lives.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The amount of time it takes to run a business that operates on high standards. As much as you become more efficient over time, the work that goes into building something great is extraordinary, so it is hard to balance work with your personal life.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Build a business around something you truly are passionate about, not just for mere financial gain.
- Write down as much as possible because if it's not on paper, it's easy to get lost. Writing your vision, values, and goals brings the ideas to life and makes it easier to bring them to fruition and get others on board.
- When you start making money, hire a good CPA to make sure your accounting is accurate and on point. This will save you thousands of dollars long-term and help you make informed business decisions that are not purely emotional.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.teamesface.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamEsface/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teamesface/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/teamesface
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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