Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jordan Bledsoe, Owner of Velocity Sports Performance - Westchester, located in Hawthorne, NY, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Velocity is an athletic performance enhancement business serving anyone with a goal! From youth athletes learning how to move correctly to high school varsity players looking to capitalize on the recruiting process, to professionals in their off-season, to weekend warriors that want to continue to push their limits and be the best version of themselves.

Tell us about yourself

I am a husband, father of 2 boys, competitor & proud wearer of the badges of a life in sports. After working as an employee of a number of other companies in a similar field. I was presented with the opportunity to join the Velocity team, as a partner, in the Winter of 2018. Every day I am motivated to leave an indelible mark on the athletes, coaches, employees, my children, and the communities I am a part of.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

When we sat down in the early stages of the VSP-W formation, I drew some pins and lines on a map of Westchester county - envisioning what would eventually be referred to as the 'diamond model.' These pins represented the locations we would need to effectively be accessible to every athlete in Westchester county. In the Summer of 2022, we opened our Mamaroneck facility at 1385 Boston Post Rd. That was the 4th and final pin of that original 'diamond model.' Proud moment. West (Hawthorne '18), East (Armonk '19), North (Yorktown '20), South (Mamaroneck '22). I am very proud of my team and our commitment to high-quality coaching, high-quality processes, and a vision that doesn't crumble under pressure.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

The duality of my role as owner and operator. 5 hour long-term financial and logistical meetings right onto the training floor for a detailed performance session is an intense change of hats. But one of my business partners & I will often walk by each other in the foyer and wink, "don't forget - you chose this'. I wouldn't trade it for the world.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Take EVERY meeting. If someone wants to talk business - don't overthink its value beforehand. Show up, listen, and evaluate afterward. Worst case, you wasted an hour on your day. Best case, you just landed the idea that could take your brand to the next level.
  2. Prioritize a great team. From your #2 to your cleaning crew. A group of talented teammates will only make your skills shine brighter. Paying them $1 to take something off your plate may give you the time needed to execute your next $1000 idea (x100).
  3. Find a way to give your top employees skin in the game. They are less likely to leave it, if they own it. Dividing the pie might be painful at first; it's your baby. But losing your top employee will cost far more, in the long run, than the dividend payments you distribute to your partners when your business is killing it year after year.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://velocitywestchester.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vspwestchester/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vspwestchester/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/vspwestchester
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-bledsoe-9224a815/

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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