Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in sports and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Justin Sherman, Founder of JustinTime Baseball, located in New Rochelle, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
JustinTime Baseball is a youth baseball training company in Westchester County, NY, focusing on the concept of fundamentals, building confidence, and creating a positive experience for every child. Our age bracket is for ages 4-12 years old. We focus on programs such as hitting, throwing, catching, and instructional gameplay. We also offer our very popular rookie programs. This is for ages 4-9 years old old. The whole premise is big-picture youth development training, with an emphasis on instructional gameplay.
Tell us about yourself
I’ve always loved running my own business and thinking outside the box. When I was five, I started selling painted rocks on the beach; I was not the best painter, but I loved the concept of creating a business and helping people. I started a DJ business at thirteen years old with my good friends. We would do big parties, country clubs, house parties, and very popular kids’ birthday parties. This was all done between the ages of twelve and fifteen years old. I’ve always loved working and being around kids. I’ve always had a love for being a mentor and leader with kids. I was so fortunate to have incredible mentors and baseball coaches in my life.
I started in my neighborhood doing one-on-one training and coaching on my own in 2015. When the pandemic hit, I saw the need for children to be together, learn life lessons, and integrate social-emotional learning. My passion was baseball, teaching, and entrepreneurship. I knew that the concept of bringing kids together in a positive environment was bigger than me. During COVID, we scaled it into a full-fledged company, not just Justin Sherman but JustinTime Baseball. I want to expand the youth development portion across New York State and even into other states, maybe?
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
We have a phenomenal staff, and I want to be known as the best company to work for and the best company for kids to go to to learn the fundamentals. It’s the staff we have brought together along with our programs I’m most proud of, nothing happens without our great coaches.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Patience, I would say I want things to happen so quickly, but truly great things take time and dedication.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- People - you can’t do anything without people. Be good to people and always do the right thing.
- Give to give, don’t give to get. I want to help as many kids/parents and coaches as possible without anything in return.
- Keep your calendar full. White space on the calendar is no good. Stay busy with productive actions always. Promoting, writing, and following up.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.justintimebaseball.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justintimebaseball/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/justintimebase1
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-sherman-a8031786/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.