Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Alex Hicks, Partner at Vayner Baseball (Vayner Sports), located in Dallas, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a partner at an Athlete Representation Agency (Sports Agency). I am an MLBPA-certified agent, focusing primarily on professional baseball players. Our company also represents NFL players, as well as MMA/UFC fighters, among a couple of other divisions.
Tell us about yourself
I have worked in professional baseball for my entire 19-year career. I started in the Texas Rangers front office in 2003, working in scouting and player development, as well as being an executive in the Front Office.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My greatest accomplishment to date has to be starting and rapidly building our current agency - Vayner Sports. I have learned a lot from my previous years on both the team side and as a Founder/CEO/agent with my startup agency nine years ago. I couldn't be more thrilled with my partners and other agents that have joined up, and the clients we represent are reflective of their skills and abilities. We are definitely way ahead of where I thought we would be.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing I can think of is being able to balance the many aspects of the business. Sure, you can be an agent and represent great players/clients, but every aspect of the business needs constant attention and care from accounting, finance, taxes, HR, billing, and collecting from clients, all of the things that many employees of companies don't necessarily deal with. When you start a business, every aspect falls on the business owner.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't be afraid to get started. Putting yourself out there is the only way to do it.
- Hire the right people at the right time. You can't do it all from day 1, but the culture and work environment are created by the people you hire. Being diligent here is key.
- Always have a 2-year, 5-year, and 10-year plan in mind. And have your exit strategy laid out as well in due time.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://vaynersports.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vaynersports/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vaynersports/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/vaynersports
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vaynersports/
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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