This episode features an interview with Larry and Jacob Amon, who are launching a new club in the Maryland-Delaware region. They discuss their personal soccer backgrounds, the challenges of establishing a club in a less populated area with limited existing opportunities, and their strategies for securing funding, finding a venue, and building a strong community presence. The conversation also touches upon the importance of fan engagement and creating a unique and appealing club experience beyond...
Jan 16, 2025•58 min
This podcast features an interview with Dan Carl, director of the DKCU Academy and coach of our successful women's soccer team. Carl discusses his coaching philosophy, which emphasizes building team chemistry and a positive environment to reduce pressure, and foster player development and growth. He also describes the academy's structure, its connection to the adult team, and the pathway it provides for young players. The conversation touches upon challenges in transitioning youth players to col...
Dec 03, 2024•32 min
AnswerIn this episode of the Build It podcast, host John Hall welcomes Shannon Bohn, the Media and Community Relations Coordinator for Orthodontic Experts. They delve into the organization's mission of community engagement and educational outreach, which has been pivotal in their growth from one clinic to 26 across Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana over the past 12 years.Shannon shares insights into how Orthodontic Experts differentiates itself through fun and engaging educational programs aimed ...
Nov 25, 2024•30 min
In this episode, hosts Nik Myles and John Hall discuss the past season's performance of their soccer club, DKCU, and share their plans for the upcoming year. They cover topics like the men's and women's team results, the impact of relegation, fan engagement efforts, and the club's growth strategy moving forward. The hosts reflect on DKCU's journey so far and outline their key priorities and approaches for the future.
Nov 19, 2024•42 min
The podcast discusses building value for long-term success through emotional connections, market research, and branding. Dave, John and Nik decode pricing strategies and fan reactions, optimizing ticket prices for events. Insights on enhancing ticket value perception and strategies for season ticket sales are also explored, along with casual banter and a soccer club startup advertisement. 3 Takeaways •Understanding customer value is crucial for effective pricing strategies. •Enhancing customer e...
Mar 20, 2024•55 min
A conversation between John and Andrew Grum. They discuss Andrew's background, his internship experiences with Dekalb County United and the minor league baseball team, Kane County Cougars. We hear about: Andrew's interest in sports, sales, and providing good fan/community experiences Differences between the casual, volunteer-based soccer club structure and the more corporate structure of minor league baseball Ticket sales strategies and offerings for generating fan attendance and engagement Idea...
Feb 26, 2024•1 hr 3 min
Sarah Levinger, a Consumer Behavior Strategist, discusses the power of perspective and long-term brand building, the importance of connections and attentional bias, the psychology of marketing and branding, understanding generational differences in marketing, and expanding the market and creating a different experience. She might also be a lunatic, in the most wonderful way. Big shout out to our special guest co-host on this episode, Ashely. Key Takeaways Understanding generational slang helps c...
Feb 08, 2024•54 min
Zach Fisher joined us to talk about Year 2 with AFC Colombia, their merger with Missouri Reign, and the Midwest Premier League's announcement of intention to move toward a tiered structure https://afccomo.com/afc-columbia-and-missouri-reign-announce-merger-to-elevate-soccer-in-mid-missouri/ https://midwestpl.com/2030-plan-the-mwpl-announces-new-league-vision/...
Dec 07, 2023•44 min
Introducing a New Soccer Franchise in Aurora, Illinois The podcast episode features an interview with the founders of Riverlight, a new soccer franchise in Aurora, Illinois. The founders discuss their soccer backgrounds and their goal of bringing a new USL team to the area. They explain that Aurora was chosen as the location due to its large population center and the presence of a strong youth soccer community. The founders express their ambition to be a USL League One team in the future. Challe...
Nov 10, 2023•40 min
Join Nik & John in conversation with Chicago soccer stalwart and pioneer of walking soccer, George Gorecki. The gents talk through George's time with his club, as part of Chicago's storied National Soccer League, and the merger with the Metropolitan Soccer League, before diving into the exciting world of walking soccer. You'll get the history, the growth, and the possibilities, all in one hour! Find George and his friends here Learn more about walking soccer here and here ....
Oct 25, 2023•50 min
In this episode, hosts Nik and John are joined by special guest Jimmie Martin, host of the Bluegrass Soccercast podcast. The three dive into the Kentucky soccer scene, discussing the pro, semi-pro, amateur, and college teams in the state. Jimmie provides an overview of the different leagues and clubs, including Louisville City FC, Lexington Sporting Club, and Bowling Green FC. They compare the fan experiences, stadium environments, and community outreach efforts of the various teams. Jimmie high...
Oct 24, 2023•1 hr 12 min
In this episode, we speak with Brad Seymour, President of the Windy City Bulls, the G League affiliate of the Chicago Bulls. Brad shares his insights on running a successful minor league basketball franchise, including how they approach ticket sales, promotions, partnerships, and creating a great fan experience. Key topics discussed: Brad's career path from baseball to basketball, and his philosophy on creativity and not being afraid to fail Differences between independent minor league teams vs ...
Oct 18, 2023•56 min
Founder and managing director of Harpost Football Club, Johnny Freeston is our guest today as we discuss the club's history and its success. We touch on the challenges of running the club daily and the secret sources for its success. Freeston, who has led the club to over a dozen trophies and championships, emphasizes the club's goal of fostering community and providing opportunities for players to develop. Then we discuss the importance of culture and advice for non-league soccer clubs in makin...
Sep 28, 2023•1 hr
John and Nik catch up after the season ends, talking about the highlights from this past year. The club had record fundraising, killer attendance, and some big wins against rival clubs when they were the home team. But they struggled to keep that energy going for away games. They talk about how they really need to actively invite and pump people up to come out each week, rather than just assuming fans will show up on their own. The corporate parties and group outings were a hit. Looking ahead, t...
Sep 05, 2023•1 hr
The only way you stand out is to be different.
Apr 06, 2023•50 min
In this edition of the Build It podcast, Bruce Bodie joins us discuss Bruce’s impressive background as a soccer player, referee, and event producer. Bruce is the co-founder of the Illinois Referee Alliance, an organization dedicated to supporting and training referees in the state. The hosts also dive into Bruce’s new role as the Executive Director with the United States Adult Soccer Association and the work he is doing to support adult soccer players across the country. The conversation also di...
Mar 21, 2023•1 hr
Javi Bautista was a college soccer player at Ashford University in Clinton, Iowa. During his sophomore year, he realized that coaching was going to be what he wanted to do full-time. Nik and John welcomed him to the Buildit Podcast to discuss his brand, presentation, and why he chose to focus on certain things. Javi explained that he has been passionate about soccer ever since he can remember and has been fortunate enough to play college soccer. He is now pursuing a career in coaching. Javi disc...
Mar 08, 2023•55 min
Jonathan Rednour is the President and CEO of Crescent City Football Club and Vice President of operations for the Gulf Coast Premier League. He talks about his passion for soccer and how he got into promoting and developing the sport in the greater New Orleans area. He and John discussed the challenges they face in their local regions, and both agreed that grassroots level clubs are the best way to start building a strong foundation in the community. They highlighted the importance of investing ...
Mar 03, 2023•51 min
John, and Nik speak with Joe about their preparations for the upcoming soccer season, discussing their progress and plans to create an amazing experience for players and fans alike. Nik, the marketing team leader, has been busy generating interest in the club through Twitter, podcasts, and photo shoots, and emphasizes the importance of community involvement. With 19 players returning and local kids in the pipeline, the coaches and technical staff at Dekalb County United are excited about the tea...
Feb 23, 2023•26 min
Exploring Entrepreneurial Growth Through Community Engagement Nik and John interview Troy Talaga, the owner of Realize Athletics, a sports performance facility in DeKalb, Illinois, which caters to ages six to twenty-six, and discuss the importance of injury prevention and sports performance. During the interview, John explains their partnership with Troy's organization, which was built on a shared passion for sports, and Troy discusses his background in sports and his dedication to helping kids ...
Feb 10, 2023•53 min
Christos SC Sporting Director Larry Sancombe: A History of Soccer Success Christos FC is a semi-professional soccer club based in Baltimore, Maryland. The club was founded in 1984 by a group of local players who wanted to continue playing at a high level after their college careers ended. Christos FC has won seven Maryland Major Soccer League titles, three USA SA National Amateur Cup titles, and two USSA USA SA Verna Fricker National Open Cup titles. The club is also known for its strong communi...
Jan 17, 2023•42 min
Fanbase is a new app designed to help with marketing and media for lower league clubs. We discuss why Ali and his team decided to create the app and how it can be used by clubs at our level to level up marketing and media content. John, Nik and Ali discuss how the tool can help sports teams with ticketing, memberships, communications, and data management. Crawley explains that the tool is meant for teams that are wanting to take themselves more seriously and be more professional.
Jan 10, 2023•57 min
Nik and Neil talked about the digital and social media sports podcast and how it is a catch little title. Neil is always up of the mindset to that as they learn what they are learning. Neil talked about the podcast and how it allows them to reach out to people they admire and wants to meet. Neil talked about the pain of asking for podcast numbers and said that every time someone says they listen to an episode or a podcast, it blows them away. Nik and Neil talked about the most recurring theme th...
Dec 08, 2022•48 min
Rosevelt soccer club have humble roots and lofty ambitions. From a seed of an idea borne from travels in Iceland, John Morgan has earned his stripes coaching youth soccer in all manner of places, before starting up his own club in Gorham, Maine, 30 minutes outside of Portland. Disillusioned with the exclusive nature of local youth operations, John has worked tirelessly to grow his club to nearly 200 players across all age groups. The club's 2050 initiative is the latest step on the path to bring...
Nov 21, 2022•46 min
Nik, John and Dave spoke about the biggest challenges facing college graduates entering the sports management field, and how lower league soccer clubs can come to a mutually beneficial partnership with local educational institutions to provide experience in the field.
Nov 09, 2022•58 min
Madyson is Director Of Corporate Partnerships at Chattanooga Football Club. She joined John and Nik to talk about building relationships with businesses in your community, the importance of the personal touch.
Oct 27, 2022•1 hr 5 min
Jentry has nearly a decade of experience working with sports organizations, and knows what it takes to streamline, maximize effectiveness and increase revenue. He nearly always has a budget, so we challenged him on what he do without one! https://www.linkedin.com/in/jentrymullins/
Oct 21, 2022•50 min
Join Nik and John as the chat with Brandon Jaltz from Temecula FC. From English nonleague soccer trials, through battles with local youth soccer teams, and how important community support is to his bigger mission. Brandon talked about the challenges of running a club and ensuring the support is engaged every day. difficulties of dealing with membership models as TFC try to gain additional investment. branding and the very distinctive quail on the TFC crest. perils of setting up a soccer organiza...
Oct 12, 2022•1 hr
Now the dust has settled on the club's inaugural season in the MWPL, how is Zach feeling? Was it all worth it? What lessons has he learned?
Sep 23, 2022•49 min
Michael Bochel is a freelance Sports Marketing Consultant and former Head of Digital at the Scottish FA who volunteers with his hometown club, Nairn County. Michael recently launched his own podcast, where he shares his experiences of helping out the club in his own spare time. We got Michael on the podcast because not only does he know his marketing, he knows how to get results on a volunteer budget with a volunteer workforce. We would like tp think that some of what is discussed might resonate...
Sep 19, 2022•1 hr 2 min
