H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here) is a weekly show hosted by Trevis Waters — founder of PlayerProps.ai and one of the most unconventional builders in the modern sports world.
Each episode features a 1-on-1 conversation with someone who's taken a nontraditional path in sports, betting, content creation, or entrepreneurship. No fluff. No highlight reels. Just real stories, smart risks, and the decisions that shaped the journey.
Whether you're a bettor, builder, creator, or someone figuring out your next move — this show helps you learn how others actually got here, and how you might too.
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Just dropped: H.I.G.H. Episode 43 with Adam Bjorn of Plannatech Adam’s story is one of curiosity, persistence, and figuring things out one step at a time. Before founding Plannatech, there were years of experiences, challenges, and moments that slowly shaped the path he would eventually take into technology and entrepreneurship. That’s what this episode focuses on. Not just the business today. The full journey behind it. We rewind all the way back and talk through: • The early interests that sha...
Just dropped: H.I.G.H. Episode 42 with Ryan Robey of STAICY Ryan’s journey is a reminder that careers are rarely linear. Before building STAICY, there were years of experiences, interests, risks, pivots, and moments that slowly shaped the direction of where he would eventually end up. That’s what this episode is about. Not just the company. The full path behind it. We rewind all the way back and talk through: • The early influences that shaped his mindset • How technology and sports became part ...
Episode 41 of H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here) with Josh Hansen of Rolling Insights This episode is a full rewind into the journey that led Josh into sports, analytics, fantasy, and ultimately entrepreneurship. Before building Rolling Insights, Josh was simply someone fascinated by sports, numbers, competition, and trying to understand patterns long before data became such a massive part of the industry. That’s what this conversation focuses on. Not just the company. The path behind it. We talk about: ...
This episode explores Jesse Learmonth's unconventional path, beginning with childhood business influences and a pivotal encounter with investment principles in high school. He shares his experiences self-funding university, entering the betting industry through a retail job, and later navigating the corporate world before a strong pull towards entrepreneurship led him to found and exit multiple ventures. The discussion culminates in the organic growth of his current media business, Betting Startups, highlighting the power of showing up and building over time.
Ken Crites details his path from a conservative upbringing shaped by early loss to navigating the corporate world at Anderson Consulting and Nestle, where his early internet experience proved invaluable. He then played a pivotal role in the Keurig success story before transitioning to RotoWire, a move initially intended as semi-retirement that evolved into a significant, rewarding career. Ken concludes by sharing his current focus on community service and offering unique career advice.
Marek Suchar, co-founder of Oddin.gg, recounts his fascinating career path, beginning with childhood dreams of space exploration in the Czech Republic, transitioning through a decade in banking, and ultimately finding his passion in esports. He discusses the origins of Oddin.gg, its pivot from B2C to B2B, and the ongoing efforts to educate regulators and overcome challenges in the rapidly growing global esports betting industry, including addressing concerns about underage players and match-fixing.
Mark is building something that sits right at the intersection of sports, tech, and fan engagement. In this episode, we break down his journey into entrepreneurship and what it takes to build a product in a space that’s evolving as fast as sports betting, fantasy, and media are right now. This conversation goes beyond the product. It’s about vision, timing, and understanding where attention is going. We talk about: • The origin story behind Vokol • Building in a rapidly changing sports ecosystem...
Bob has been one of the driving forces behind bringing the fantasy football industry together in real life. What started as a passion for fantasy sports turned into building one of the most recognized events in the space, connecting creators, companies, and fans from all over the country. This episode is a deep dive into how an idea turns into an industry staple. We talk about: • How the Fantasy Football Expo was built from scratch • The early days of the fantasy football community • What it tak...
Most people see the final score. Malcolm Lemmons sees the deal behind it. In Episode 35 of H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here), Trevis sits down with Malcolm Lemmons — former professional basketball player, 2x author, LinkedIn Top Voice in Sports Business, and founder of Vetted Sports, one of the most respected intelligence platforms at the intersection of sports, technology, and investing. We go all the way back — from his early love of the game, to playing pro ball in Japan and the G-League, to the mome...
She cheered on the sidelines for the Atlanta Falcons. She reported for CNN and FOX. And somewhere along the way, her favorite uncle taught her how to bet — and changed the trajectory of her career forever. In Episode 34 of H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here), Trevis sits down with Erica Renee Davis — journalist, sports host, actress, sports betting analyst, and one of the most versatile voices at the intersection of media and gambling. We trace her full journey from growing up a die-hard Georgia Bulldogs ...
What does it take to go from dealing cards on a cruise ship to building a company, raising €7M, selling it to the #1 sports betting brand in America, and writing a 650-page memoir about the journey? Karolina Pelc has lived it. In this episode of H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here), Trevis sits down with Karolina Pelc — former VP of FanDuel, founder of BeyondPlay, author of HerPlay, investor, and one of the most compelling voices in global gaming and tech. We go all the way back — her early years, her firs...
He was hanging out with the founders of The Pirate Bay as a teenager. He started his first company selling a TV info system to schools that "didn't work that well." And in 2008 — right in the middle of a financial crisis he didn't even know was happening because he was too busy staring at a Linux screen — he co-founded Internet Vikings. In Episode 32 of H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here), Trevis sits down with Rickard Vikström — CEO and co-founder of Internet Vikings, the fastest-growing iGaming and spor...
On this week’s How I Got Here (H.I.G.H.) Podcast, I sit down with Catie Di Stefano of Vegas Kings, one of the most respected creative and digital agencies in the global gaming industry. Catie shares her journey from discovering her passion for digital storytelling to leading high-impact creative work for some of the biggest brands in iGaming and sports. Her story is full of clarity, resilience, and lessons on growth — both personally and professionally. We dig into: How Vegas Kings built its rep...
This week on the How I Got Here (H.I.G.H.) Podcast, I sit down with Stacie Stern, one of the most respected and impactful leaders at Underdog and a major force in shaping the modern fantasy sports landscape. Stacie’s journey is all about leadership, authenticity, and elevating an entire industry through smart strategy and strong relationships. From driving growth at one of the fastest-growing companies in fantasy sports to championing community and innovation, her story is packed with insight an...
On this week’s How I Got Here (H.I.G.H.) Podcast, I sit down with Irakli Davarashvili, founder of Promofy, to unpack an incredible journey of creativity, innovation, and relentless problem-solving. Marcuss has carved out a powerful niche by helping brands and creators scale their presence through smarter content distribution and automated promo systems. His story is a masterclass in building modern tools for a modern creator economy. We dive into: How Promofy was built from idea to execution The...
Episode 28 • H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here) Podcast • Ben Truman Join us for Episode 28 of H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here), where your host sits down with special guest Ben Truman to unpack his journey from early beginnings to where he is today. In this inspiring and candid conversation, Ben shares the lessons, challenges, and pivotal moments that shaped his path. We talk about: • How Ben first got started and what motivated him • The biggest obstacles he faced and how he overcame them • Key breakthroughs ...
Episode 27 – H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here) Podcast – Clinton Cutajar In Episode 27 of the H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here) Podcast we sit down with tech visionary and iGaming innovator Clinton Cutajar, exploring the journey that shaped him into a leader at the intersection of technology, digital marketing and online gaming. Clinton shares how he transformed early challenges into opportunities, what it takes to thrive in high-growth tech environments, and the lessons that have defined his path from develope...
Episode 26 – H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here) Podcast | Will Tighe In Episode 26 of H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here), I sit down with Will Tighe for a real conversation about his journey, the pivotal moments that shaped his path, and the lessons learned along the way. This podcast is all about the story behind the success. Not the highlight reel, but the grind, the decisions, the setbacks, and the mindset shifts that ultimately led to where someone is today. Will opens up about how he got started, what nearly...
Episode 25: Peter Schoenke — From Fantasy Sports Pioneer to Industry Leader In this episode of the H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here) Podcast, host Trevis Waters sits down with Peter Schoenke, co-founder and President of RotoWire — one of the most influential companies in fantasy sports and sports technology. Peter shares his journey from the early days of fantasy sports to building a data-driven business that has become a go-to resource for players, media companies, and major platforms. We dive into the...
On this episode of H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here) we sit down with endurance athlete, ultrarunner, and trailblazer Adam Small. Adam shares the powerful story of how he found his passion for pushing limits, the challenges he faced along the way, and what it truly takes to persevere when life throws its toughest obstacles at you. From early starts to life-shaping moments, Adam breaks down the mindset, habits, and experiences that shaped his journey into the athlete and person he is today. Tune in for a...
In Episode 23 of the H.I.G.H. Podcast, host Trevis Waters sits down with Toby Bucsescu, co-founder and CEO of Blitz:Draft, to break down his journey as a startup founder in the fantasy sports and sports tech space. Toby shares how he went from idea to execution, the challenges of building a fantasy sports platform in a crowded market, and what it really takes to launch, scale, and lead a fast-growing tech company. This episode dives deep into entrepreneurship, product development, fundraising le...
H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here) Podcast — Episode 21 Guest: Scott Hoyt Welcome back to the H.I.G.H. Podcast — where we explore the journeys, struggles, and breakthroughs that shape who we become. In Episode 21, I sit down with longtime betting and analytics veteran Scott Hoyt. Scott shares his personal story: how he got started, what shaped his approach to sports betting and analytics, and the mindset that keeps him grinding even when the odds aren’t favorable. Whether you’re new to betting or an expe...
In this episode of H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here), I sit down with Paris Smith, one of the most influential leaders in the global sports betting industry. As the longtime CEO of Pinnacle, Paris helped shape the modern sports wagering landscape — from pricing innovation to risk management, sharp-friendly markets, and building one of the most respected brands in the world. We dive into: Her journey into sports betting leadership Building and scaling a global sportsbook brand What separates great operat...
This is an episode of the H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here) Podcast hosted by Trevis Waters, featuring guest Jamie Garcia. The episode details Jamie Garcia's professional evolution, covering her journey from her childhood interests to her current role in the gaming industry. Key highlights from Jamie Garcia’s journey: Early Interests & College She initially wanted to be a marine biologist [01:47], an interest that changed after working in a pet store kennel. She pursued an interest in pharmacology [...
Episode 18 - H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here) Podcast - John Wright (Channel: PlayerProps ai - Learn How To Bet & Stop Losing) In this episode of the How I Got Here podcast, host Trevis Waters sits down with John Wright, the founder of Stats Drone, to trace his remarkable career journey through engineering, professional gambling, and the iGaming industry. John shares his story, which includes: Engineering Roots: His early passion for problem-solving, which led him to study Mechanical Engineering wi...
Welcome to Episode 17 of the H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here) Podcast! I'm your host, Trevis Waters, and on this episode, we sit down with the wonderful Sue Schneider. Sue has a fascinating and diverse career journey that spans social work, publishing, and three decades in the iGaming and sports betting industries. In this episode, we discuss: Early Ambitions: Her initial passion for travel and wanting to be a flight attendant, followed by a brief interest in the medical field. A Life of Service: The 1...
In this episode, Zaire Williams shares his career journey from aspiring to be an architect to becoming the CEO and founder of Exclusive Media. He recounts his post-graduation experience and how an encounter at an NBA All-Star Weekend led to his first job as a creative director. This pivotal opportunity gave him the experience and confidence to eventually start his own successful company.
In this episode, Ryan Rubio, a Principal at ZeroLabs, shares his professional journey from his childhood fascination with buying and selling video games to his academic career in political science and business. He discusses his extensive experience in the hospitality and gaming industry, working with major companies like Universal Studios, Caesars Entertainment, and MGM Resorts. The conversation highlights how his diverse experiences ultimately led him to his current role at ZeroLabs, a startup ...
In this episode, Dr. Kevin Murray shares his unique career path, from his childhood passion for sports broadcasting and baseball to his current role as a chiropractor and founder of Fantasy Football Unlimited. He discusses how he merged his two passions by writing a book, The Commissioner's Playbook, and creating a podcast, both aimed at helping fantasy football commissioners improve their leagues. Dr. Murray provides advice on how to keep league members engaged and addresses common challenges l...
