It all began at my son’s 12U baseball parents meeting, a gathering that held the promise of excitement and camaraderie. Coach Keith stood before us, his enthusiasm infectious, as he announced that our team had been accepted to play in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The room erupted with cheers, but the reality quickly set in: a trip like this would cost $5000, not including individual travel expenses.
As parents began brainstorming fundraising ideas, I felt a familiar spark of determination ignite within me. One parent looked my way, aware of my background in marketing, and asked if I had any ideas. In that moment, I felt the weight of the challenge and the thrill of possibility. Challenge accepted! I declared that Team REMEDY Sales and Marketing would match every dollar we raised.
Fast forward to just under two weeks before our departure, and I’m filled with a mix of anticipation and pride. We had raised $1400, and with our matching contribution, that brought us to $2800. While we were still a bit shy of our $5000 goal, I refused to let that dampen our spirits. As the saying goes, “I ain’t done yet!” I reached out to our community, inviting them to join us in this endeavor. The response was heartwarming, and I was inspired by the support pouring in.
Then came the moment we had all been waiting for. The Colossal 12U team made it to Pigeon Forge for the Ripken tournament! I was overwhelmed with pride as I saw our logo emblazoned on their jerseys, a testament to the collective effort and spirit of our community. A sincere thank you to everyone who contributed; your generosity made this journey possible.
This experience was not only meaningful to my company, but it also held deep significance for my family. My son, my daughters, and my wife were all there with me, sharing in the excitement and the challenges. We worked together, rallied together, and celebrated together. From a business standpoint, this endeavor allowed me to forge stronger relationships within our community and demonstrate the values that REMEDY stands for.
As a small, one-man company, I often find myself in a world dominated by larger corporations. Yet, this journey reminded me that the little guy can make a significant impact. The boys on that field were likely the smallest yet mightiest group of ball players. Throughout that seven-day span in Tennessee, they showcased that while they may not have been the biggest, they were undoubtedly the toughest and fiercest competitors out there. Their unwavering spirit became a source of inspiration, not just for me but for other small businesses striving to carve out their own paths.
Youth sports embody so much more than just competition; they build character, foster teamwork, and create lasting friendships. This journey allowed me to embody a cherished memory with my family and my business, reminding me that the principles of community, relationship, hard work, and perseverance are key factors in everything we do. Designing the jerseys and engaging with our supporters became a beautiful melding of personal and professional fulfillment.
As these young men continue to grow and eventually evolve in their sport or any endeavor they choose, I hope they carry the lessons learned from this experience with them. Whether their paths lead them into different areas of academics or athleticism, they should always remember what this tournament, this journey, and this hard work and dedication meant to them.
As I have faced my fair share of challenges in life, including personal battles and the day-to-day struggles of running a business, a moment of clarity emerged during this journey. When these boys charged the field after their last pitch, solidifying their dominance in the tournament, it reinforced the dream of daring to be great, no matter the obstacles. Their determination echoed my own struggles and triumphs, reminding me that perseverance in the face of adversity is what truly defines success.
Let’s take a moment to celebrate this remarkable achievement and keep this momentum alive. The journey from a simple parents meeting to standing on that field in Pigeon Forge is a testament to what we can accomplish together. I am proud to support these young athletes and excited to see where their journey takes them next.
Go team! Together, we can achieve greatness, as families, as a community, and as one united front, driven by the principles that guide us in both life and business. The little guys can indeed pave the way for others, proving that it’s not about the size of the player but the strength of their heart. And as these young athletes move forward, I hope they always remember the journey that brought them here, the unwavering support that will follow them wherever they go, and the dream of daring to be great that resonates within us all.
