Today we’d like to introduce you to Nick Vallot
Hi Nick, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Sure! My journey began in Lafayette, Louisiana, where I grew up as a triplet with an older brother. Having a support system and the competitiveness from my siblings taught me how to navigate challenges and different personalities. My parents did an outstanding job raising the four of us, and I’m truly grateful for their love and support, which they continue to provide every day. I talk to my parents almost daily, especially my mom, who always listens to me, even when I talk a lot. One day, she told me I had a gift for connecting with people and believed I would impact the world one day. This conversation planted the seed for Hooping Helps.
My mother was an entrepreneur and instilled that spirit in all of us. We loved learning from her advice, and today, all four of us are entrepreneurs. My triplet brother Justin owns a cleaning business in Lafayette, LA (Vallot’s Mean Clean). My other triplet brother Shane owns a fantastic restaurant called Shane’s Famous Quesadilla Burgers and also a catering company called Ca C’est Bon Catering. My older brother owns a real estate firm called the TK GROUP in Lafayette, LA.
I got into the position I am in today through hard work, dedication, and personal commitments to be the best version of myself. After graduating college, I picked up groceries for about four months and used that time to work on my personal and professional development. I would make up conversations with CEOs, NBA coaches, executives, and celebrities to prepare for real interactions. I also spent a lot of time reading books on business and personal and professional development, a habit I continue to this day. God has gotten me where I am; His favor and grace on my life have been truly remarkable. I’m grateful for Him providing me with opportunities, platforms, and people that love and can and will be inspired by me. When everything seems to be going left, God is always right on time. He has never failed me.
I began my career as a college men’s basketball manager at Nicholls State University, eventually becoming a student assistant coach. At Nicholls State, I built strong relationships with athletes and coaches, always making myself valuable to the team. Despite the joy of building these relationships, it was tough watching athletes leave and struggle without the support they had in college. This realization drove me to find a way to support athletes beyond their playing years.
During my time at Nicholls State, I met one of my best friends, Tevon Saddler, who was a men’s basketball student-athlete. From day one, Tevon took me under his wing and guided me through life. His wisdom and guidance truly impacted my life and is a testament to my success today. Tevon faced challenges that many would find insurmountable, but he persevered and became the youngest Division I Men’s Basketball Head Coach in the country at our alma mater, Nicholls State. His journey inspires athletes around the world to keep going.
After graduating, I worked with the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans in sales, then transitioned to the Memphis Grizzlies in youth sports and sales. These experiences broadened my understanding of the sports industry and reinforced my desire to support athletes.
During my time at Nicholls State, we won a conference championship in my freshman and senior years, giving me a comprehensive perspective on the highs and lows athletes face. My passion for basketball and helping others led to the creation of Hooping Helps. The organization aims to assist athletes in finding their passion and unlocking their potential, focusing on personal and professional development, mentality and mindset, and strategic planning.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been an easy journey; it has been very difficult. I credit my wife for always being there as a listening ear, motivation, and overall support system—she’s my rock. Her belief in me is the reason I know there is nothing I can’t accomplish. I believe anything worth having doesn’t come easy. What sets me apart is my openness and eagerness to learn. I see myself as a sponge, always ready to soak up as much knowledge as possible and share it with others.
As an executive and entrepreneur, I love the process despite its challenges—it’s beautiful. The process is the part most people want to skip, but not me; I’m dedicated to it. I believe it makes accomplishing any and every goal ten times sweeter!
For Hooping Helps, a fairly new nonprofit organization, learning about nonprofits, leading an organization, and leading a team has been an experience. I credit our Executive Director, Yasmin Villanueva, for ensuring that our organization runs smoothly every day. Yasmin’s faith, leadership, and passion are vital to our continued growth and success. She keeps everyone motivated, driven, and focused on our overall goal and mission. We are truly blessed and grateful to have her and our dedicated team who believe wholeheartedly in the mission of Hooping Helps.
As a nonprofit organization, securing funding and support has been challenging. However, we are confident that as more people hear about and witness the work we do, they will recognize its importance and value, leading to increased support. To truly impact the hundreds of thousands of athletes out there, we need a larger team, more resources, office spaces, donors, sponsors, and community commitments.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I work for the Memphis Grizzlies in Youth Sports and Sales, with a primary focus on our Junior Grizzlies program. This initiative enhances youth basketball leagues, from parks and recreation to church leagues, by providing exciting opportunities and experiences. These include Memphis Grizzlies practice jerseys, the chance to play a game on the court during halftime at a Grizzlies game, coaches’ chalk talks, and much more.
In addition to my work with the Junior Grizzlies program, I serve as a sales executive. I assist clients with various ticketing needs, including Memphis Grizzlies season tickets, single-game tickets, courtside seats, suite rentals, and club boxes. I also handle suite rentals for FedExForum concerts and events, as well as Memphis Tigers Basketball games.
What I’m most proud of are the relationships I’ve built with clients, who have become friends here in Memphis. What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to ensuring all clients have the best possible customer experience and service. I extend this same courtesy to their referrals, ensuring everyone receives top-notch service and support.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
As the founder of Hooping Helps and a Youth Sports and Sales executive for the Memphis Grizzlies, there are various ways people can work with me, collaborate with me, or support me:
Hooping Helps:
1. Partnerships and Sponsorships: We are always looking for organizations and businesses to partner with us in supporting our mission. Sponsors can help fund our programs, provide resources, or offer opportunities for our athletes.
2. Volunteering: Individuals can volunteer their time and expertise to help run workshops, mentor athletes, and support our events.
3. Donations: As a nonprofit, donations are critical to our success. Financial contributions, equipment donations, and other resources help us provide valuable services to athletes.
4. Community Engagement: Schools, community centers, and athletic associations can collaborate with us to implement our programs and workshops, helping us reach more athletes.
5. Networking and Advocacy: Helping us connect with key stakeholders, athletic associations, and potential donors can greatly enhance our reach and impact.
Memphis Grizzlies – Youth Sports and Sales:
1. Youth Leagues and Organizations: Local youth leagues and organizations can join our Junior Grizzlies program to offer their players unique experiences and benefits.
2. Ticketing and Hospitality: Clients can work with me to secure season tickets, single-game tickets, courtside seats, suite rentals, and club boxes for Memphis Grizzlies games and other events at FedExForum.
3. Corporate and Group Sales: Businesses and groups can collaborate with me to plan corporate outings, group events, and other special occasions, leveraging our facilities and services for memorable experiences.
4. Community Events and Initiative: Collaborate with the Grizzlies on community-focused events and initiatives, bringing positive impact through sports.
5. Referrals and Networking: By referring potential clients and partners to me, you can help expand our network and build stronger community ties.
In both roles, my goal is to create meaningful connections and opportunities that benefit the community and support the development of young athletes. Whether through direct collaboration, sponsorship, or community engagement, your support can make a significant difference.
Pricing:
- Monthly or Annual Gifts
- $10 a month or $120 a year. – Support our mission and empower an athlete to thrive in our success program. Join us for just $10 a month or $120 a year.
- $20 a month or $240 a year – Support our mission and empower an athlete to thrive in our success program. Join us for just $10 a month or $120 a year.
- $50 a month or $600 a year – Support our mission and enable a high school or college basketball team to participate in our success program. Join us for just $50 a month or $600 a year.
- $100 a month or $1,200 a year – Support our Hooping Helps Scholarship fund, awarding one athlete each year. This is highly beneficial for athletes who need a helping hand and do not have a scholarship. Join us for just $100 a month or $1,200 a year.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Hoopinghelpsconsulting.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hooping.helps?igsh=bjNyNW5mbGlpNjV0&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoopingHelps
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@hoopinghelps4
