Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Saulsberry. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Brian Saulsberry is a serial entrepreneur and student-athlete from Memphis, TN. Brian is in the business of working with professional athletes and connecting them with youth sports.
In 2020, Brian launched Backyard Sports Enterprises. Backyard Sports Enterprises is in the business of providing athletic training and skill development clinics featuring professional athletes, designing and distributing athletic training media, and designing and distributing athletic clothing and gear. He is a graduate of Baldwin Wallace University in Cleveland, Ohio.
While at Baldwin Wallace he was a 3-year letter award winner as a Long Stick Midfielder. He made 3 OAC title appearances and is a 3x OAC Regular Season Champion. He is now living in the Tampa, Florida area and pursuing a master’s degree in Entrepreneurship at the University of Tampa while continuing his lacrosse career for the Spartans.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As a business, we have encountered challenges in terms of startup costs and funding. While lacrosse is not a new sport in the Memphis area, it has experienced a stagnant phase for several years. Our mission is to revitalize and enhance the lacrosse experience for players through our camps and clinics. However, managing a business while being a student and athlete presents its difficulties, as my schedule is consistently limited.
Another obstacle we face is maintaining consistency in Memphis. Having lived in Cleveland for four years and now residing in Tampa, we are only physically present in Memphis from May to August, as well as in October and December for our pro-day clinics. Nevertheless, Memphis holds a special place in my heart as my hometown, and regardless of my current location, I am committed to giving back everything it has given me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Backyard Sports Enterprises is dedicated to offering athletic training and skill development clinics led by professional athletes, as well as creating and distributing athletic training media. Additionally, we design and distribute high-quality athletic clothing and gear.
What sets us apart is our unique ability to connect players with some of the biggest stars in sports, with a particular focus on lacrosse. By providing opportunities for athletes to learn from and engage with these renowned professionals, we aim to elevate their skills and inspire them to reach new heights.
I take immense pride in this brand because it embodies my core values. I firmly believe in the power of collaboration and that we can achieve greatness when we come together, not just in sports but in all aspects of life.
Furthermore, our clothing brand, Backyard Sports Athletics, goes beyond traditional athletic apparel. It connects with our audience on a deeper level, embracing a lifestyle approach that resonates with their passions and interests.
Together, through our training clinics, media content, and lifestyle brand, we strive to make a positive impact in the lives of athletes and sports enthusiasts.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Finding a mentor and networking can be valuable steps in personal and professional growth. Here are some tips and strategies that can help you in your quest:
Define your goals: Clarify what you hope to achieve by finding a mentor or expanding your network. Having a clear understanding of your objectives will help you focus your efforts and seek out individuals who align with your aspirations.
Leverage existing connections: Start by tapping into your existing network. Reach out to friends, colleagues, or acquaintances who may know someone in your desired field or who can introduce you to potential mentors. Attend industry events, conferences, or meetups where you can meet like-minded individuals.
Online platforms: Take advantage of professional networking platforms such as LinkedIn. Create a compelling profile that highlights your skills and interests. Join relevant groups and participate in discussions to expand your network and gain visibility.
Seek out mentors in your field: Identify professionals who have achieved success in your field of interest. Attend conferences or industry events where these individuals might be speaking or participating. After their presentations, approach them with thoughtful questions and express your admiration for their work. This can open the door to a potential mentoring relationship.
Networking events and organizations: Look for local networking events or professional organizations related to your field. Attend these gatherings and actively engage in conversations. Be genuine, ask insightful questions, and show a genuine interest in others. Building authentic connections often leads to mentorship opportunities.
Alumni networks: Reach out to alumni from your educational institution who are working in your desired field. They are often willing to help fellow alumni and may be interested in mentoring you or offering advice based on their experiences.
Cold emails or letters: If there’s a specific individual you admire and wish to have as a mentor, don’t hesitate to send a polite and well-crafted email or letter explaining why you admire their work and requesting their guidance. Be respectful of their time and understand that they may not always be able to respond positively.
Be a proactive mentee: Once you have established a mentor-mentee relationship, be proactive in your approach. Come prepared with specific questions or topics for discussion. Show gratitude for their time and advice, and be respectful of their boundaries.
Remember, networking is a two-way street. It’s not just about what others can do for you; it’s also about how you can contribute to their success and growth. Be open to sharing your knowledge and expertise, and always follow up with individuals you meet to maintain and nurture your connections.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://backyardsportslacrosse.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/backyardsportss?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BackyardSportsLax?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/backyard-sports-enterprises/about/?viewAsMember=true
- Youtube: youtube.com/@briansaulsberry1445
Image Credits
@MatthewBowden and @HaileyOwens
