The Profluence Pod 🌐

Andrew Petcash
  • 4.6 (17)
  • SPORTS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
The Profluence Pod 🌐

Insightful convos with the founders, operators, and investors transforming the future of sports.

  1. #200: David Shapiro: President, North America at Pixellot | Transforming Sports with Automated Production

    1 DAY AGO

    #200: David Shapiro: President, North America at Pixellot | Transforming Sports with Automated Production

    The Future of Sports Coverage is Here! Today's guest is David Shapiro, and we’re diving into how Pixellot has become the biggest sports production platform in the world! 🏟️ 40,000+ venues 📺 1.3 million games streamed per year 🔥 5,000 games produced simultaneously—all powered by AI! David Shapiro has spent nearly two decades shaping the youth sports industry. He was the CEO of Steel Sports and played a key role at Positive Coaching Alliance. Now, as President of U.S. Youth Division and Head of U.S. Sales at Pixellot, he is leading the charge in transforming how youth sports are captured, shared, and experienced. Pixellot uses AI-driven multi-camera systems to bring professional-grade video to youth sports. The company is making high-quality sports coverage more accessible, empowering teams, families, and coaches.From youth leagues to the pros, Pixellot is redefining sports broadcasting with cutting-edge automation. You don’t want to miss this one! Chapters: (01:09) - Introduction to Pixellot and David’s Story (02:44) - The Integration of Sports and Technology (05:45) - Understanding Automated Sports Production (08:09) - Trends in Video Capture and AI in Sports (11:02) - Emerging Sports and Market Opportunities (14:03) - Health, Wellness, and Player Analytics (16:44) - The Role of Video in Coaching and Player Development (19:40) - Future Innovations and Partnerships at Pixellot David Shapiro 🏠 Website: https://profluence.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidnshapiro/ Scott Garber: 🏠 Website: https://profluence.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/ Thanks for listening! Hit the “subscribe” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

    23 min
  2. #199: Charles Allen – CEO of INTENNSE | From $4M to the Future

    6 DAYS AGO

    #199: Charles Allen – CEO of INTENNSE | From $4M to the Future

    INTENNSE is redefining professional team tennis with a fresh approach to competition, player engagement, and expansion. With $4M already secured and plans for a Friends & Family round and a formal raise in 2025, CEO Charles Allen is building a sustainable, fan-first league backed by strategic partnerships and smart capital allocation. Charles’ journey is anything but conventional. From studying theater and political science to co-founding a groundbreaking B2B tech company and pioneering data standards in tennis, his career has spanned industries. His latest venture, INTENNSE, blends innovation, technology, and a deep passion for the sport. In this episode, Charles dives into his entrepreneurial journey, the challenges and opportunities in tennis, and how his unconventional background has shaped INTENNSE’s vision. He shares insights on industry trends, strategic fundraising, and what it takes to build a fan-first sports league. Tune in for a fascinating discussion on innovation, technology, and the future of professional tennis. Chapters: (01:41) - Launching a Professional Team Tennis League (03:20) - Identifying Issues in Tennis (08:53) - Innovative Engagement Model for Tennis (13:06) - Building Community and Player Engagement (17:40) - Fundraising and Strategic Partnerships (24:39) - Navigating Capital and Smart Money (27:40) - Corporate Social Responsibility in Sports (30:28) - Strategic City Selection and Expansion Plans (32:45) - Player Wellness and Safety in New Leagues (35:30) - Building a Fan Base and Revenue Streams Charles Allen 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesaallen/ 🏠 Website: https://intennse.com/ Andrew Petcash & Scott Garber: 🏠 Website: https://profluence.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/ Enjoyed this discussion? Join Profluence today - the go-to hub for builders in sports: https://community.profluence.com/

    45 min
  3. #198: Maxx Lepselter - President of Maxx MGMT | Empowering Athletes Beyond the Field

    JAN 27

    #198: Maxx Lepselter - President of Maxx MGMT | Empowering Athletes Beyond the Field

    Maxx MGMT, founded in 2018, is a boutique agency disrupting the athlete representation industry by offering tailored, off-the-field management services. From endorsements and marketing to lifestyle and business opportunities, Maxx MGMT connects its clients with global brands while helping them explore equity deals, real estate, and diversified partnerships. The agency’s mission is to provide 24/7 representation with a personable approach, empowering athletes to reach their full potential beyond the game. Maxx Lepselter, the founder and president of Maxx MGMT, created the agency to address the shortcomings of traditional representation. Inspired by his father’s legacy and his deep understanding of the sports and entertainment industries, Maxx has built a reputation for integrity, innovation, and excellence. His focus on personalized client relationships and his ability to navigate the evolving sports marketing landscape have positioned Maxx MGMT as a trusted name in the industry. In this episode, Maxx dives into his entrepreneurial journey, the rise of equity opportunities for athletes, and the trends shaping brand collaborations. He shares how Maxx MGMT has remained boutique while managing high-profile clients and global partnerships. Tune in for insights into the agency’s approach and advice for aspiring agents aiming to make a difference in sports management. Chapters:(02:42) - The Founding of Maxx MGMT(05:25) - Navigating the Changing Sports Landscape(08:33) - Trends in Athlete Marketing and Brand Collaborations(11:10) - The Rise of Equity Opportunities for Athletes(14:10) - Developing Talent in a New Era(16:49) - Building Relationships in the Brand Ecosystem(19:33) - The Future of Maxx MGMT and Advice for Aspiring Agents Maxx Lepselter 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxx-lepselter-9ba82998/ 🏠 Website: https://www.maxxmgmt.co/ Scott Garber: 🏠 Website: https://profluence.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/ Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

    32 min
  4. #197: Multi-Club Ownership Panel - Insights from Industry Leaders

    JAN 22

    #197: Multi-Club Ownership Panel - Insights from Industry Leaders

    This month’s panel explored the evolving trend of multi-club ownership in sports—a transformative model shaping the future of sports investments. The discussion delved into opportunities, challenges, and strategic insights in this dynamic space. Key topics included the rise of alternative leagues, the influence of celebrities in ownership, real estate and stadium development, and sustainability in sports investments. The panel featured insights from: Brett Johnson, Founder & CEO of Benevolent Capital, a leader in sports investments. Sandford Loudon, Partner at Oakvale Capital LLP, an expert in investment banking and sports advisory. The discussion offered valuable perspectives on the current landscape and the future of sports ownership strategies. Chapters: (02:52) Brett Johnson's Journey in Soccer Ownership (05:31) Sandford Loudon's Insights on Investment Banking in Sports (08:14) The Rise of Alternative Leagues and Their Appeal (11:18) The Role of Celebrities in Sports Ownership (14:03) Real Estate and Stadium Development in Sports (16:44) The Multi-Club Ownership Model: Opportunities and Challenges (19:47) The Future of USL and Player Development (28:43) Investing in Women's Football (33:14) Sustainability in Sports Investments (38:22) Minority Stakes in Sports Teams (42:37) Future Opportunities in Sports Investment Connect with the Panelists: Brett Johnson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-m-johnson-70b148/ Sandford Loudon:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandford-loudon-frsa-4925a621/ Hosts: Andrew Petcash & Scott Garber: 🏠 Website:⁠ https://profluence.com⁠ 🐣 Twitter:⁠ https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash⁠ 💼 LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/ Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

    48 min
  5. #196: Sean Flaherty - CEO of Playeasy | Revolutionizing Sports Tourism

    JAN 20

    #196: Sean Flaherty - CEO of Playeasy | Revolutionizing Sports Tourism

    Founded in 2018 to streamline the connection between sports events and host venues, Playeasy has grown into the leading sports tourism platform in the United States. Today, it connects over 300 cities, 14,000 sports facilities, 5,000 sports events, 20,000 restaurants and attractions, and 13,000 hotels. Playeasy supports destinations, event operators, and visitors at every stage of the sports tourism life cycle—from event venue selection and visitor experiences to post-event economic impact reporting. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and AI, Playeasy is transforming how cities engage with travelers and redefining the sports tourism experience. Chapters: (01:04) - Sean’s Journey: From Football Player to Co-Founder of Playeasy (04:36) - Navigating Business Challenges During COVID (09:07) - The Evolution of Playeasy’s Business Model (13:59) - Understanding Sports Tourism and Its Economic Impact (18:55) - Leveraging AI for Enhanced Visitor Experiences (23:31) - Building Trust and Adoption in Technology (28:06) - Future Aspirations for Community Engagement Sean Flaherty 🏠 Website: https://www.playeasy.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-flaherty-2481044b/ Scott Garber: 🏠 Website: https://profluence.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/ Thanks for watching! Hit the “subscribe” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

    32 min
  6. #195: Brendan Doyle - President of US Sports Camps | Empowering Youth Through Sports Camps

    JAN 15

    #195: Brendan Doyle - President of US Sports Camps | Empowering Youth Through Sports Camps

    Brendan Doyle, President of US Sports Camps (USSC), has been at the forefront of youth sports in the USA for over 30 years. A seasoned leader with deep roots in the soccer industry, Brendan oversees the largest sports camp network in America and the licensed provider of Nike Sports Camps. Since 1975, USSC has been dedicated to fostering a lifelong love of athletics through high-quality sports education and skill enhancement programs. Under Brendan’s leadership, USSC has expanded its impact by partnering with top coaches across the nation, providing essential operational and marketing support to deliver exceptional camp experiences. As part of Youth Enrichment Brands (YEB), Brendan also oversees initiatives in academic and creative enrichment, empowering kids through diverse programs like i9 Sports, Streamline Brands, and School of Rock. In this episode, Brendan shares his journey in youth sports, insights into USSC’s operations and partnership model, and his vision for the future of youth enrichment. We also explore the evolving landscape of youth camps and how Brendan’s innovative approach is shaping the next generation of athletes. Chapters: (02:52) - Brendan's Journey in Youth Sports (05:32) - Overview of US Sports Camps Operations (08:21) - Partnership Model and Camp Management (11:11) - Youth Enrichment Brands Portfolio (14:03) - Evaluating and Onboarding New Partners (16:46) - Changes in the Camp Space Over the Years (19:57) - Future Plans and Expansion for US Sports Camps Brendan Doyle: 🌐 Website: https://www.ussportscamps.com/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendan-doyle-a01a0551/ Andrew Petcash: 🏠 Website: https://profluence.com 🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/ Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new episodes.

    25 min
  7. #194: Vasu Kulkarni - Founding Partner of Courtside Ventures | From Founder to VC: A Journey in Sports and Gaming

    JAN 13

    #194: Vasu Kulkarni - Founding Partner of Courtside Ventures | From Founder to VC: A Journey in Sports and Gaming

    Vasu Kulkarni, the self-proclaimed biggest basketball fan in the world, turned his passion for the game into a groundbreaking career. After playing on the JV Basketball squad at the University of Pennsylvania, where he also earned a BS in Engineering, Vasu founded Krossover, a sports analytics company that sold video and data tools to sports teams globally. Pioneering the industry, Vasu eventually sold Krossover to Stack Sports in 2017. His entrepreneurial journey led him to found Courtside Ventures, a leading early-stage venture fund investing in tech and media companies at the intersection of sports, lifestyle, and gaming. Under his leadership, Courtside Ventures has become a trailblazer, backing innovative companies shaping the future of these spaces. In this episode, Vasu shares his journey from founder to investor, insights on evaluating early-stage companies, and the evolving definition of sports investments. We also dive into his passions for sports memorabilia, independent watches, and pickup basketball on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, where he lives with his three cats: Swaggy, Bonsai, and Honkeyburger. Chapters: (01:08) - Vasu’s Journey from Engineer to Sports Entrepreneur (04:40) - Transitioning to Venture Capital: Lessons from Krossover (09:25) - Key Investment Insights: Market Size and Founder Qualities (13:11) - Redefining Sports Investments: Tech, Media, and Gaming (18:10) - Navigating Crypto and Web3 in the Sports World (21:13) - Consumer Behavior: How Courtside Ventures Spots Trends (24:03) - Emerging Leagues and Innovative Business Models (29:40) - Future Directions for Courtside Ventures Vasu Kulkarni: 🌐 Website: https://www.courtsidevc.com/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vasudevkulkarni/ Andrew Petcash: 🏠 Website: https://profluence.com 🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/ Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new episodes.

    37 min
  8. #193: Chase Richardson: CEO of Full Pull| Transforming Truck & Tractor Pulling in Mainstream Entertainment

    JAN 6

    #193: Chase Richardson: CEO of Full Pull| Transforming Truck & Tractor Pulling in Mainstream Entertainment

    Full Pull Entertainment was founded in 2021 to transform the niche sport of truck and tractor pulling. Co-founded by Chase Richardson, a passionate entrepreneur, the company is reshaping the pulling experience with innovative fan engagement platforms, a cutting-edge content portal, and Real Money Gaming initiatives. Through partnerships with leading organizations in the pulling space, Full Pull is on a mission to bring this motorsport—rooted in rural American culture for over 75 years—to new, mainstream audiences. Chase’s journey is a testament to blending entrepreneurial vision with a deep appreciation for niche sports. From the adrenaline-filled roar of engines to the cheers of loyal fans, truck and tractor pulling offers a unique experience. Under Chase's leadership, Full Pull is revolutionizing the sport with new ways for fans to connect, interact, and engage. In this episode, Chase shares insights on his path to becoming a sports entrepreneur, the challenges of building a platform in a niche space, and how Full Pull is positioning the sport for long-term growth. Whether you’re a motorsport enthusiast or a budding entrepreneur, this conversation will inspire you to think differently about sports and fan engagement. Chapters: (2:28) - Understanding Track and Tractor Pulling (5:29) - Chase's journey from Basketball to Pulling (8:23) - The Media and Gaming Landscape of Pulling (11:27) - Building a Streaming Platform for Pulling (14:34) - Targeting new Audiences and Fans (17:43) - The Impact of Legalizing Gambling and Niche Sports (20:25) - Future Plans and Expansion Strategies Chase Richardson 🏠 Website: https://www.fullpull.us/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chase-richardson-42ab68113/ Andrew Petcash: 🏠 Website: https://profluence.com 🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/ Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

    27 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

Insightful convos with the founders, operators, and investors transforming the future of sports.

Information

  • Creator
    Andrew Petcash
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    265
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Andrew Petcash
  • Show Website
    The Profluence Pod 🌐

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