The Petcash Pod šŸŒ

Andrew Petcash
The Petcash Pod šŸŒ

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

  1. #191: Michael LaSalle - Partner at Shamrock Capital | Investing in the Future of Media, Sports, and Entertainment

    3 DAYS AGO

    #191: Michael LaSalle - Partner at Shamrock Capital | Investing in the Future of Media, Sports, and Entertainment

    Shamrock Capital recently closed $1.6B for its sixth flagship fund and inaugural small cap fund to continue investing across sports media and entertainment. Shamrock Capital, with over 45 years of deep sector expertise, is a premier private equity firm specializing in media, entertainment, sports, content, communication, and education. Built on legendary roots and a reputation for excellence, Shamrock has cultivated lasting partnerships with creators, management teams, and entrepreneurs. The firm is committed to strategically investing in businesses that are poised to shape the future of their industries. Shamrockā€™s portfolio spans a variety of high-impact companies, from content creators and sports organizations to media platforms and marketing agencies. With a 23-year track record, Shamrock Capital has consistently identified opportunities in high-growth sectors. Notable investments include Religion of Sports, FanDuel, and Excel Sports Management. The firm is also behind landmark deals with organizations such as The Lede Company, Ad Results Media, and Boardwalk Pictures. By leveraging decades of expertise and fostering innovation, Shamrock has positioned itself as a key player in driving transformation across its focus areas. Michael LaSalle, a Partner and member of Shamrockā€™s Executive Committee, has been instrumental in guiding the firmā€™s investments and strategy. A veteran with over two decades of experience, Mike serves on the boards of several portfolio companies, including The Lede Company, Iyuno, and Linden. His background includes key roles in mergers and acquisitions at Putnam Lovell Securities and board leadership at Seven Arrows Elementary. A magna cum laude graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Mike also earned an MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Management, where he was a Venture Fellow. His expertise and leadership continue to shape Shamrockā€™s contributions to the media, sports, and entertainment industries. Chapters: (2:58) - The Dynamic of Fundraising in Private Equity (6:09) - Understanding Shamrockā€™s Structures and Strategies (9:02) - Evolving Strategies in Media, Entertainment, and Sports (12:08) - Identifying Opportunities in the Content Landscape (15:06) - The Power of Talent in the Entertainment Industry (18:04) - Navigating Exits and Investment Timelines (21:07) - Current Trends in Media and Sports Investments (23:48) - Advice for Aspiring Private Equity Professionals (26:53) - Looking Ahead: Trends for 2025 and Beyond Michael LaSalle šŸ’¼ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaellasalle/ šŸ¢ Website: https://shamrockcap.com/ Andrew Petcash: šŸ  Website:ā  https://profluence.comā  šŸ£ Twitter:ā  https://twitter.com/andrewpetcashā  šŸ’¼ LinkedIn:ā  https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/ā  Thanks for listening! Hit the ā€œfollowā€ button to stay updated on new podcasts.

    37 min
  2. #190: Matt Joyce ā€“ Former MLB All-Star & Entrepreneur | From Pro Baseball to Business Success

    4 DAYS AGO

    #190: Matt Joyce ā€“ Former MLB All-Star & Entrepreneur | From Pro Baseball to Business Success

    Matt Joyce, a 17-year professional baseball player, made his mark in Major League Baseball with 14 seasons, most notably with the Tampa Bay Rays. A 2011 MLB All-Star, Matt earned a reputation as a consistent and versatile outfielder during his career from 2008 to 2021. Now retired from professional baseball, Matt has seamlessly transitioned into the business world. He is the owner and operator of five F45 Training gyms across the Tampa Bay area, focused on high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts. Additionally, Matt is a partner in Guardian Baseball, an e-commerce brand providing accessible baseball equipment, and co-owner of the Empire League, an independent baseball league supporting rising talent. Beyond business, Matt serves as a broadcaster for Bally Sports, sharing his expertise with a broader audience. With a proven history of success in sports industries and business, Matt is highly skilled in entrepreneurship, athlete development, fitness, marketing, and public speaking. In this episode, he discusses his journey from pro athlete to business leader, the importance of culture and community, and his approach to providing value and making an impact. Chapters: (1:00) - Intro to Matt Joyce and his story (5:15) - Navigating life after baseball (10:29) - The role of community and giving back (15:30) - The importance of culture and community in sports and business (18:50) - Learning to provide value to others Matt Joyce šŸ’¼ LinkedIn: Matt Joyce Andrew Petcash šŸ  Website: Profluence šŸ£ Twitter: @andrewpetcash šŸ’¼ LinkedIn: Andrew Petcash Thanks for listening! Hit the ā€œfollowā€ button to stay updated on new podcasts.

    22 min
  3. #189: Graham Leveston - Co-Founder of College Properties Group | World-Class Events for Athletes

    DEC 11

    #189: Graham Leveston - Co-Founder of College Properties Group | World-Class Events for Athletes

    Graham Leveston, Co-Founder of College Properties Group (CPG), is redefining athlete experiences through world-class event management and brand development. With over 25 years of leadership experience, Graham has earned recognition for his expertise in strategy, brand marketing, and operations. During his 20+ years at Nike, Graham held senior roles in sales, licensing, marketing, and product development, managing $100M in annual revenue. At CPG, he brings this experience to life by creating unforgettable sports events. CPG operates over 80 elite camps and tournaments, partnering with top-tier academic institutions such as Harvard, Stanford, and MIT. These events have helped over 1,000 athletes achieve their recruiting goals. CPG is also known for initiatives like the Intercollegiate Menā€™s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IMLCA) Game of the Week and the Girls High School Lacrosse National Championship, which draw national attention and elevate the youth sports ecosystem. Chapters: (2:56) - The Unique Structure of the NIL Tournament (6:13) - Evolution and Scaling of Sports Camps (9:02) - Navigating NCAA Compliance and Camp Operations (12:00) - Lessons Learned from Yearly Events (15:06) - Trends in NIL and Brand Engagement (17:52) - Future Directions and New Initiatives (20:55) - Information and Resources for Families Interested Graham Leveston šŸ  Website: https://www.collegepropertiesgroup.com/ šŸ’¼ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/graham-leveston-2b552627/ Andrew Petcash: šŸ  Website: https://profluence.com šŸ£ Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash šŸ’¼ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/ Thanks for listening! Hit the ā€œfollowā€ button to stay updated on new podcasts.

    25 min
  4. #188: Matt Kurowski - President of i9 SportsĀ® | Redefining Youth Sports Excellence

    DEC 9

    #188: Matt Kurowski - President of i9 SportsĀ® | Redefining Youth Sports Excellence

    i9 SportsĀ®, under the leadership of Matt Kurowski, is Americaā€™s leading multi-sport league provider, known for its innovative approach to youth sports. With programs for kids ages 3 to 14, i9 Sports emphasizes fun, convenience, and sportsmanship, helping children succeed in life through sports. The organization recently celebrated 5 million player registrations and was recognized as one of the Most Profitable Franchises of 2024. Since its founding, i9 Sports has created leagues, camps, and clinics for popular sports such as flag football, soccer, basketball, and volleyball. Its unique focus on age-appropriate instruction and teaching sportsmanship values has garnered accolades, including a ranking on Entrepreneur's Top 500 Franchises list and recognition as a Project Play Champion by the Aspen Institute for promoting multi-sport participation. Matt Kurowski, President of i9 SportsĀ®, brings decades of experience in marketing, franchising, and operations. Before joining i9 Sports in 2023, he held leadership roles at Franworth and Soccer Shots, where he helped shape franchise systems and operational excellence. As a former Senior Brand Manager at Under Armour, Matt combines his expertise with a passion for youth enrichment to drive i9 Sportsā€™ growth and impact in communities nationwide. (3:00) - Introduction to i9 SportsĀ® (6:07) - Addressing Youth Sports Dropout Rates (11:50) - Franchising and Community Impact (18:08) - Staying Relevant as a Leader (24:12) - Insights on the Future of Youth Sports šŸ  Website: https://www.i9sports.com/ šŸ’¼ LinkedIn: Matt Kurowski on LinkedIn Scott Garber: šŸ  Website: https://profluence.com šŸ’¼ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/ Thanks for listening! Hit the ā€œfollowā€ button to stay updated on new podcasts.

    28 min
  5. #187 - Jared Solomon - CEO of Five Iron Golf | Revolutionizing Urban Golf Experiences

    DEC 4

    #187 - Jared Solomon - CEO of Five Iron Golf | Revolutionizing Urban Golf Experiences

    Five Iron Golf began in 2017 as a bold venture to transform how people experience golf in urban settings. Combining cutting-edge technology with a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere, Five Iron Golf quickly became a hub for both serious players and casual enthusiasts, offering simulators, lessons, food, drinks, and entertainment in a social environment. The companyā€™s unique blend of hospitality and high-tech innovation has reshaped golf culture in cities, expanding rapidly from its Manhattan roots to locations across the country. Five Iron Golf stands out by making golf accessible and fun for everyone, from first-timers to seasoned pros. Jared Solomon, co-founder and CEO of Five Iron Golf, has been instrumental in driving this vision forward. His leadership has turned a shared idea into a thriving business that is now a leader in urban golf experiences. Chapters: 2:20 ā€“ Building Community vs. Commoditization in Sports 5:52 ā€“ Private Equity's Role in Sports Entertainment 8:57 ā€“ The Daytime Experience: Catering to Serious Golfers 11:51 ā€“ Listening to Customers: The Importance of Feedback 14:57 ā€“ Scaling Hospitality: From Founders to a Large Team 18:07 ā€“ Leveraging Technology in Sports Entertainment 21:11 ā€“ The Future of Golf: Off-Course and On-Course Dynamics 27:04 ā€“ The Next Five Years for Five Iron Golf Jared Solomon šŸ’¼ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-solomon-3b7586169/ šŸ  Website: https://fiveirongolf.com/ Andrew Petcash šŸ  Website: https://profluence.com šŸ£ Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash šŸ’¼ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/ Thanks for listening! Hit the ā€œfollowā€ button to stay updated on new podcasts.

    30 min
  6. #186: Evan Roosevelt & Matthew Erley - Co-Founders of Old Tom Capital | Investing in Golfā€™s Future

    DEC 2

    #186: Evan Roosevelt & Matthew Erley - Co-Founders of Old Tom Capital | Investing in Golfā€™s Future

    Old Tom Capital is an early-stage investment group dedicated to fostering innovation and growth within the golf industry. By combining decades of entrepreneurial experience with hands-on mentorship, Old Tom Capital supports startups in redefining the future of golf through strategic investments. The golf industry is evolving rapidly, attracting new audiences and creating opportunities in content, tech, and consumer engagement. Old Tom Capital is at the forefront of helping these ventures thrive in a rapidly evolving market. Matthew Erley scaled startups like Drizly (sold to Uber for $1.1B) and advised over 100 companies on growth. Evan Roosevelt founded Random Golf Club, building a thriving golf community and leading investments in early-stage ventures. Both bring extensive expertise as personal angel investors and advisors to the golf sector. Chapters: 2:53 ā€“ The investment strategy in the golf industry 6:02 ā€“ The changing landscape of venture capital 9:06 ā€“ Lessons from Drizly: Growth and distribution 12:00 ā€“ Identifying opportunities in golf startups 14:50 ā€“ The rise of golf-curious consumers 18:02 ā€“ The evolving golf content and IP landscape 20:50 ā€“ The future of golf: New formats and engagement 23:59 ā€“ Building in golf 26:54 ā€“ The future outlook for golf investments Evan Roosevelt šŸ’¼ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-roosevelt Matthew Erley šŸ’¼ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewerley/ Andrew Petcash: šŸ  Website: https://profluence.com šŸ£ Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash šŸ’¼ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/ Thanks for listening! Hit the ā€œfollowā€ button to stay updated on new podcasts.

    34 min
  7. Jason Clement - Co-Founder of Sports Facilities Companies | Sports Facilities and Community Growth

    NOV 27

    Jason Clement - Co-Founder of Sports Facilities Companies | Sports Facilities and Community Growth

    Sports Facilities Companies (SFC) is the largest network of tournament and community-based sports facilities in the U.S., hosting over 25 million annual visits and delivering $250 million in direct annual economic impact. With a focus on feasibility studies, financial modeling, and destination development, SFC plays a pivotal role in enhancing community development through sports. Under Jason Clementā€™s leadership, SFC has expanded its offerings to include event management, innovative technology platforms, and cutting-edge food, beverage, and gaming experiences. These initiatives drive accessibility, economic growth, and meaningful connections through sport. Jason Clement, a licensed architect turned industry visionary, shares his journey from designing sports facilities to leading SFCā€™s expansion into a $15 billion development portfolio. In this episode, we explore public-private partnerships, building strong operational teams, and the future of technology in sports facilities. Chapters: 0:56 ā€“ Jason's Background 5:02 ā€“ The Evolution of Sports Facilities and Community Impact 11:43 ā€“ Public-Private Partnerships in Sports Development 19:45 ā€“ Building a Strong Sports Operational Team 27:59 ā€“ Innovative Facility Design and Programming 34:50 ā€“ Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Experiences Joey Grant šŸ  Website: https://sportsfacilities.com/ šŸ’¼ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-clement-7595974/ Andrew Petcash & Scott Garber: šŸ  Website: https://profluence.com šŸ’¼ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/ Thanks for listening! Hit the ā€œfollowā€ button to stay updated on new podcasts.

    37 min
  8. #184: Joey Grant - Founder & CEO of GMTM | Transforming the Discovery of Athletes

    NOV 25

    #184: Joey Grant - Founder & CEO of GMTM | Transforming the Discovery of Athletes

    GMTM (pronounced Gametime) is a social network connecting athletes, organizations, and brands to maximize opportunities. By offering tools to increase reach and engagement, GMTM ensures equitable access for athletes to share their stories and pursue their goals. The platform works with partners like DIII colleges, National Governing Bodies, NFL teams, and brands such as Sports Illustrated. Itā€™s helping reshape recruitment, amplify initiatives, and address the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies. Joey Grant, a former UCF team captain and Lake Brantley Patriot, founded GMTM to empower athletes and transform their careers. In this episode, he shares his journey from the football field to building a platform thatā€™s redefining opportunities in sports. Chapters: 0:30 ā€“ Joey's background and history as an athlete 5:18 ā€“ The evolution of GMTM 11:17 ā€“ The importance of balancing digital with in-person experiences 17:16 ā€“ How GMTM is connecting athletes to opportunities 20:11 ā€“ The impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) 23:06 ā€“ The future vision for GMTM and athlete development Joey Grant: šŸ  Website: https://www.gmtmsports.com šŸ’¼ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joey-grant-8b8482181/ Andrew Petcash: šŸ  Website: https://profluence.com šŸ£ Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash šŸ’¼ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/ Thanks for listening! Hit the ā€œfollowā€ button to stay updated on new podcasts.

    28 min

Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
17 Ratings

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

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