We had the good fortune of connecting with Jim Avers and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jim, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
After a 30 year career in the lawn industry came to an unexpected end, I wanted to explore something challenging and perhaps, more in line with a personal passion. My wife and I raised 4 athletic boys here in North Texas and I coached them as much as time would allow and loved every minute of it. Team Sports , in general, has always been a part of my life so when I tripped over a franchise opportunity in the Youth Sports industry, it seemed like a perfect new door to open up. After all those years of working for others, if you will, it only made sense to finally work for myself.. The early start up years were a grind and we had to tighten our belts and dig into some savings but it eventually proved to be a success, both personally and financially.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I9 Sports is the largest Youth Sports franchise in the US with over 280 territories. We focus all our efforts on providing a safe, convenient and fun experience for kids 3-14 in many different sports, allowing many to sports sample to determine which they enjoy most and might want to take it to the next level. We’re convenient by scheduling practices and games on the same day, on weekends and do our best to keep the environment positive and encouraging. Kids sometimes stop playing way too early due to hyper competitive pressure from adults so we strive to keep it all about them. They’re often be drawn to virtual and electronic activities and I believe giving them a place to work with others as a team and compete in soccer, flag football. baseball, basketball or volleyball can be extremely helpful in their development. Starting a new business is never easy and expect to work 24/7 initially to make it successful, but if you do it right, word of mouth , social media, and reputation will carry you far and help you grow. We had to knock on a lot of doors to find people and organizations to help us, but if you stay committed and don’t give up, you’ll find them.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Over the years, the very first place we take visitors is to the Fort Worth Stockyards, where they can get a glimpse of what the old West may have looked like. We always have a good time walking down Grapevine’s Main Street, for shopping , amazing food and drink and during some of the festivals , just people watching. Our favorite place to see live Music is at the Toyota Music Factory in Irving, and the surrounding restaurants there are hard to beat. I love sports, so checking out the American Airlines Center for a Stars game, or down to Globe Life to see the Rangers is a great go to, and that includes a stop at. Texas Live!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Dad was the hardest working man I ever knew and he instilled that same work ethic into me, so I’m not where I’m at if not for him. I also have had the love and full support of my wife, Becky and having her join me in driving the success of our business has been amazing. We just celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary in October with a dinner that included our children, their wives and our 12 grandkids! Finally, to all those I worked for in my prior career at Trugreen, I learned so much from their great leadership and are indebted to them for driving me to do more than I ever thought I could.

Website: https://www.i9sports.com/franchises/denton-coppell-southlake-tx/289

Facebook: i9 Sports (Denton/Coppell/Southlake, TX)

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