Meet Nico Wilson | Entrepreneur | Youth Mentor

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

Hi Nico, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I come from a large extended family in New Bedford, Massachusetts where crime and disorder runs thick in our blood. Most of my family struggles with some level of addiction and mental health problems, and many of them phase in and out of jail or prison. In 1989 I was born addicted to drugs and was taken from my mother, undeniably for good reason. My father denied me and I was lucky enough to be adopted by one of my aunts who 10 years later moved me from Massachusetts to Arizona, removing me from what was most likely to become my downfall.

The years to follow weren’t all glitz and glamour as I endured a stretch of physical and sexual abuse. My aunt was doing her best to raise a man but lost grip of me as I started searching for my own family. Searching for love, support, and a sense of belonging. The funny thing about poverty is that it commonly accompanies the things I was rescued from (drugs, drinking, crime, violence, etc.) and that’s where I found my new family. During this time I was completely lost and became surrounded by Goliaths who were far larger and far stronger than myself. Those around me also found pleasure in the darkness so betterment became bleak.

At 16 years old I became a Christian and with God’s help I was able to start taking down the Goliaths ruling my life. I was pulled from what was inevitably my demise and genuinely saved from giants I didn’t stand a chance against.

So how does that impact who I am today?

At 32 years old I now have a beautiful wife and two awesome boys who I love endlessly. When I was 17 I made a pact with my older self that I would have 2 children and I would be the father to them that I never had. I swore I would love them and raise them to be strong, respectable men who would carry our new found legacy into the future. I’m living my dream and I’ve been blessed with this opportunity as it’s seemingly rare amongst people with my background and I can’t let it go to waste!

I have a heart for the kid who’s lost with no direction, no guidance, no mentorship. I care about the kids who’s been through things and seen things no child should be ever exposed to. I remember being that kid and I can relate and sympathize. Goliath Bats is all about rising up and defeating your Goliaths no matter what it is. It could be a 98mph fastball or it could be [insert addiction here]. If it’s getting the best of you, what are you going to do about it?

I’d love to get to a place with Goliath where I could find a way to positively influence at-risk youth and get them in front of mentors (coaches) who can pour into them and help them overcome their struggles. I’m excited for the testimonies of unlikely kids being able to play at the next level and achieve great things. I’m excited to see chains broken and generation curses crushed. I’m excited for the next generation. Baseball is just the vehicle to deliver love and guidance. I’m here for it.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
At Goliath we desire to be looked at as the best bat company on and off the field. Stuff like that always sounds cliche but only time will tell these things. We want to be the bat of choice at all age levels and that happens when you provide the highest quality product with the best feel and performance.

Every time I bring my bats out and have players hit them my pride tank overflows. There’s nothing that makes me feel more proud and excited than when I listen to athletes genuinely talk up my product. It makes it all worth it and motivates me to stay the course!

The road has been far from easy because the most difficult battle lives inside of me. “I’m not good enough. What if I fail? Who am I to think I could do this? I’ll let down my family, I’ll. be looked at as a failure. There’s so many other companies out there,..” All I had to do is MOVE! GO! How is God going to bless my steps if I’m not taking any? I stepped out in faith and the pieces started dropping in place. A couple lessons I’ve learned; don’t be afraid to make mistakes and avoid paralysis by analysis.

I believe in honesty, authenticity, and integrity both in my life and in my brand so you can always expect me to shoot it straight. Goliath is a reflection of my beliefs – rise up and defeat your Goliath. Don’t allow something to suppress you and keep you from becoming great, achieving your goals and dreams, or empowering those around you. That’s what I would want the world to know about both myself and Goliath.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The stockyards is always a great place to bring visitors, obviously stop by Billy Bob’s for some live music and grub. Drop by Marty B’s in Bartonville for awesome atmosphere, food, and s’mores for the young’ns, Globe Life Field’s whole experience is awesome now that we have an indoor field! Paired with Texas Live you can make a whole evening of it. Gas Monkey Live typically has bands that I enjoy so that would be on then docket. Red River for some steppin’. They have to see Buccees, and if they don’t like it they’re gonna have to catch the next flight back home.

I know it’s not DFW but I’d for sure make a trip to The Czech Stop in West, Texas for some koloches! May even take a trip down to the Comal River and spend the day floating.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shoutout my wifey! I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t have her encouragement, love, and support. She believes in me more than I believe in myself. Shoutout my oldest son, it was his words that made me start Goliath. Shoutout everyone who is along for the ride, this is just the beginning y’all. Shoutout DFW, this is my home.

Website: https://goliathbats.com

Instagram: @goliathbats

Facebook: @goliathbats