In this podcast episode, host Stephen Lucas interviews Mike Orchard, founder of College Athlete Advantage (CAA), about his transition from athlete to coach and eventually to a recruiting specialist. Mike discusses the inception and growth of CAA, the importance of aligning with the right partners, and the intricacies of sports recruiting. He highlights the success stories of athletes who've benefited from CAA's services and reflects on the evolving nature of college sports, including the rise of dual-role players. Mike also addresses the challenges of managing a remote team and shares his vision for CAA's expansion into various sports. The episode concludes with Mike offering advice to aspiring sports recruiters and inviting listeners to connect with him for mentorship and guidance.
The Scaling Edge Introduction (00:00:00)
The host introduces the podcast and its purpose, to learn from entrepreneurs' successes and failures.
Mike's Background in Athletics (00:01:28)
Mike Orchard shares his journey from being a baseball player to becoming a coach and transitioning into the recruiting space.
Recruiting Services and College Sports (00:02:20)
Mike explains the unique approach of College Athlete Advantage, offering both online and in-person recruiting services for high school athletes.
Starting College Athlete Advantage (00:03:36)
Mike discusses the challenges and successes of starting the company, highlighting the need for the service and the importance of aligning with partners' pace.
Scaling and Expanding Services (00:05:28)
The discussion revolves around the company's growth strategy, focusing on baseball initially and then expanding into other sports.
Challenges of Managing Remote Advisors (00:08:32)
Mike talks about the difficulties of managing remote advisors and the importance of establishing a strong culture and communication.
Hiring and Training Remote Advisors (00:09:14)
The conversation delves into the tactics and challenges of hiring and training remote advisors, emphasizing the need for their investment in the business.
Steady Growth and Projections (00:11:03)
Mike reflects on the company's significant growth and the challenges of projecting future outcomes, emphasizing the focus on stable and steady growth.
Success Stories and Impact (00:12:28)
Mike shares success stories of players who have benefited from College Athlete Advantage's services, highlighting their achievements in college sports.
Baseball and Player Versatility (00:14:26)
The discussion shifts to baseball, focusing on the evolving roles of players like Shohei Ohtani and the potential for more players to excel in multiple positions.
Entrepreneurial Advice and Mentorship (00:17:07)
Mike offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of specific knowledge, market analysis, and differentiation in business ventures.
Contacting College Athlete Advantage (00:18:40)
Mike provides contact information for those interested in reaching out to College Athlete Advantage for mentorship or business inquiries.
The world of college sports recruitment is as competitive as it is rewarding, and through my conversation with Mike Orchard, we've gained valuable insights into navigating this landscape. Whether you're an athlete, a coach, or an aspiring recruiter, understanding the intricacies of this process is crucial for success. If you're interested in learning more or seeking advice, Mike Orchard and College Athlete Advantage are resources worth exploring.
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