Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in performance training, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Stefanie Samuels, owner of MADFROG Volleyball, based out of Plano, TX, USA.
Tell us all about your business...
Madfrog volleyball is a youth volleyball program for girls grade K-12th. The mission of Madfrog Volleyball Club is to provide student-athletes with sound fundamental volleyball skills and develop each player to her maximum potential. The coaches and directors are committed to developing the whole athlete. The "total package" encompasses the player's academics, athleticism, self-esteem, and citizenship. In addition to teamwork, discipline, and fundamental skills, the coaching staff is devoted to making each girl a player and a student of the game.
What's your background and motivation to grow as a business?
I played volleyball in college, and being a college athlete inspired me to encourage other young ladies to explore that same kind of opportunity for themselves. Being a student-athlete helped me in so many avenues of my life, from teamwork, leadership, work ethic, dedication, and self-confidence. Building self-confidence is vast for young women to take charge and accomplish so much in their lives. When I saw that sports could give young athletes the confidence they need, that continued to push me to offer a great program to help build strong and confident young ladies.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
The business has continued to grow and become more and more successful from year to year. But I have to consider my most significant accomplishment to be that I have always stood by my principles, values, and overall goal and vision for my business. I have not let other things get in the way or allowed the industry to take a different path. My dream was to have a unique volleyball club, from the name “MADFROG” to the look and feel of our facility. When people walk into Madfrog, I want it to feel like home. Madfrog is different! More family-oriented, more passionate, great coaching, more fun!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a solopreneur?
One of the hardest things about being a business owner is setting work boundaries for myself. I am also a mother, wife, daughter, sister, and friend, and sometimes balancing constant work with the rest of my life can be difficult if I don’t set expectations for myself and my staff. I have also found that I have to trust the people I have hired to do their best and do an excellent job for the business. I have to set hours for when I am available and set aside hours for my family time. I love what I do, and I am very passionate about youth sports and volleyball. I want to make sure that I don’t lose that passion, and one of the best ways to make sure that I don’t is to make sure that I am always taking care of my family and taking time for myself when needed.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run or grow a small business today?
Have a vision, make a plan, and do it! Most people sit around with great ideas, but they never formulate a program, or maybe they do formulate a dream, but then I never execute it. Believe, do, achieve!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
This is what I tell my coaches at the beginning of each season. Winning is great, but I consider it a win when your players are learning, and your team is growing, and they would play for you again in a heartbeat regardless of your win/loss record. Player Development, Team Improvement, and Team success. At the end of each season, it is essential that your team loved the game, loved their experience, and loved you as a coach!
Where can people find you online?
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.
