Welcome to the Refine Network podcast! We’re excited you’ve joined us today. In this throwback episode from 2021, we feature a captivating conversation with Jesse Cole, the innovative owner of the Savannah Bananas, a minor league baseball team in Savannah, Georgia. Jesse Cole shares how he transformed a struggling baseball team into a fan-first entertainment phenomenon. Inspired by his mentors, Walt Disney and PT Barnum, Jesse conducted a poll revealing that traditional baseball was seen as too long and boring. He reimagined the game to make it fun and engaging, eliminating common friction points like high concession costs and slow gameplay. Jesse’s company, Fans First Entertainment, focuses on creating an unforgettable experience for fans. From all-inclusive tickets to unique game elements like dancing players and creative promotions, the Savannah Bananas have become a sensation, selling out every game with a waitlist of over 12,000 fans. In this episode, Jesse discusses the development of “Banana Ball,” a faster and more exciting version of baseball, and how his team continuously innovates to keep fans entertained. He also shares insights into his journey, the importance of thinking outside the box, and how he constantly seeks to improve the fan experience. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that highlights the impact of creativity, perseverance, and putting fans first. Jesse’s story is a testament to the power of thinking differently and the importance of creating memorable experiences. Don’t miss this fascinating episode!

In this episode of theREFINEnetwork Podcast, hosts Christopher and Evan discuss their strategies for effectively setting up and managing a team. They share personal experiences from their own companies, emphasizing the importance of morning meetings, referred to as "Muggs meetings."

These meetings are designed to set the right mindset, unify the team, set goals, and determine how team members can serve each other. Evan and Christopher provide an example structure for these meetings, including checking in on team members' current states and challenges, highlighting successes from the previous day, and setting goals for the current day.

They stress the importance of being proactive rather than reactive and fostering a supportive team environment. They also discuss the concept of being "closed-handed" or "open-handed" with certain company policies and practices, adapting as necessary for team success and growth.

The hosts conclude by offering to help others implement similar strategies in their own organizations, emphasizing the need for careful planning and customization to fit each unique team.

In this podcast episode, hosts Christopher and Evan discuss their leadership journeys, emphasizing the importance of building relationships and equity within their teams.

They highlight key principles such as viewing team members as volunteers to better understand their needs, the significance of earning respect and trust over time, and the value of supporting and empowering team members for mutual success.

Throughout, they share personal experiences and insights on effective leadership and organizational growth.