Description

Summary:  Adam Battersby, the founder of ProBatter Sports, shares his journey of starting and growing a company in the pitching machine industry. The company invented a video pitching machine for baseball, softball, and cricket. Adam discusses the challenges they faced in developing the machine, including the high cost and the need for extensive research and development. He also talks about their sales process, targeting commercial batting cages and training centers, as well as Major League Baseball and colleges. Adam reflects on the mistakes they made and the lessons they learned along the way. Adam Battersby, co-owner of ProBatter Sports, shares his experience as a small business owner and entrepreneur. He discusses the challenges of running a business, including dealing with machine malfunctions and managing employees. Battersby emphasizes the importance of having a good staff and being a strong leader. He also talks about the strategic planning process, including improving the current product and exploring new opportunities. Battersby highlights the success of their pitching simulator and their plans to target high schools and sports facilities. He advises entrepreneurs to persevere and stay committed to their business.

Keywords:  pitching machine, baseball, softball, cricket, business development, sales, challenges, research and development, commercial batting cages, Major League Baseball, colleges, small business, entrepreneur, challenges, machine malfunctions, employees, leadership, strategic planning, product development, pitching simulator, high schools, sports facilities

Takeaways

• ProBatter Sports invented a video pitching machine for baseball, softball, and cricket.
• The development process involved extensive research, development, and testing, as well as hiring multiple engineers.
• The initial cost of the machine was high, but they were able to lower it over time through technology advancements and better manufacturing processes.
• Their target market includes commercial batting cages, training centers, Major League Baseball, and colleges.
• They faced challenges in sales and marketing, but the unique features and benefits of their machine helped generate interest and positive feedback.
• Adam advises that persistence and creativity are key to overcoming obstacles and growing a successful business. Running a small business comes with constant challenges, such as machine malfunctions and managing employees.
• Having a good staff and being a strong leader are crucial for success.
• Strategic planning involves improving the current product and exploring new opportunities.
• ProBatter Sports has developed a pitching simulator and plans to target high schools and sports facilities.
• Perseverance and commitment are key qualities for entrepreneurs.

Titles

• Targeting Commercial Batting Cages, MLB, and Colleges
• The Importance of Persistence and Creativity in Business Expanding into High Schools and Sports Facilities
• The Importance of a Good Staff and Strong Leadership

Sound Bites

• "We had to get creative in our sales pitch and how to market and get our name out."
• "The machine, it's an awesome machine. Everyone loved the machine."
• "A lot of the golf simulator companies are now getting into baseball, and they're doing ball tracking."
• "You're better off just partnering or something like that."
• "Cheap help is very expensive."
• "You have to be a good leader if you want a good crew."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

08:06 Developing the ProBatter Machine

12:57 Financing and Manufacturing Challenges

23:02 Lessons Learned and Future Plans

25:59 Challenges of Running a Business

28:19 Leadership and Motivation

31:20 Strategic Planning and Business Growth

32:24 Expanding into Different Markets

34:22 Modifications and Updates to the Machines

36:18 Outsourcing and Sales Representatives

37:27 In-House Engineers and Manufacturing

38:48 Quality Control and Installation

40:42 Sales Team and Internal Operations

42:04 Outsourcing and Cost Management

43:38 Sales Performance and Accountability

45:00 Factors Contributing to Longevity

48:51 Future Developments and Expansion

51:35 Pitching Simulator and Advertising Opportunities

52:17 Advice for Small Business Owners

52:52 Contact Information