This episode will highlight the achievements of BATS-TOI CEO & founder, Mario Mercado. Mario's lifelong passion is the integration of sports & technology, and those industries came together for him when he developed an award-winning wrestling helmet that reduces head & facial trauma.
Mario serves as Deputy Commissioner of the NYS Athletic Commission, has been league production executive for the WSOF and is the wrestling coach to many notable MMA champions.
He is currently enrolled in the Columbia University Sports Management Graduate Program.
Tune in for this energetic conversation at TalkRadio.nyc or watch the Facebook Livestream by clicking here.
“Death is always knocking on the door of a start-up…”
Jeremiah introduces the guest of the show, Mario Mercado. Mario shares some words of wisdom when it comes to entrepreneurship. The two go back and forth on jiu jitsu and how the mentality required to persevere in martial arts is connected to the mindset of an entrepreneur. Mario gives some insight on the fear of success while Jeremiah gives his experiences during his martial arts training, both of them connecting them to resilience and “getting comfortable being uncomfortable”.
Mario tells the story on how he started up his business, BATS-TOI, first starting with how the name came about. He then goes into the story on how he first introduced his helmet technology to investors and gives a bit of insight on why he decided to patent the helmet in the first place. Mario also informs listeners about his dismal living situation and working conditions at the time.
Mario continues with his entrepreneurial journey, stopping to share an experience training a WWE wrestler. Jeremiah and Mario discuss the importance of mental fortitude when times get rough and why a strong morale is needed above everything else in completing your goals.
Mario shares a few more stories that he’s heard in the fitness industry and the NY MMA/contact-sports world throughout the pandemic. Mario closes the show by plugging his website, social media and contact information for listeners.
