Today we’d like to introduce you to Ben Moore.
Hi Ben, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have spent the majority of my career in tech. The first company we built over a period of 6-7 years and had a successful exit through the company being acquired. The second company I joined at the startup phase as the VP of Business Development responsible for worldwide distribution, customer acquisition, sales strategy, operations and forecasting. Helped take this company public in October, 2011. After spending 10 years at the company decided I needed a new challenge and get back to the startup phase, which I thoroughly enjoy. Since that time I have had the opportunity to startup or be a part of several startup companies:
– construction company specializing in pools, home building and commercial construction.
– Acquired and ran different franchises and continue to expand there
– Wakesurf board design/sales company
– Camera/video solution utilizing AI designed to be used in robotics and other applications
– Networking brand (Access points, routers, switches, etc..) established
– Insurance agency
The one that I love the most is the non-profit basketball gym and complex we put in several years ago. Been awesome to see so many youth participating and to be able to support other local non profits.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have definitely been periods where the road is smooth. Those are usually the times that are a little more boring. They are good to have, but ultimately the growth comes when the roads are a little bumpy. Whether it was something strategy related that we needed to adjust or a product design idea that didn’t hit initially, the key is that you are relentless in your pursuit and you pivot until you are able to be successful. Love it when a business will continue to find ways to grow and expand and become better.
We’ve been impressed with Nets On Fire, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Nets On Fire is a non-profit basketball gym that gives youth the opportunity to participate in different athletic pursuits (primarily Volleyball and Basketball). It is awesome to see youth working hard, getting off their screens and pushing themselves to become their best. It is also awesome that they have opportunities to participate in other events that help other non profits. This is something that makes me really happy and something that our director and employees have done a great job with. Having the opportunity to work with Make A Wish, Toys for tots, Tan’s treats, Korah Kids and other non-profits. For example one of the tournaments they do around Christmas time the entrance for teams to play in the tournament is the team needs to bring new toys instead of paying for the tournament and those toys are all donated to local kids who would not typically be getting toys for Christmas. It is really cool to see the upstairs of the gym filled with toys for local kids! Great to see the community involved and the awesome Nets On Fire team. The other part that is fun about this space is the Nets On Fire gym is attached to a complex (Be More Complex) that offers roller skating, ninja warrior, speed and agility training, physical therapy and Cheer gym. A place for families to go for entertainment, to spend time together and for youth to push themselves.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I will regularly take risks in business and elsewhere. Most every business decision you make has some risk associated to it. I will not risk putting my family in danger, but I will definitely take calculated risks. I think as you start to support others and have others depend on you (whether business or family) your tolerance for risk changes. It is easy to risk earlier on in the process, then makes less sense in my mind to put business/family at risk. With risk taking for me personally I think it is very important to always side with betting on yourself when deciding on what you want to do. Be able to control your destiny and know you did everything in your power to succeed and know if it fails you learned along the way for the next business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.netsonfire.org/
- Instagram: @netsonfire
- Facebook: @netsonfire
