Ep.68 Solepack Founder Mike Sala and Director of NIL & Athletic Partnerships for Solepack, Willard Randolph Brown III, join Will Gates and Arthur Agee on the Hoop Dreams Podcast to talk about the Solepack origin story and their new NIL initiative Bucket Society. Mike checks in from his hometown of New York and Willard from his stomping grounds of Memphis, Tennessee. Solepack is a designer of unique carry bags built specifically for your basketball shoes. It is the shoe transport backpack for playground ballers and gym rats everywhere. Created to protect your sneakers, keep your gear clean and make your journey to and from the court more stylish and more comfortable. Founded by Mike Sala, a physical therapist and avid ballplayer, who was always carrying his sneakers around in a plastic bag, he felt there had to be a better way and then the idea hit him on the train one day, and the rest is history. You've seen them in The NBA Store, SLAM Magazine, Men's Health, Complex and many other publications and with collaborations in place with NBALAB, NBA All-Star, College and Pro Players, Mike and Willard are set to ride the wave of excitement they've been creating. For any designer, accessory or fashion entrepreneur out there trying to get their idea seen and their product into the market this episode is full of lessons and insight on how Mike has done it so far, some of the pitfalls and how he has navigated the entrpreneurship journey. Listen and learn as Mike and Will share their Hoop Dream journey and give us a little taste of what’s next for the company.
An Unlearning Network Production
Hosted by Will Gates and Arthur Agee
Produced by Matt Hoffar
Written by Matt Hoffar, Will Gates and Arthur Agee
Editing by: Matt Savage
www.unlearningnetwork.com
What is Hoop Dreams The Podcast?
A Hoop Dream is defined as the pursuit of excellence in your chosen field. Will Gates and Arthur Agee, the stars of the original Hoop Dreams documentary dive into the origin stories of men and women, from the sports, entertainment and fashion industries, who are chasing their own version of a Hoop Dream. From college and pro athletes to journalists and broadcasters, to actors, musicians and designers, they dive into the back stories, the struggles, the accomplishments and the perseverance it takes to overcome the obstacles thrown at you in the attempt to reach the pinnacle of your profession.