We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Darrell Cole. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Darrell below.

Darrell, appreciate you joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

I am a true entrepreneur. I get involved in any business that I feel can turn a profit. When I was in elementary school, I saw that a package of gum in the commissary (military store) was .99, and had 10 .25 packs in it. That was a $1.50 profit per package. So, I started selling gum.
So, when I realized that I could own my own professional basketball team, I thought about ways to make it profitable. How I could parlay my passion into a business.
After speaking with my partner, Jarrell Swan, we decided to make a move, and “The Strong Steppers” came about.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

As far as my latest endeavor, The Strong Steppers, I decided to get into professional basketball because of my love for the game. I decided to take something I love, and turning it into a thriving business. Most basketball games are just that, a basketball game. However, a Strong Steppers game will be an EVENT! One with music, vendors, games, and live performers/artists. You won’t want to miss a Strong Stepper game!
The Strong Steppers are very involved in the community. We are partnered with the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, the Special Olympics, and other organizations dedicated to enhancing our communities.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

I met my partner Jarrell when he came to tryout for the team. Needless to say, he made it, and became one of my best players. So, when I decided to put the team in the ABA (American Basketball Association), I thought about bringing in a partner, and wanted it to be someone with the same love, ambition, and determination that I have.
He was my first choice!

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

When owning/managing a basketball team, you have to realize that you’ll be dealing with a lot of personalities. A lot of egos. Not to mention, the things going in in your player’s lives. You will have to be firm, but have empathy, as well! Understand your players, and you will be better off!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.TheStrongSteppers.com
• Instagram: @thestrongsteppers @ceostrongatl
• Facebook: The Strong Steppers
• Youtube: @TheStrongSteppers