We were lucky to catch up with Jamie And Derek Anderson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jamie and Derek, appreciate you joining us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
The idea for AOK Adventures really came from our desire to inspire the next generation, especially kids who may be facing challenges like Derek did growing up. The Stamina Foundation was already running successfully, helping youth through mentorship and education, but we realized there was another way to expand our mission—through storytelling.
It started with a simple conversation. One day, Derek and I were reflecting on the lessons he’s learned throughout his journey—growing up homeless, overcoming obstacles, and achieving incredible success as an NBA Champion. We thought, “What if we could package these lessons in a way that young kids could understand and relate to?” That’s when the idea of a children’s picture book was born.
The next steps were all about figuring out how to make it happen. Neither of us had written a children’s book before, so we started by researching the market. We read books from authors who inspired us, studied what made them resonate, and thought about how we could infuse Derek’s personal story and our values into something kids would love.
From there, we began writing drafts. The first few versions of AOK Adventures were honestly all over the place—we wanted to say everything at once! But we learned to focus on one key message: the power of kindness. As we refined the story, we collaborated with an illustrator to bring Derek’s younger self to life and make the book visually captivating for kids.
At the same time, we had to figure out the logistics of publishing. We researched platforms, found a printer, and worked through the many details of turning a manuscript into a finished product. It was a steep learning curve, but we leaned on each other’s strengths—Derek’s storytelling and my organizational skills—to get it done.
Finally, in November of this year, AOK Adventures was published. Seeing it in print for the first time was surreal—it felt like all the hard work was worth it. Now, we’re focused on sharing the book with kids, parents, educators, and libraries everywhere.
What started as a simple idea—a conversation between the two of us—has turned into something tangible, and we hope it’s just the beginning. We have so many more stories to tell and lessons to share, and we’re excited to see how this journey unfolds.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
For those who may not know us, we’re Jamie and Derek Anderson, co-founders of the Stamina Foundation. Our organization is built on a simple but powerful belief: that with resilience, kindness, and the right support, anyone can overcome adversity and create a better future for themselves. We have now paid and helped over 40 students get into Colleges and Universities with 36 of them Graduating and coming back to work with the next generation of students trying to move forward with their education as well.
The Stamina Foundation was born out of Derek’s personal journey. Growing up homeless and facing incredible challenges, Derek used sports as an outlet and a pathway to success. He went on to become an NCAA and NBA Champion, but more importantly, he developed a deep passion for giving back. His life experiences showed him the importance of mentorship, discipline, and having someone believe in you.
I brought my background in HR, career coaching, and nonprofit leadership into the mix, and together we expanded the foundation’s mission. Today, the Stamina Foundation provides programs that focus on youth development, education, and life skills. We work with underserved communities, helping young people build the tools they need to navigate life’s obstacles and pursue their dreams.
One of the things that sets us apart is how we approach mentorship. We’re not just about giving advice or providing resources—we want to walk alongside young people and help them discover their potential. Whether it’s through financial literacy workshops, leadership training, or sports programs, we emphasize building confidence and resilience from the inside out.
What we’re most proud of is the ripple effect we’ve seen over the years. We’ve mentored kids who are now mentoring others, creating a cycle of empowerment and growth. Watching someone overcome their struggles and turn into a leader in their own right is the greatest reward.
For anyone considering working with us or supporting our mission, we want you to know that we’re here to inspire real change. Whether through the foundation, our books, or our speaking engagements, we’re committed to helping others build stamina—both the physical and emotional kind—to achieve their goals and live fulfilling lives
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
The best source of new clients has been referrals and word of mouth, and honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way. We believe that relationships are everything, and the trust people place in us to share our story, services, or mission with others is something we hold in the highest regard.
Our character and authenticity have always been the foundation of everything we do—whether it’s through the Stamina Foundation, Derek’s speaking engagements, or our AOK Adventures children’s book series. We’re not just focused on delivering results; we’re focused on building meaningful connections with the people we serve.
When someone recommends us to a friend or colleague, it’s not just about a transaction—it’s a reflection of the trust and positive experiences they’ve had with us. That’s something we never take for granted. Whether it’s a young person whose life has been impacted by our foundation or a parent who resonates with the lessons in our book, these relationships have helped us grow organically and authentically.
At the end of the day, people trust people. That’s why we lead with integrity, honesty, and a genuine desire to help others. It’s been the key to our success and the reason we’re so passionate about continuing the work we do.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Building our audience on social media has been a journey of authenticity, consistency, and connection. When we first started, we didn’t have a grand strategy or polished content. Instead, we focused on sharing stories and messages that reflected who we are and what we care about—kindness, resilience, and helping others.
One of the most important things we’ve learned is that people gravitate toward authenticity. We’ve always aimed to show up as ourselves—whether it’s sharing behind-the-scenes moments of working on AOK Adventures, talking about the impact of the Stamina Foundation, or just offering words of encouragement to our community.
Supporting others has also been a cornerstone of our approach. Whether it’s engaging with other creators, sharing uplifting content, or amplifying voices we believe in, we’ve found that giving is one of the best ways to build meaningful connections. Social media isn’t just about broadcasting—it’s about building relationships.
For those just starting to build their presence, our advice is simple:
Be Authentic: Don’t try to imitate what others are doing. Share your unique story, values, and perspective.
Support Others: Engage with your community genuinely. Comment, share, and celebrate others’ successes.
Trust the Process: Building an audience takes time. Focus on quality over quantity, and the right people will find you.
Your audience doesn’t have to be massive to make an impact. It’s about creating a space where people feel connected, inspired, and valued. When you lead with authenticity and a heart to serve, your audience will grow organically—and those relationships will mean so much more than any numbers on a screen.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aokadventures.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/staminafoundation/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090285318661