We recently connected with Kelvin Nelson and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelvin, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

My lifelong passion for baseball led me to consider entrepreneurship early on. During high school, a close friend and I frequently discussed the idea of foregoing traditional college paths to establish a wood baseball bat manufacturing company. While we researched necessary equipment, the concept remained largely aspirational.

I pursued higher education, playing collegiate baseball before earning a teaching degree and becoming a special education teacher. After several years, the desire to establish the wood bat company resurfaced, driven by my enduring passion for baseball and a commitment to contribute to the sport in new ways.

I conducted thorough research into the required equipment and developed a comprehensive business plan. I am incredibly grateful for my family’s willingness to invest in this venture, as their support was instrumental in the successful launch of KB Bat Co.

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.

This company was founded on two primary objectives. My first goal is to sustain my active involvement in baseball, a sport for which I have an unwavering passion. Furthermore, a significant driver behind this endeavor is to spread the message of the Bible. I firmly believe that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and the importance of sharing this truth. Through innovative bat designs linked to biblical passages and other creative approaches, I intend for this company to be a vehicle for spreading this vital message.

Can you open up about a time when you had a really close call with the business?

Launching this company presented a significant learning curve, particularly given my hands-on approach to acquiring new skills. A primary challenge was mastering the specialized computer-aided design (CAD) software essential for machine operation. Fortunately, a knowledgeable friend provided crucial guidance. Subsequently, I faced the task of independently learning to operate the CNC lathe, a machine purchased without direct instructions.

Early attempts resulted in numerous product inconsistencies, including issues with weight and cosmetic blemishes. These initial setbacks were frustrating and led to moments of self-doubt and financial strain. However, through persistent experimentation with different lathe settings and a commitment to continuous improvement, I successfully achieved the desired quality standards for our bats.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Customer acquisition has been a central focus, particularly given the inherent brand loyalty and occasional superstitions prevalent among baseball players. My personal experience as a player underscores the importance of a proven product.

A highly effective strategy for acquiring new customers has been leveraging word-of-mouth referrals within the Minnesota adult baseball league, a well-established and extensive network I’ve been a part of for nearly two decades. This league has provided invaluable connections and a strong foundation for organic growth. Additionally, I am actively developing our social media presence to enhance content quality and broaden our reach to a wider audience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kbbatco.com
• Instagram: kbbaseballbats
• Facebook: KB Bat Co.
• Twitter: @kbbatco
• Other: TikTok: @kb.bat.co