We were lucky to catch up with Luis Torres recently and have shared our conversation below.

Luis, appreciate you joining us today. Looking back at internships and apprenticeships can be interesting, because there is so much variety in people’s experiences – and often those experiences inform our own leadership style. Do you have an interesting story from that stage of your career that you can share with us?

Reflecting on my early days, launching DR Sports and Athletics was a journey that truly tested my determination and belief in the transformative power of sports. One of my business ventures began with a simple yet profound belief in the potential of our sports organization to make a meaningful impact through tennis, volleyball, golf, and other sports curriculums. However, the path to realizing this vision was anything but straightforward.

The initial phase of establishing DR Sports and Athletics was built by a series of rejections that would have discouraged the hesitant. Each time we approached a school, community center, or local facility to introduce our sports programs, we were often met with disinterest from the very people we hoped would listen to us. These doors, both literal and metaphorical, seemed shut against us, casting doubt on the viability of our vision.

Yet, it was in these moments of rejection that the core values of DR Sports and Athletics “the discipline and passion developed in a sports lifestyle” were truly forged. Instead of allowing these closed doors to diminish our value, we saw them as opportunities to overcome. We maintained our belief in the potential of our organization not just to teach sports but to instill life-long values and skills in our players. This belief drove us to keep knocking, keep presenting, and keep refining our pitch, even when the scoreboard was against us, just like in a tennis match.

Our persistence began to pay off. Slowly, but surely, some doors started to open. A local school agreed to pilot our tennis program and each small victory fueled our determination, and as word of our programs’ impact spread, more opportunities arose.

Today, DR Sports and Athletics operates across 40 different locations in Central Florida. Our programs have grown from simple introductions to sports to comprehensive curriculums that focus on physical, mental, and emotional development. The upcoming launch of our volleyball academy in College Park marks a significant milestone in our journey, embodying our commitment to excellence and community engagement.

Looking back, the journey of DR Sports and Athletics is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. Each closed door was not an endpoint but a detour, guiding us towards greater opportunities. This experience has taught me invaluable lessons about leadership-that vision, combined with resilience, can turn indifference into a wave of support. It underscores the importance of not just knocking on doors but being prepared to knock them down, armed with the conviction of your mission and the passion to see it through. This journey has further enlightened me about leadership, emphasizing the need for passion and that ‘something’ that makes your heart cry out, no matter the obstacles,

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

From my early days, the journey into sports and entrepreneurship was deeply personal, shaped by a lifelong engagement with sports and a belief in their transformative power. My path led to the establishment of DR Sports and Athletics, an organization dedicated to fostering not just athletic prowess but also instilling values of discipline, perseverance, and teamwork in young athletes. Through various sports programs, including tennis, volleyball, and golf, we’ve aimed to create a holistic development environment for youth across Central Florida. Reflecting my commitment to leveraging sports as a vehicle for positive change, making it a cornerstone of our mission and what sets us apart in the industry.

Parallel to my sports venture, I played a pivotal role in founding Cheese to Share, a family restaurant located in Avalon Park that embodies innovation and community connection. This venture, albeit in a different domain, resonates with the same ethos of sharing in community and creating value. It was an opportunity to blend entrepreneurial zeal with a passion for bringing people together, offering unique culinary experiences while contributing to the local economy. I am incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved with both DR Sports and Athletics and Cheese to Share, tied to my commitment to adding value to others in diverse fields.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Growing up, I lacked traditional leadership role models or an environment that naturally guided me toward embracing leadership. This absence created an initial hurdle in recognizing and developing my own leadership potential. Early on, I struggled academically and felt isolated in my challenges, lacking a strong support system to navigate through my self-doubt and the complexities of personal and academic growth. This backdrop made the concept of leading in team projects, sport teams, and even in some work environments somewhat unenjoyable, with an approach to ‘lead by the fist.’

However, an intrinsic feeling sparked within me during my pre-adolescent years, igniting a desire to better myself and overcome adversity, regardless of the circumstances. This shift in mindset was crucial; it marked the beginning of unlearning the notion that leadership was a trait you were either born with or without. Through sports, I discovered the value of grit and perseverance, which became fundamental to my growth and all the leadership resources I find around me today.

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

Managing a team and maintaining high morale requires a blend of empathy, clear communication, and shared goals. From my experience in leading DR Sports and Athletics, as well as being involved in the entrepreneurial venture of Cheese to Share, I’ve learned the importance of recognizing individual efforts while fostering a collaborative team environment. It’s crucial to establish a culture where feedback is encouraged and valued, and where each team member feels supported and understood. Regular team meetings, open lines of communication, and celebrating successes, no matter how small are key strategies that have helped maintain a positive and productive team atmosphere.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.disciplinerift.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disciplinerift/
• Facebook: facebook.com/disciplinerift
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-torres-182a27243