We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Miguel Ortiz a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Miguel, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

The genesis of my business, Hoops413, sprouted from an unexpected yet heartwarming series of events that unfolded in my life. It all began with a simple act of kindness – training my friends’ young son in the art of basketball. Little did I know that this seemingly ordinary act would catalyze a remarkable journey into the world of youth basketball coaching.

As a dedicated preschool teacher, I have always been passionate about nurturing young minds and helping them grow. The satisfaction of seeing children grasp new concepts and skills was incredibly fulfilling. The thought crossed my mind: “What if I could expand my passion for teaching to the realm of basketball?”

The idea of starting my own basketball camp took root, and I embarked on a journey to explore its potential. Leveraging my role in a preschool attached to an elementary school, I was presented with a unique opportunity to gauge interest within the community. I engaged with families, discussing the concept of a basketball camp for young children. The overwhelmingly positive response fueled my belief that I was onto something special.

The stars seemed to align when I reached out to my mentor and school principal, a respected figure whose guidance I deeply valued. I secured access to the school’s outdoor basketball court on Saturday mornings with her unwavering support. This was a turning point when the abstract concept began to take tangible form.

I turned to my close friend, Sheldon Campbell, with a proposition. Would he be interested in joining me on this exhilarating journey as a co-coach? His enthusiastic “yes” further solidified the reality of Hoops413.

Hoops413 was born – not merely as a basketball camp but as an embodiment of our shared commitment to nurturing both budding basketball skills and the blossoming spirits of children as young as two. Since that momentous inception, the journey has been nothing short of extraordinary – a whirlwind of growth, learning, and heartwarming interactions that continue to fuel our passion and drive.

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.

Introduction and Background: Hoops413 is a basketball program that focuses on helping children develop both basketball skills and essential life skills. The program is delivered through an 8-week basketball camp that emphasizes the fundamentals of the game and values like sportsmanship, respect, responsibility, leadership, and teamwork.

Program Overview:

The program consists of an 8-week basketball camp.
The camp is designed to teach fundamental basketball skills such as footwork, dribbling, passing, shooting, and defense.
The primary goal is to ensure that children learn basketball and have a fun experience.
Mission and Core Values:

Mission Statement: The mission of Hoops413 is to provide children with a unique and enjoyable learning experience in basketball while also fostering essential life skills that they can apply in various aspects of their lives – at home, school, and on the courts.
Core Values: The basketball camp is guided by five core values:
Community: Building connections, respect, trust, honesty, and compassion among staff and participants to create lasting relationships.
Effort: Emphasizing the value of sincere and authentic effort, encouraging maximum potential in oneself and others.
Faith: Operating as a faith-based camp, relying on faith to overcome setbacks and find solutions in life.
Positivity: Creating a positive and enthusiastic learning environment encourages children’s self-confidence and self-respect.
Unity: Recognizing the strength in teamwork, where every individual’s skills contribute to the team’s success, creating lasting friendships and learning opportunities.
Distinguishing Factors:

Hoops413 aims to stand out from other sports camps by offering a comprehensive experience that combines basketball skills development with a strong focus on life skills and values.
They celebrate achievements and foster connections among participants through events that create memories filled with smiles and laughter.
Hoops413 welcomes new members who are interested in joining their program.
Key Takeaways:

Hoops413 is a basketball program that teaches children fundamental and essential life skills.
The program runs through an 8-week basketball camp, emphasizing skill development and values.
The mission is to provide a unique and enjoyable learning experience while fostering life skills for children.
Core values such as community, effort, faith, positivity, and unity guide the camp’s philosophy and activities.
Hoops413 stands out by combining basketball and life skills development and creating a positive and unified environment.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I believe our strong reputation within the market can be attributed to several factors that have set us apart. One of the primary distinguishing features is our emphasis on fostering a personal connection with our participants. At Hoops413, we prioritize creating a familial atmosphere, ensuring everyone who joins our community feels like they are an integral part of our extended family. Our involvement goes beyond the realm of sports instruction; we actively participate in various aspects of our participants’ lives, from attending basketball and baseball games to supporting them at piano recitals and birthday parties.

Furthermore, the unique bond we share with our camp families was exemplified when they organized a surprise baby shower for Coach Kaitlin and joined us in celebrating our son’s first birthday. This genuine camaraderie has undoubtedly contributed to the positive reputation we’ve cultivated.

Another distinctive aspect that has bolstered our reputation is our commitment to education. In addition to myself, Coach Kaitlin and Coach Sheldon bring a teaching background to our coaching roles. This dual role as coaches and teachers allows us to holistically approach our work with children. We recognize and respect that each child possesses their own unique strengths and developmental trajectory. Our coaching philosophy focuses on nurturing these strengths and building their confidence, not just in the realm of sports but as valuable life skills. This tailored approach ensures every child receives the support they need to thrive and succeed.

Our reputation has been built on the foundation of personalized care, genuine connections, and a comprehensive approach to coaching that considers both the individual and their overall growth. These core principles have been instrumental in setting us apart in the market and establishing Hoops413 as a trusted and respected name in our field.

Any advice for managing a team?

Maintaining high morale and effectively managing a team is a journey that requires genuine connection and unwavering leadership. My advice stems from a simple yet profound principle: be approachable. Picture this: when you work with children, the more goofy and comfortable you are, the more they’re having an absolute blast. It’s a reminder that sometimes the path to success is paved with joyful and unreserved enthusiasm.

Leading by example is critical. I firmly believe in practicing what I preach. Consistency in words and actions builds trust and fosters a sense of unity within the team. Just as I encourage my staff to embrace their inner goofiness, I am right there with them, fostering an atmosphere of camaraderie and shared experience.

Our setting, centered around basketball, is a canvas for something truly special. We not only play and teach, but we also shape the lives of these young individuals through the sport. This realization fuels the passion within our team. Every member knows the significance of their role and embraces it with unwavering dedication.

Celebrating victories, no matter how small, is crucial. When a parent reaches out with appreciation, it’s like a ray of sunlight warming our spirits. I make sure to pass on these messages of gratitude directly to the staff members responsible. It’s a reminder that our efforts are noticed, cherished, and making a real impact.

So, to manage a team and uphold high morale, remember to be approachable, lead by example, and revel in the joy of our journey together. We are more than just a team; we are a family driven by a shared purpose, and it’s through our collective dedication we create an environment where both our staff and the young minds we touch can thrive and flourish.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.Hoops413.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hoops413/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hoops413/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@hoops413
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/hoops413-redondo-beach-4