Florida entrepreneur loves the flexibility and freedom his business offers
i9 Sports franchise owner Brian Samilian is living a dream come true. Brian always wanted to work in sports, and today he’s i9 Sports’ longest-tenured franchise owner. Brian’s Jacksonville, Florida, location has been going strong now for 12 years.
Brian was in his early twenties and working for the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team when i9 Sports came to his attention. Brian spent some time researching i9 Sports, visiting the home office located in Tampa, FL and attending several game days operated by the local franchise. “The more I heard and saw, the more I liked,” Brian said.
Once Brian was ready to purchase an i9 Sports franchise in 2004, he and his wife set their sights on the Jacksonville, Florida, area. It meant a move for the couple, but they welcomed the adventure and the opportunity to be closer to family in the state’s northeast region. “I love my actual job,” Brian says. “I always wanted to work in sports, so the administration of a sports leagues, camps and clinics is something I enjoy.”
Brian also points out the incredible benefits that come with his business. “I love the flexibility to set my own schedule depending upon my family’s needs,” he says. “It’s great to not be tied to an office Monday through Friday. I can decide how to structure my day. Some days I may work a few hours, take a break for errands or to help with the kids and then finish up on the weekend or late at night. I have complete control of my schedule, which is awesome.”
He does add, however, that the atypical work schedule may not be for everyone. It takes a great deal of self-motivation, multi-tasking and prioritizing to make sure that the work gets done and deadlines are met — especially without a “boss” looking over your shoulder to hold you accountable.
i9 Sports is different from the typical youth sports league
Brian knows that i9 Sports is special and gives kids an experience unlike any other sports league out there. “I feel so good about the product we’re offering that ultimately makes a difference in kids’ lives. This is the league I wish I had growing up. I would have loved to have played in an organized flag football league like i9 Sports, and I didn’t have the opportunity,” Brian says.
i9 Sports provides ongoing training and support for its franchise owners, and its proprietary software helps franchisees manage all aspects of the business — from communicating with parents to building rosters and schedules. Brian says, “i9 Sports is committed to improving their Franchise Manager software. That saves us time, which is very important and definitely helps us run our leagues and do our jobs better.”
Brian adds that owning an i9 Sports franchise is ideal for the entrepreneur who loves sports and enjoys making a difference in kids’ lives. “If you’re self-motivated and like flexibility and freedom with your work schedule, then you should take a look at i9 Sports.”
i9 Sports is the country’s premier youth sports franchise
i9 Sports is the nation’s first and largest youth sports league franchise that offers flag football, soccer, baseball and basketball to children between the ages of 3 and 14. i9 Sports provides a youth sports experience unlike any other by teaching the importance of good sportsmanship on the field and in life. With convenient, flexible hours that translate into an enviable work/life balance, and no real estate or large upfront inventory requirements, i9 Sports is a compelling low-investment franchise opportunity with an attractive profit potential. Our long-term vision is to become the undisputed leader in recreational youth activities worldwide by delivering a superior and extraordinary customer experience.
Learn more about the i9 Sports franchise
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