In this episode of Athletes to Entrepreneurs, Rob Finkelstein sits down with Luke Melms—former collegiate baseball player turned Managing Director at Firm Foundation Family Wealth—to talk about the power of process over outcome, and how athletes can harness that same mentality when stepping into business leadership.
---
Luke opens up about his journey from the diamond to the world of finance, and how staying committed to the process has led to deeper purpose and performance. He shares why it’s crucial for athletes to plan beyond the playing field, and how intentional networking, wise counsel, and long-term vision create success in life after sports.
Now, as a financial educator and soon-to-be author of *Go For More*, Luke is empowering athletes and entrepreneurs to steward their lives, wealth, and mindset with clarity and conviction. His story is a blueprint for anyone wondering *“What’s next?”* after the final whistle.
Whether you’re building a business, managing your money, or just rethinking your purpose—this conversation will light a fire.
Key Takeaways:
- The Process Over the Prize**: Winning happens when you commit to the process—not just the scoreboard.
- Transitions Are Inevitable—Be Ready: Start preparing before the game ends.
- Network with Intention: Relationships are capital. Treat them that way.
- You Don’t Need All the Answers—Just the Next Step
- Financial Literacy Is an Athlete’s Superpower
- Play the Long Game: Patience and perspective separate the good from the great.
- Your Identity Isn’t Tied to a Jersey: You are more than your sport.
- Lead with Service, Not Ego
- “Go For More” Isn’t Just a Book—It’s a Mindset
- Surround Yourself With the Right Team—On and Off the Field
---
About Luke Melms:
Luke Melms is a former college baseball player who has successfully transitioned into the world of finance as the Managing Director of Firm Foundation Family Wealth. Through his work, Luke helps families and entrepreneurs build clarity around their financial future—focusing on stewardship, long-term planning, and purpose-aligned wealth.
He’s also the author of the upcoming book *Go for More*, which guides athletes in turning their discipline into real-world impact. Luke’s mission is simple: Help others unlock success that lasts longer than the box scores.
“I realized that chasing success was never the answer. Living on purpose is.”
Connect with Luke Melms:
💼 LinkedIn: [Luke Melms](https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-melms-34ab0551/)
🌐 Website: Firm Foundation Family Wealth
📘 Book (Coming Soon): *Go for More*
---
🤝 Connect with Alumni Direct:
At Alumni Direct, we help athletes and alumni build a life beyond the jersey. Whether you're navigating a career change, launching a business, or seeking genuine community—our platform is built to support your transition.
📸 Instagram: [@AlumniDirect](https://www.instagram.com/alumnidirect)
💼 LinkedIn: [Alumni Direct](https://www.linkedin.com/company/alumnidirect)
📘 Facebook: [Alumni Direct](https://www.facebook.com/alumnidirect)
Join a network that knows the game—and what comes next.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Ruthie's Table 4
For more than 30 years The River Cafe in London, has been the home-from-home of artists, architects, designers, actors, collectors, writers, activists, and politicians. Michael Caine, Glenn Close, JJ Abrams, Steve McQueen, Victoria and David Beckham, and Lily Allen, are just some of the people who love to call The River Cafe home. On River Cafe Table 4, Rogers sits down with her customers—who have become friends—to talk about food memories. Table 4 explores how food impacts every aspect of our lives. “Foods is politics, food is cultural, food is how you express love, food is about your heritage, it defines who you and who you want to be,” says Rogers. Each week, Rogers invites her guest to reminisce about family suppers and first dates, what they cook, how they eat when performing, the restaurants they choose, and what food they seek when they need comfort. And to punctuate each episode of Table 4, guests such as Ralph Fiennes, Emily Blunt, and Alfonso Cuarón, read their favourite recipe from one of the best-selling River Cafe cookbooks. Table 4 itself, is situated near The River Cafe’s open kitchen, close to the bright pink wood-fired oven and next to the glossy yellow pass, where Ruthie oversees the restaurant. You are invited to take a seat at this intimate table and join the conversation. For more information, recipes, and ingredients, go to https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/ Web: https://rivercafe.co.uk/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/therivercafelondon/ Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/therivercafelondon/ For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iheartradio app, apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.