From Sports Executive to Business Coach: A Conversation with Fred Ewig

In this Pre-Zero Sports Talk Podcast episode, host Sid Bensalah sits down with Fred Ewig, a former sports executive turned business coach. Fred brings over two decades of experience across professional hockey and youth sports. He now helps business leaders grow by focusing on strategy, not day-to-day tasks.

Fred shares hard-earned lessons from building a business, leading large teams, and overcoming early sales rejection. He also explores how private equity reshapes youth sports and why grit, more than hustle, is the key to long-term success. This episode offers tactical insights, honest stories, and practical leadership advice.

Key Takeaways:

·       How to work on the business, not just in it

·       The role of mindset in navigating challenges

·       Sales tips from cold-call trenches

·       Why athletes struggle in leadership roles

·       Youth sports, private equity, and rising costs

Timestamps:

       00:00 Introduction to Fred Ewig

       00:54 Fred's Transition from Sports to Coaching

       03:03 Challenges in Building a Business

       05:22 Sales Techniques and Overcoming Rejection

       11:47 Leadership in Sports vs. Business

       15:23 The Evolution of Youth Sports

       20:05 The Importance of Grit in Business

       20:56 Coaching Through Low Points

       22:48 Why Business Owners Delay Seeking Help

       24:17 Balancing Accountability in Coaching

       29:09 Private Equity's Impact on Youth Sports

       32:06 The Rising Costs and Pressures in Youth Sports

       38:21 Lightning Round: Quickfire Questions

       43:09 Final Thoughts and Advice

Support the show

☞ Stay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk!

Join Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real sports, leadership, and progress conversations. Follow us, share your thoughts, and be part of the movement:

📲 Follow & Engage with Us:

🔹 Twitter/X → @PreZeroST
🔹 Instagram → @PreZeroSportsTalk
🔹 YouTube → Subscribe & Watch Full Episodes
🔹 LinkedIn → Join the Conversation
🔹 TikTok → @PreZeroSportsTalk
🔹 Substack → Read & Subscribe to Exclusive Content

Your Voice Matters!
Got feedback, suggestions, or a topic you'd love us to cover? We want to hear from you!

📩 Send us your thoughts here.

Fuel Our Mission → Help us continue bringing honest conversations and impactful storytelling. Support the podcast here.

Let’s reshape the conversation and drive real change in sports. Every voice counts—what’s your take?