From Sports Executive to Business Coach_ A Conversation with Fred Ewig by Sid

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