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Sports and the Heart of Hustle with Avi Adelman and Dovid Gottlieb
Manage episode 498793736 series 3565262
In this episode of Keep Hustling, host Aaron Gordon sits down with the "Bash Brothers of Hillcrest," Avi Adelman and Dovid Gottlieb, the dynamic duo behind the Hillcrest Salt Bow League (HSL). The trio dive into the power of youth and adult sports, the life lessons learned on the field, and how building leagues can foster community, confidence, and lifelong memories. They share stories about managing passionate parents, the challenges of growing a grassroots organization, and the unique hustle required to turn a local league into a thriving community hub. The episode is packed with insight, laughs, and inspiration for anyone looking to create impact through sports, business, or good old-fashioned hustle.
Get To Know Avi and Dovid
In 2023, two friends and softball teammates, Avi Adelman and Dovid Gottlieb, realized a dream by purchasing the Hillcrest Softball League (HSL), which had been running since 2002. In just two years, they have transformed HSL from a two-season softball league into the fastest-growing Jewish sports league in the tri-state area—now encompassing five different sports, year-round competition, and leagues for all ages, and boys and girls
Learn more about HSL here:
3 Episode Key Takeaways 1. Sports Build Lifelong Confidence: Creating positive youth sports experiences isn't just about skills on the field—it's about developing confidence and memories that last a lifetime. Avi and Dovid stress how early athletic participation can shape self-esteem, teach mastery, and provide a foundation for success well beyond the game.
2. Embrace the Power of Community: HSL's mission goes beyond the scoreboard. Avi highlights how their leagues intentionally bring together kids and adults from diverse backgrounds, making "sports become community." The league offers both healthy competition and a sense of belonging, proving the value of showing up and supporting others.
3. Hustle with Heart and Persistence: Building something meaningful means hearing "no" and hustling anyway. Avi's relentless approach—even being called a "professional harasser" with a grin—shows that respectful persistence and belief in your mission are key. Whether it's launching new leagues or growing sponsorships, it's all about not giving up in the face of obstacles.
Show Overview:
00:00 Youth Sports Impact & Challenges
05:05 Breaking Ramaz's 42-Year Curse
07:08 Youth Sports Confidence Building
11:56 Psychology Questions and Freudian Concepts
13:11 Contemplations on Play and Work
18:13 Pushing Boundaries Beyond Nursing Homes
19:45 Unexpected Role Shift in Healthcare
24:27 No Apologies, Respect Boundaries
26:47 Expanding Community Sports Initiatives
31:22 Sales Success Through Client Retention
33:35 Business-First, Not Charity-Driven
37:35 Relentless Sponsor Promotion Strategy
40:43 Passion-Driven Career Leap
42:46 Mother: The Backbone of Success
46:29 Basketball Championship Fan Support
50:42 Youth Baseball Pitch Count Conflict
53:51 Sports as Community Focus
96 episodes
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