Adam White, co-founder of Front Office Sports (FOS) and an alumnus of the University of Miami's Sports Administration program, reflects on the entrepreneurial journey that turned a simple class project into a leading sports business media company.
What began as a series of informational interviews during college grew steadily through strategic pivots and a tireless work ethic.
“We started in 2017 as a class project at the University of Miami, and over the next four years, it evolved into a daily news platform,” White said.
White stated, “Every sports story is a business story,” encapsulating the specialized focus that has attracted a dedicated audience.
White's initial objective was clear: to gain insights from industry professionals and amplify their stories. With a stroke of luck, he connected with an investor on Twitter, which ultimately facilitated funding for FOS in 2018.
“I reached out to the investor on Twitter, shot him a DM, and said, ‘Hey, look, I think there’s some areas that we could help,’” White said, recalling the encounter as it marked a transition from a passion project to a legitimate business.
As the company developed, White embraced a business model that prioritizes adaptability. He emphasized FOS' strength as a nimble organization, capable of pivoting away from outdated traditional media business models.
“Our whole thing is that we focus on niche areas rather than scale. Every sports story has a business angle,” White said.
FOS aims for continuous innovation, seeking to expand beyond digital media into event production and multimedia endeavors, including video content and possible collaborations with platforms like Netflix.
“What got us to this point won’t necessarily take us to the next level. We need to iterate, change, and adjust,” White said as he outlined his vision for the future.
Celebrating their achievements, White points to milestones like securing their first $1 million client and reaching one billion social impressions. However, he considers employee retention their greatest asset.
“Our team is currently at 60 full-time members, and we’ve maintained strong retention. Many have been with us for 3, 4, or even 5 years,” White said.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, White offers sage advice: concentrate on your own journey, work tirelessly, and resist the temptation to compare yourself to others.
“Leverage the fact that you’re in school. Everyone is eager to speak with college students. You’re just one DM away from your goal,” White said as his journey exemplifies this principle. “Front Office Sports exists because of our commitment to show up every day and do the job repeatedly. It’s been 10 years of that."
