Category Archives: Tech of Sports

From the shoes we wear on our feet to the high definition televisions in our living room, wearable devices, the sports universe is a breeding ground for technology. Writer and Photographer Rick Limpert will examine this each week on The Tech of Sports – With guests which include athletes, inventors and journalists that cover the intersection of sports and technology.

Jason Carlson, Founder and CEO of Wallabing

Tech of Sports, ,

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Email | RSS

Rick talks with Jason Carlson of Wallabing, about providing RV enthusiasts an open road to revenue, adventure, and peace of mind.

With life on the open road remaining as popular and alluring as ever, one innovative company, Wallabing, is seeking to transform this growing lifestyle trend by streamlining the recreational vehicle experience for owners and renters.

“Owners make more, renters pay less” is the simple but powerful concept at the core of the Plano, Texas-based company’s forward-thinking business model. Wallabing is a peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace and mobile app connecting RV owners, renters, travelers, and wandering adventurers alike.

Bringing owners and renters together in a platform providing value for each has fueled Wallabing’s rapid growth since launching in 2021. Through leveraging its unique team of 164 independent consultants able to assist owners and renters in 32 states, the company has increased its inventory by 682% in six months.

It’s a dilemma faced by many RV owners for years – how to get the most out of their RVs even though they only use their vehicles for a few weeks each year. A recent survey by Verified Market Research found the average RV owner uses their RV an average of 20 days each year leaving 345 days to rent to others. Despite the growing popularity of RVs and outdoor travel, industry experts cite there are more than 54 million idle RVs at any given time, worldwide.

Meanwhile, in recent years, the rental market for RVs has been on the rise. In 2020, the RV rental market size was valued at $546 million. It is projected to reach $810 million by 2028, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.31% from 2021-2028, according to Verified Market Research.

Demand for RV ownership, which is already at 11.2 million U.S. households, is growing by 500,000 to 1 million annually. Market research predicts that 20.5 million households intend to purchase an RV in the coming years.

Looking ahead, Wallabing’s five-year plan is to have 150K RVs featured on its site and on the road. To further build out its marketplace and increase inventory, Wallabing has developed a responsive business model and lowered its service fee, while keeping modest customer acquisition costs.

Wallabing is planning to launch an upcoming crowdfunding campaign to expand awareness about their company’s platform and mobile app among RV owners, renters, and potential investors.

A great option to try an RV and a new experience.

Jason Carlson
Founder and CEO, Wallabing

I’ve been interested in outdoor recreation for as long as I can remember. My family spent at least one weekend a month camping when I was a young boy and we had an annual reunion at a national forest each August. Between hiking, fishing, boating, and anything else I could get up to out there, I was always taught to appreciate all the wonders our world held for us and was encouraged to explore.
 
After earning a degree in finance at Southern Methodist University, and working in asset management and consulting, I realized I wanted to get back to that spirit of adventure that was instilled in me by my parents. When I started my own family, I was eager to show them the wonders that an RV adventure could bring. They fell in love just as I did and that was the true foundation of Wallabing. From there it took a few years to marry my expertise and educational background with the desire I had to instill that same sense of curiosity and exploration in each client to create the product we have today. Every day since then has been a different and challenging adventure on its own.

John Sapiente, CEO of Volition America

Tech of Sports, ,

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Email | RSS

John Sapiente is the CEO of Volition America, a patriotic apparel brand that celebrates the country and supports the military community. Born and raised in Chicago, John is a University of Kansas Jayhawks alumnus.

John’s extensive background in manufacturing and his passion for country and community led him to build Volition America, despite his non-traditional background in apparel, consumer goods or brand building. He currently owns and operates two companies that manufacture Safety-Critical components for the Automotive Industries and Disposable Devices for the Med Device Community.

John’s mission to build a brand that celebrates the country and supports the military community was inspired by his involvement in the Folds of Honor Foundation, a 4-star Goldstar-rated charity that has provided over $220,000,000 and 44,000 scholarships to children and spouses of our fallen soldiers and First Responders, and served on the board of directors. He was inspired by Lt. Colonel Dan Rooney, the founder of the charity, which has provided over .91 of every dollar donated going to the recipients.

Marucci Sports is the latest partner to join Volition America’s curated coalition of premium lifestyle brands, building towards unity in our country and inspiring the power of choice.

Volition America is a movement changing the way we connect with America, through innovative apparel and accessories. Volition America is a collaboration of labels and a collective expression of love for America that transcends culture, gender, race, age and political beliefs. Empowering people to live through positive choices is the driving force of the company and its partnerships. Volition America is both a symbol and a catalyst for unity – when you see the VA logo, you are part of a movement that cares. This alliance of brands and the consumers who engage with them are making a conscious choice to express the power to celebrate America and build strong communities.

John’s dedication to the military community, combined with his manufacturing expertise, has allowed him to create a unique brand that unites and supports America. He is committed to making a positive impact and driving positive change in the world.

Charles McEnerney, ‘Dear Graduate’

Tech of Sports, ,

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Email | RSS

A little book that could pay big dividends for the new or old graduate in your life.

Dear Graduate asks a series of questions of the reader—about how they want to spend their lives and what values they’ll develop, evolving to bigger questions about how they act in the world and who they want to become and what they will achieve. It’s 33 questions in all. Even for many athletes I deal with that have a hard time realizing how they fit in to the world after graduation.

Laura Albert (aka JT LeRoy, author of Sarah) called Dear Graduate, “A non-interrogation, subtle and sweet guiding system for any recent graduate.” We think she nailed it.

Dear Graduate is hardcover, 6”x 6”, and 88-pages of text and bright colors, starting with a page for a note to the graduate.

All at www.deargraduatebook.com

This year, Dear Graduate was selected by Uncommon Goods!

Rick talks to the author, Charles McEnerney.

The book started from a conversation with my partner Adam Larson as I was talking to him about my two children, my son who was graduating NuVu Studio School in Cambridge (and will enter MassArt this fall!) and my daughter Adacie McEnerney who will graduate Boston University in three weeks!

We realized that the question we’ve all been asking each other for so many years, “What do you want to BE when you grow up?” probably isn’t the greatest of questions. It assumes the aspiration is a title instead of a passion or a personal mission.

We thought a better question was, “What will you DO when you grow up?” That led to more questions, and then more questions.

The idea is to celebrate all kinds of work and all kinds of people. Dear Graduate gives the reader a moment to stop and think deliberately about the decisions and life ahead.

At $15.99, it is not much more than a greeting card these days and makes a great gift for high school or college graduates, or even kindergarten or elementary school.Or it’s great for anyone!

Bonnie Taub-Dix, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist on Healthy Snacking

Tech of Sports, , ,

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Email | RSS

Rick is joined by Bonnie Taub-Dix, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist.

Americans are a population of snackers, yet do they really know what’s in the snacks they choose? Seven out of ten men and half of women surveyed say they believe their current snacks have nutritional value. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of confusion as to what is considered healthy. Nutrition labels are designed to be transparent, but many people don’t understand what they’re looking at when reading one. In fact, 69% of adults believe that they could eat healthier if nutrition labels were easier to read.

As we move into summer, snacks will be even more essential to daily routines. Kids will be home and families will take road trips and vacations, needing quick and nutritious snacks. Planning your snack choices could save you from a “hangry” meltdown – and that means kids and adults. For “hangry” adults, protein-rich snacks are key, with seven out of ten adults preferring protein for a nutrition boost.

Topics and links:

www.whisps.com

https://bonnietaubdix.com

A new study found Americans have a lot of trouble reading nutrition labels. What should people be looking for on the label?
What are some of your go-to summer snacks that fit the nutritional bill?
What’s the ideal nutritional combination for a snack that makes you feel full longer?
Where can we go to learn more?

Bonnie Taub-Dix, MA, RDN, CDN, is the award-winning author of Read It Before You Eat It – Taking You from Label to Table, and creator of the website BetterThanDieting.com. Taub-Dix is a media personality, spokesperson, motivational speaker, journalist and corporate and brand consultant whose messages are laced with her credible guidance as an advisor, her passion for creative cooking and her wit and wisdom as a mom. Taub-Dix is Director and Owner of BTD Nutrition Consultants, LLC, with offices on Long Island and in New York City. Taub-Dix is also Health & Wellness Contributor for sites like TODAY.com, US News & World Report and Everyday Health and she is an Expert Reviewer for Greatist and Livestrong.

Terry Dale, President and CEO of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) on Summer Travel

Tech of Sports, ,

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Email | RSS

Rick is joined by Terry Dale of the USTOA this week.

According to the Summer Travel Survey & Trends 2023 report by The Vacationer, a whopping 85% of Americans plan to travel this summer and 42% of Americans are planning to travel more this summer compared to last. With a vast array of destinations and styles of vacations available, how can travelers save much-valued time and money in navigating the where, how, when and even why of planning a vacation? In this interview, Terry Dale, president & CEO of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) will discuss the uptick in summer travel and current travel trends. He can also share the benefits of booking a guided tour as well as offer up some ‘off the beaten path’ destinations to plan your next adventure!

TERRY’S TRAVEL TRENDS INCLUDE:

OFF THE BEATEN PATH ITINERARIES – Unique destinations like Türkiye are growing in popularity. Türkiye welcomed 51.4 million visitors in 2022, making it one of the world’s most prominent travel destinations. Apart from its successful figures, Türkiye is also a pioneer country in sustainable tourism and started a nationwide sustainable tourism program in 2022. Tour operators like Collette bring guests off the beaten path to secret hideaways like Dalyan, a relaxing riverbank town connected to the Mediterranean Sea and filled with local charm.

CULTURE IS IN – Countries such as Malta offer thousands of years of intriguing history. Malta, a Mediterranean Archipelago with three sister islands, Malta, Gozo and Comino, are home to a most remarkable concentration of intact built heritage, including the highest density of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in any nation-state. Club Adventures’ Malta tour offers exceptional culinary experiences, and visits to local craft villages so that you’re fully immersed in the culture.

SIMPLE SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL – Zagreb is a Croatian city of delightful contrasts – it is both young and old, cosmopolitan, and alternative, a mix of Austro-Hungarian and modern architecture, bursting with over 30 museums, 30 theaters, and many galleries and festivals. Tour operators like Intrepid Travel work with locally owned and operated accommodations in Zagreb, which helps support the local economy and provides authentic experiences for travelers. Itineraries often include visits to local artisans, like Radiceva and Tkalciceva Street, and Ilica, where travelers can learn about traditional crafts like embroidery, pottery and woodworking while also supporting small, local businesses.

For more information please visit: www.ustoa.com/tournow

Tim Wright, Super Bowl Champ, Co-Founder and Chief Strategic Officer of Dome Audio

Tech of Sports, ,

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Email | RSS

Tim Wright joins Rick this week. Tim is currently Co-Founder and Chief Strategic Officer at Dome Audio.

Before embarking on a career in the technological arena, Tim Wright played in the pro football one. A former tight end who spent three years in the NFL after going undrafted out of Rutgers in 2013—one each for the Buccaneers, Patriots, and Lions—Wright won a championship with New England when the team beat the Seattle Seahawks 28–24 in Super Bowl XLIX.

Wright played, but had no catches. He caught 6 touchdowns in the regular season.

Wright wants to bring game-changing headphones to deaf and hard-of-hearing people.

While winning a Super Bowl ring may represent the pinnacle of one’s football career, it doesn’t represent the pinnacle of who Wright is as a person. In a recent interview with me conducted over email, Wright made crystal clear at the outset that he’s always believed himself to be “more than an athlete.” He described his life’s purpose as “[investing] in art, technology, big vision ideas, and making a difference in people’s lives.” The origins of Wright’s entrepreneurial spirit trace back to his days at Rutgers on the school’s football team, where he became the sole offensive captain; he carried these lessons into his playing career and elsewhere.

Dome uses proprietary technology to offer so-called “open” and “closed” headphones—open being bone-conducting style, closed being the more traditional Beats-like style—designed to help people hear better all the while providing improved audio fidelity.

Wright believes this mindset has set him up well for success in life. “When preparation meets opportunity, success is inevitable… my discipline and acumen, coupled with my gifts as a visionary, shines through in my daily works,” he said.

Here is the preorder link: https://www.domeonesound.com