17. How Savannah Bananas are Changing Lives One Game at a Time with Emily Cole

Ever wondered what it takes to build a baseball empire that's more about fun than just the game? Get ready to step up to the plate with Emily Cole, co-owner of the Savannah Bananas and founder of Bananas Foster. In this episode, we're sliding into home base with a conversation that'll make you rethink everything you know about America's favorite pastime. Emily shares the wild ride of transforming a struggling team into a nationwide phenomenon that's part baseball, part fun, and all heart. From dancing players to grandma cheerleaders, discover how the Savannah Bananas are hitting it out of the park by putting fans first and fun front and center. But that's not all, folks! We're also digging into Emily's personal journey as a foster mom and how it led to the creation of Bananas Foster, a nonprofit that's changing the game for kids in the foster care system. Get ready for some major league inspiration as Emily reveals: What you'll learn in this episode: How the Savannah Bananas went from striking out to selling out stadiums across the country The secret sauce behind creating a sports experience that three generations can enjoy together Why putting "fans first" isn't just a catchy slogan—it's a business model that works How Emily and her husband Jesse balance running a baseball empire with raising a family on the road The unexpected joys and challenges of fostering, and how it shaped their family and business How Bananas Foster is using the power of celebration to change the narrative around foster care Whether you're a baseball fanatic, a budding entrepreneur, or just someone who loves a good underdog story, this episode is guaranteed to knock it out of the park. So grab your peanuts and Cracker Jacks, and join us for a conversation that's as entertaining as a Savannah Bananas game itself! "We are not who we are as a company without the fans. That's the name of the company, Fans First Entertainment. We remind ourselves every single day, every single person on staff stays humble because we would not be here without them." Ready to see how a little creativity and a lot of heart can change the game? Let's play ball! Follow more of Emily's journey here! https://www.instagram.com/emcole3