Leveraging Technology to Bring the Stadium Home with Michael Kraner of My Backyard Sports

The Covid-19 pandemic has created an ongoing trend of working and playing from home. And what better way to come together to connect than with sports? My Backyard Sports is one of the most unique franchises available and it does just that. Founder, Michael Kraner, joins the podcast today to share the unique offerings that My Backyard Sports brings to not only families, but the communities they live in and all of this matches the company’s core values. But how do they make this happen? By leveraging technology. In fact, construction and design are not prerequisites for being a part of the work and franchisees are trained to do that. Michael himself began with a technology background and by combining their unique use of technology and digital tools, they are able to “bring the stadium home.” My Backyard Sports is a full service, one-stop-shop, offering over 30+ sports related products and services. They design and build incredible customized courts such as basketball, tennis, pickleball and golf both for residential and commercial use. They cater to homeowners, schools, gyms, recreation centers, condominiums, real estate developers, and area businesses. Their customized sports projects range in scope from purchase and installation of basketball hoops and other sports equipment and accessories to full court sport facilities encompassing both single and multi-court offerings. Additionally, they offer our customers personalized court painting and court maintenance services such as patch and repair. If customers can dream it, they can design, build and install it. And as they are recognized as one of the nation’s fastest growing companies, you can be a part of their success as well.   Key Takeaways: [1:51] - Michael explains what My Backyard Sports is and what they specialize in. [3:08] - Instead of just purchasing a basketball hoop for the driveway, My Backyard Sports makes the design and implementation a full experience. [4:27] - When starting the business, Michael and his wife have a heavy technology background and were able to leverage technology to work for their core values. [5:40] - Because of different local qualities, there are a lot of things to consider when designing a permit-friendly design. [7:55] - Customers do not need a ton of space or need something elaborate. My Backyard Sports is very customer focused. [9:10] - Michael describes their presentation and customization for memorable experiences for customers and their families. [11:37] - Michael shares the details of a customized basketball court for a family that became a branding opportunity. All their work tells a story. [13:14] - “My Backyard Sports” doesn’t just apply to a family’s backyard. They work in the community as well. [14:52] - With the idea of adding value to communities across the country, My Backyard Sports became a franchise opportunity. [16:17] - Training is surprisingly basic and franchisees do not need a construction background to do this work. [17:22] - My Backyard Sports began in New Jersey and has expanded into Texas. [18:49] - A tradition for My Backyard Sports is for employees to take pictures and videos for social media since their work is so unique. [20:01] - The Covid-19 pandemic created a continuing trend of working and playing at home. [21:12] - My Backyard Sports continues to expand and is acknowledged for their rapid growth. Michael shares the goals for 2022 and 2023. [24:30] - Sports are a great connector for people and Michael shares the core values of My Backyard Sports in the community.   Mentioned in This Episode: My Backyard Sports Website My Backyard Sports Franchise Site