Kevin S. Kaplan, named a “Sports Marketing Guru” by the Sporting News in 1991 – served as Vice President of Marketing for the Birmingham Fire (NFL World League of American Football). Responsible for the largest attendance in US World League history (54,000 at Legion Field). Jerry Lee Lewis sang “Great Balls of Fire” at halftime. Kevin S. Kaplan created and organized the Vegas Golden Knights (NHL) Las Vegas 75 Season Ticket campaign that brought the first major professional sports franchise to Nevada. Kevin S. Kaplan Helped start the SEAL Legacy Foundation.
Where did the idea for your career come from?
When I established Coaching Charities (nearly 20 years ago), many of my clients at the time wanted to create a platform to give back to others. The idea was born from my marketing background and genuine love to coach others in making a difference.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
Wake up early each morning and immediately respond to client text messages and emails. My first calls/meetings are with each member of my Coaching Charities management team, where we review ongoing projects and discuss plans for new ones. Throughout the day, I engage with clients and my team members. I consider it a productive day if we move the needle for each of our clients.
How do you bring ideas to life?
First, it needs to be a great idea. It then needs to be presented to the client for their buy-in. After that, enthusiasm, and the development of a great plan!
What’s one trend that excites you?
More so than ever, people are looking to make a difference. More people today are willing to share their time and treasures.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
I have three… Hard work, positive attitude, and loyalty.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t sweat the small stuff, don’t pay attention to the noise, and have a laser focus on crossing the finishing line.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.
Being a workaholic is purposeful and rewarding especially if you love what you do. Coaching Charities allows me to make a difference in the lives of others.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Always be early or on time. This shows the person(s) you are meeting that they are a priority and important.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
Results. I always focus on quantifiable, well-planned (and executed) projects that generate top results.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
Learning to trust my team and accepting I could not do everything. As your business grows, the people you hire need to be trusted and empowers. Initially, I was hesitant to relinquish responsibilities. I now embrace it and the result is more success.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Someone needs to develop a concierge service for rental cars. Most airport rental car centers are off-site. It could take more than an hour in some cases to get a car. Wouldn’t it be great to hire a service to have your car waiting for you as soon as you exit the airport?
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
A donation to one of my client charities.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?
I use Excel extensively. Helps with connecting content with budgeting.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
What is your favorite quote?
“Success is simply a matter of luck. Ask any failure.”
Steve (Stefan) Junge hails from Germany and helps with the day-to-day publishing of interviews on IdeaMensch. While he and Mario don’t share a favorite soccer club, their enthusiasm to help entrepreneurs is a shared passion.