We had the good fortune of connecting with Bernard Bickerstaff and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Bernard, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
“I was drawn back to the world of basketball as I sought to enhance the caliber of basketball tournaments and inject a renewed energy into Colorado’s youth basketball scene. The opportunity to work alongside my family was an essential motivator in this pursuit, given our shared deep-rooted passion for basketball. Growing up in an NBA-centric family, basketball has always been more than just a sport to us – it’s a unifying force that brings us closer together.”
What should our readers know about your business?
“Through Bickerstaff Family Sports, we have established a strong presence in the Colorado basketball community, hosting competitive tournaments and youth camps within our first year. Building on our success, we are expanding our brand by launching the ‘Box State Youth Sports’ podcast in collaboration with Ronald Bradford. Additionally, we are proud to introduce a groundbreaking All-Star game featuring top young talents and our annual ‘Smoke Season’ tournament, showcasing the brightest basketball prospects.
In alignment with our core values, we have founded the nonprofit organization, Bickerstaff Inc., with a primary focus on youth development both on and off the court. As part of our commitment to making a global impact, we will be taking two youth teams on a transformative basketball and cultural experience trip to Italy. To support our mission, we have organized a fundraising event on March 30th, featuring prominent figures in Colorado, including my brother JB Bickerstaff, Head Coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Looking ahead, we are excited to host a Battle of the Bands event in April and further expand our initiatives to influence positive change in the community. Alongside our printing and apparel company, N.I.L. Goats, my dedicated partners Ronald Bradford and Andre Cordova are instrumental in driving our vision forward.
We are thrilled to announce the relaunch of Bsquare Basketball, accompanied by an exciting rebranding of our clothing line. As we prepare for the basketball program’s tryouts, our clothing division will be led by our longstanding friend, and Brother Andre Burton. This expansion not only signifies a new chapter for Bsquare Basketball but also presents an excellent opportunity to engage with our community through both sports and fashion. We look forward to the impact we can create and the unity we can foster through these dual ventures.
With a focus on guiding and empowering youth, we strive to be catalysts for meaningful change, leaving a lasting impact on our community and beyond. “
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love the Mountains so it would end on a mountain getaway. Red Rocks for a concert, dinner in Lodo, a night in Blackhawk, and a Buffs game in Boulder.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
“I draw immense inspiration from my parents, who have overcome significant challenges to achieve their current success. Witnessing or hearing stories of their perseverance and resilience motivates me to keep pushing forward, despite any setbacks I encounter. Moreover, my siblings serve as additional wellsprings of inspiration for me. Coming from a close-knit and accomplished family, their achievements in their respective fields drive me to excel in my own endeavors.
Furthermore, the community I was raised in has also been a profound source of inspiration. Surrounded by successful individuals from diverse backgrounds, I learned valuable lessons by observing their actions and interactions. Even my past failures have played a pivotal role in shaping who I am today. While experiencing setbacks and losing everything in my youth was a challenging period, I believe that it was a crucial part of my journey. Without those experiences, I wouldn’t have the drive and determination to pursue my current path and strive for success.”
Website: Www.bickerstafffamilysports.com
Instagram: @bickerstaffinc @bickerstafffamilysports @boxstateyouthsports
Twitter: Bickerstafffamilysports