Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharod Brown.
Hi Sharod, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I was determined to started Elevation Training Center by providing a need and being an inspiration to those in my community. In Lorain County, having access to high-quality training was something that I never seen. Growing up, I could as remember as a child having to go areas such as rocky river, north Olmsted, Westlake, to get trained to excel in my abilities as an athlete. Before opening the center, I could recall my younger brother saying he was scared of getting shot at a park if he was to go and play basketball; that’s when I knew I had to do something to be able provide a safe place where kids from this area could excel and have opportunities to take their abilities to the next level and give them a chance at achieving their goals. I take honor in being able to give back the knowledge and time to the athletes I’m able to work out with. I’ve been able to help and aide some athletes receive athletic scholarships and received community outreach awards. Though my business is based off of skill development for basketball, it just doesn’t stop there. We have programs where we give back to our community through food give ways for the holidays as well as school supplies drives during the summer. At Elevation Training Center, our goal is to impact lives and affect families in our community. We hope to keep growing with our reach to effect positive change in this world.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
During the first year of my business going into 2020, I was shut down due to COVID. With being a new business owner, I had to learn how to navigate through the knowing times of what was to come. Some other challenges. I’ve had challenges to keep myself relevant in a competitive market. My center isn’t a gilts and glamour, but it’s mine. I know everyone wants to work out at the fancy gyms with the high-tech equipment, and that’s fine. I call my gym the jungle cause where I grew up playing basketball in campeto it was the jungle. You had to be tough, resilient, determined. That’s what my building represents the mindset and drive not to give up. I know the vision God has gave me, and I know one day soon, We’ll be in a new building but for the time being where going to get the best out of what we have. One last obstacle has been doubt it might sound cliché, but coming where I’m from and doing the things that I’ve done and to accomplish what I have so far is not easy and I still have a long way to go. First of all, I’m a black man in American and I grew up in Lorain Ohio. I don’t come from wealth, so I know what it takes to work for everything I want. I’m determined to show my son what it looks like to see generational wealth and have your father be a business owner and someone who is well respected in his community.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Elevation Training Center?
Elevation Training Center is a licensed skill development basketball center. We specialize in basketball training. We offer year-around training, camps, and clinics. What sets us apart from other training facilities is that’s it’s our job to see you excel. We are invested in your growth on and off the court. The thing I’m most proud about our brand is give each athlete the tools to see their dreams and goals come true. We are here for the athletes will always do are best to see them excel in the Careers.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Having someone who can keep you accountable and someone who brings out the best in you. Find someone who can see you were you’re at and can bring you into where your supposed to be. That’s what my mentor VaNessa Young has done for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: Elevationtraining.org
- Instagram: Elevation Training Center
- Facebook: Elevation Training Center
Image Credits
Chris Goody
