Today we’d like to introduce you to Frank Geers.
Hi Frank, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My background in marketing and promotional products required that my eyes and ears were always open to new ideas and opportunities. In 2004, while tailgating at a Cincinnati Bengals game it occurred to me that the cornhole boards I saw being used were the perfect place for company/team/personalized logos. Ultimately, that same experience led me to the belief that there was no reason that those playing on those boards (some of them VERY good) might welcome the chance to play at a higher/professional level.
In 2005, we launched American Cornhole where we began producing high quality, standardized, professional level equipment, organized structured tournaments and developed standardized rules and a ranking system; all elements of the company that remain today at the highest possible level under the American Cornhole Organization. Seventeen years later our cornhole products (boards, bags, score towers, outerwear, pitch pads and more) can be found in every state in the US and beyond as our national and global footprint continues to grow.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
As with any start up we experienced our share of doubters, naysayers and skeptics. Hosting our first professional tournament in conjunction with Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer in 2006 was a great way to show the world that cornhole was more than just a backyard/tailgating game but also a great way to compete at a high level, raise money for charity, create organized family fun and, ultimately, make quite a bit of money as the level of play continued to improve. Over the years we have had ups and downs but our firm focus on our mission of growing the sport has allowed us to power through any issues (financial, attrition, competition, pandemic) and come out the other side stronger for it.
We actually realized organizational GROWTH during 2020 as we were able to carefully activate our Season 16 schedule by adhering to COVID protocols put in place by our various nationwide partners. We were able to pull off the majority of our ‘Majors’ (large points earning tournaments held across the country) while other sports and organizations were sidelined. During that time we saw our ACO membership rolls GROW as our sport and organization continued to provide guidance on how to make the most of the COVID bubble pods we were asked to create. The 27′ between boards turned out to be more than enough ‘social distancing’ allowing our players to still remain ‘social’.
We’ve been impressed with American Cornhole, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
As the founder and president of American Cornhole, I still wear many hats from Sales to Marketing.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Good Food. Good Music, especially enjoy listening to my son Max Geers perform as a local musician. My family. Playing cornhole and drinking a cold beer with my sons or buddies in my backyard or at Thursday night ACO Major welcome bash.
Pricing:
- $50.00 for seasonal ACO Membership
Contact Info:
- Email: fgeers@americancornhole.com
- Website: www.americancornhole.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/americancornholeorganization
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/americancornhole
- Twitter: @ACO
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AmericanCornhole
- Other: https://twitch.tv/americancornhole
Image Credits
Frank Geers
