Exploring Life & Business with Jimmy Vasill III of Hoop Toledo, LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jimmy Vasill III.

Hi Jimmy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hoop Toledo didn’t start as something I invented from scratch, but it’s absolutely something I saw potential in and decided to bring to our market.

I came across the concept through a company out in San Diego that had built a mobile basketball arcade experience, and it immediately stood out to me. Around here, there really wasn’t anything like it—something that could show up anywhere and instantly create energy, competition, and interaction across all age groups.

I decided to license the concept and launch it locally as Hoop Toledo, with the goal of building it into more than just a rental—something that feels like a true event experience.

Since then, it’s taken on a life of its own. We’ve been able to bring it to corporate events, schools, festivals, and fundraisers across Northwest Ohio, and the response has been incredible. What’s been most rewarding is seeing how quickly it pulls people in—whether it’s kids, coworkers, or entire groups getting competitive and engaged within minutes.

Where we are today is really just the beginning. I’m focused on continuing to grow Hoop Toledo through partnerships, sponsorships, and more integrated event experiences, while building something that’s recognizable and valued in the community.

At the end of the day, it’s about creating moments—giving people a reason to step up, compete, and have fun in a way that feels simple but memorable.

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?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road.

One of the biggest challenges early on was simply introducing something new to the market. Hoop Toledo isn’t a traditional vendor, so there’s a bit of education involved—helping people understand that this isn’t just a rental, it’s an experience that can elevate their event.

There’s also been the operational side—figuring out logistics, transportation, setup, and how to make everything run smoothly across very different types of events. Each setting is a little different, so there’s been a lot of learning in real time.

Another challenge has been balancing growth with doing things the right way. As demand has picked up, I’ve had to be intentional about how we scale, where we show up, and making sure every event delivers a great experience. One bad experience can outweigh several great ones, so consistency matters.

That said, those challenges have been valuable. They’ve helped refine how we position Hoop Toledo, how we communicate the value, and how we operate day-to-day.

Looking back, none of it has been wasted effort—it’s all contributed to building something that’s more polished, more intentional, and better positioned for long-term growth.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Hoop Toledo, LLC?
Hoop Toledo is a mobile basketball arcade experience that we bring directly to events across Northwest Ohio. We specialize in creating interactive, high-energy activations for corporate events, schools, festivals, fundraisers, and private parties.

What sets us apart is we’re not just a rental—we’re an experience. The trailer is designed to immediately pull people in, create friendly competition, and give groups something to rally around. Whether it’s coworkers competing for bragging rights, kids trying to top the leaderboard, or entire events building momentum around the game, it becomes a focal point rather than just another attraction.

We’ve also focused heavily on making Hoop Toledo adaptable. It works just as well at a small private gathering as it does at a large-scale community event, and we’re continuing to expand into branded activations and sponsorship opportunities. At trade shows and corporate events in particular, we’ve seen how effective it can be at driving foot traffic, increasing dwell time, and giving brands a natural way to engage with attendees rather than relying on passive booth interactions.

From a brand standpoint, I’m most proud of how quickly it’s been embraced locally. There really wasn’t anything like this in the area, and it’s been rewarding to see it become something people recognize, talk about, and look forward to seeing at events.

We’re continuing to build toward making Hoop Toledo a staple presence at major events across the region, while also creating more opportunities for sponsors and partners to integrate into the experience in a meaningful way.

At the end of the day, our goal is simple—to create moments. We want people to step up, compete, and have fun in a way that feels effortless but leaves a lasting impression.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that I’m not in the rental business—I’m in the experience business.

Early on, it was easy to focus on the trailer itself—the equipment, the setup, the logistics. But what really drives success is the experience around it. The energy, the competition, the way people gather around and engage—that’s what makes an event memorable and what ultimately leads to repeat bookings and referrals.

That shift in mindset has impacted everything from how I present Hoop Toledo to how I operate at events. It’s not just about showing up and setting up—it’s about creating a moment people want to be part of.

It’s also reinforced how important it is to make that experience accessible. Not every event has the same scale or budget, but the goal is always the same—bring that “Home Court Advantage. Anywhere.” feeling to wherever we are and whoever we’re working with.

Pricing:

• Most Hoop Toledo activations are customized based on the type of event, duration, and level of engagement, but typical bookings range from $400–$1,200+.
• Corporate events, trade shows, and large-scale activations with branding or sponsorship integrations are typically higher investment depending on scope.
• We also offer sponsor-supported activations, where brands can offset or fully cover the cost while gaining direct engagement with attendees.
• Multi-hour, full-day, and multi-day bookings are available, with pricing adjusted based on time, location, and complexity.
• Our goal is to work with each client to create the right experience for their event while delivering strong engagement and value.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.HoopToledo.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hooptoledo
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmyvasill