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PUBLISHER PUBLISHER'S PAGE by David Corson Commercial Construction & Renovation (ISSN 2329-7441) is published bi-monthly by F&J; Publications, LLC. The opinions expressed by authors and contributors to Commercial Construction & Renovation are not necessarily those of the editors or publisher. Commercial Construction & Renovation is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or artwork. Unsolicited materials will only be returned if a self-addressed, postage- paid envelope is included. Articles appearing in Commercial Construction & Renovation cannot be reproduced in any way without the specific permission of the publisher or editor. Subscription: 1 year, $50 in U.S., Canada and Mexico; single copies, $10. 1 year, $190 International surface; $290 International air mail; International single copies $25. Printed in U.S.A. Known office of publication: 358 Aviemore Lane, Suwanee, GA. 30024. Periodicals postage paid at Suwanee, GA. 30024, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Commercial Construction & Renovation, P.O. Box 3908, Suwanee, GA 30024. Knock, knock... It's opportunity here W hen opportunity knocks, you should always listen. Well, that knock came my way this past June, when the opportunity to launch a new lacrosse high school and recreational program presented itself. I was humbled to be considered for the position, which is in neighboring South Hall County, just north of Lake Lanier in Georgia. They invited multiple lacrosse coach candi- dates to help develop their program – one they hope will be become a high powered lacrosse dynasty. The vetting process was on. They re- quested my lacrosse resume, my education history, a local and federal background check, and what I did for a living. The end game was the position of director of lacrosse operations and head coach. After meeting with the high school athletic director and the Hall County Parks & Recreation Department, they informed me that I was the chosen one. An opportunity like this does not come very often – the chance to build a brand from scratch, just like many of you do every day. Now the fun begins. Just like breaking that first pad of dirt, my plan now must be put into action. Fall Ball is set to begin after Labor Day weekend. And so the to-do list begins: • Secure field space, which is not easy with football and soccer controlling all of the fields. • Choose an equipment vendor to outfit our team affordably, realizing, of course, that there will be a much larger order down the road. • Create a team logo. • Build a team web site, Twitter and Facebook page. • Recruit local players (there are four high schools in Hall County) and conduct tryouts. • Decide on assistant coaches that share my winning vision. • Create a practice plan that will be effective for new players who have never played lacrosse. • Join a Fall 2016 High School Boys lacrosse league to get our feet wet and take our lumps as we get ready for the Spring 2017 lax campaign. • Create a non-profit that can take payments. • Obtain liability insurance. • Secure parent volunteers to help out with whatever we missed on the to-do list. • Reach out to local high schools to let them know we are on the map. Building a sports brand is just like building a retail, restaurant or hotel brand. It takes a plan, people, patience, a positive attitude and the understanding that you will make mistakes and learn from them. But most importantly, there must be a need. They are hungry for lacrosse in South Hall County. I had 22 players sign up on registration day, with a bunch of football players set to join me in the spring. I even had eight girls eager to form a girls lax squad, which was totally unexpected. Now I need to find a girl's lacrosse coach in a county that calls lacrosse sticks racquets. Am sure there will never be a dull moment. I love a good challenge. And I love being the underdog. It reminds me of the journey I took back in December 2001, the month I started my own publishing company. I am still standing proudly today, even though many predicted I would fail. The thing is – failing is not in my DNA. So, all I can say is, "Go South Hall Panthers!" To all, stay cool the rest of the summer. Hope you have much success and good health for the remainder of 2016. Building a sports brand is just like building a retail, restaurant or hotel brand. It takes a plan, people, patience, a positive attitude and the understanding that you will make mistakes and learn from them. 154 COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION & RENOVATION — JULY : AUGUST 2016