Inspiring Conversations with Jimmy Bemis of The Basketball Social House

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jimmy Bemis. Them and their team share their story with us below:

Co-Founders Jimmy Bemis & Matt Barnett started on the concept about 2 years ago. The genesis was really around changing the toxic environment that surrounds youth basketball today. Through that journey, we realized there were unserved and underserved market segments in the basketball world creating an opportunity. Namely adults, female adults, and former players. The basketball world has always been so focused on youth basketball (which we absolutely focus on as well) but what about those who used to play, female players that don’t have the same volume of post-basketball career outlets men have, as well as players that have aged and risk injury through traditional outlets.

We decided to tackle it all while staying true to our core value of creating a positive environment for youth basketball. We spent two years creating a top golf experience for basketball (the first true entertainment experience for basketball), developing a fitness component for adults through basketball, designing a brand new way to play 3×3 basketball for both youth and adults, in addition to several other first of its kind basketball outlets. We knew we had to move away from the old basketball model… keep control of everything we do… and go high-end to have the experience and environment required to achieve what we set out to do.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
This project has been incredibly challenging. Nobody can fathom the amount of work, time, expense, experience, and heartache it has taken to get where we are today. Construction was a 24-hour 7-day week struggle to get through. This concept has never been done before so it was extremely difficult for many to wrap their heads around the idea (and quite honestly 99% couldn’t until the last coat of paint went up). Despite being funded we struggled with landlords willing to even talk to us because they couldn’t understand how this would work (we even had an individual tell us we should just line up a bunch of pop-a-shot video game machines to train people on – clearly not what we were going after).

We were offered back spaces with rear entry and no store signage. On top of that you take into account you need a basketball expert, a business/technology expert, and a culinary expert to pull this off. What everyone sees in front of them today is phase 1 of 6 phases. This is just the start and we have a much bigger plan in mind but are extremely proud of where we are today given everything we have and will continue to face.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Jimmy Bemis Co-Founder. I spent 18 years in financial services working on complex accounting issues, technology integration, and process efficiencies. The 3 years prior to starting The Basketball Social House I worked for a small private equity firm that had acquired performing restaurant & hospitality businesses. Knowing nothing about the business I joined with the directive to make them profitable. The best of what was done over those years combined with my 18 years previously has been streamlined and inserted into The Basketball Social House. The complexity of the technology stack, business strategy, and various tentacles of the business would likely surprise most.

Matt Barnett Co-Founder. Matt owns and operates one of the most successful and longest-running boys’ youth basketball clubs in the area. He is a lifetime entrepreneur and his extensive basketball resume at the amateur and professional levels is indispensable in creating the basketball programming/curriculum that is currently underway and about to start.

Matt Smith Executive Chef. Matt Smith is a lifelong restaurateur owning and operates multiple successful restaurants in and outside of Colorado. Matt has brought his extensive knowledge to create a culinary experience not seen in any basketball facility or other entertainment venue around.

How do you define success?
Our success truly lies in the feedback from our customers. We know we will not be for everyone… but we strive every single day to have a positive environment where everyone feels welcomed which you can only get at The Basketball Social House. We fully intend to expand & that will only happen if our community loves being a part of The Basketball Social House family.

Pricing:

• Food $5 – $20
• Drafts $5
• Specialty Crafted Cocktails $12
• Ice Cream Scoops $3
• Suite Rental is $15/hr Per Player. Any non-players are welcome in the suite to be a part of the group and are not charged.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thebasketballsocialhouse.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebasketballsocialhouse/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebballgames
• Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/bballgames1
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-basketball-social-house-centennial