Jesse Cole
Owner of Savannah Bananas and Founder of Fans First Entertainment
SPEAKER FEE RANGE: Please Inquire
TRAVELS FROM: Georgia
Jesse's favorite quote speaks to what has made his businesses so crazy successful: "Whatever is normal, do the exact opposite." Jesse started with nothing but debt, challenges and a dream. Jesse's story and his business growth expertise makes business owners think way the heck out of the box. He has them take their eyes off the bottom line and instead figure out what excites the customer. He asks owners to find their own yellow tuxedo. Audiences leave charged up and ready to rethink their marketing and brand.
Jesse Cole is the founder of Fans First Entertainment, which operates the Gastonia Grizzlies and the Savannah Bananas. Cole joined the industry in 2008 as General Manager of the Gastonia Grizzlies. It was here that he started providing a circus like atmosphere at his ballparks. From dancing players, Grandma Beauty Pageants, and Flatulence Fun Nights to Porta-Jon giveaways and garbage can nachos, Cole has tried it all.
The "show" worked and the Grizzlies began breaking attendance records annually. In 2014, Cole bought the Grizzlies and started Fans First Entertainment. In 2015, the Coles started a new Coastal Plain League team in Savannah, GA. It was announced on February 25, 2016 that the team would be named the Savannah Bananas. From there, the team quickly became a hit all over the country, in part thanks to coverage from national media outlets, including ESPN, CNN, and Good Morning America. Merchandise sold to all 50 states and 6 countries.
Cole's passion is to provide fun for as many people as possible and to inspire others to be different and stand out.
The "show" worked and the Grizzlies began breaking attendance records annually. In 2014, Cole bought the Grizzlies and started Fans First Entertainment. In 2015, the Coles started a new Coastal Plain League team in Savannah, GA. It was announced on February 25, 2016 that the team would be named the Savannah Bananas. From there, the team quickly became a hit all over the country, in part thanks to coverage from national media outlets, including ESPN, CNN, and Good Morning America. Merchandise sold to all 50 states and 6 countries.
Cole's passion is to provide fun for as many people as possible and to inspire others to be different and stand out.
- Challenges Entrepreneurs to Think Differently When it Comes to Their Business
Since joining the industry, Jesse has been on a quest to change the game of baseball and bring non-stop entertainment to the masses. It has worked, as his teams have been featured in USA Today, Good Morning America, Today Show and multiple times on CNN and ESPN.
At every game Cole wears a trademark yellow tuxedo and has been called the PT Barnum of baseball. His team's games are often called a "circus" where a baseball game breaks out. From senior citizen dance teams, to a hip-hop dancing first base coach, to a bat boy dressed up as a Batman, Cole has made entertainment the #1 focus for his teams. For entrepreneurs that feel stuck with their business, Cole can help.
5 Takeaways from Jesse's performance:
• How you can start innovating by following one easy step
• How to make reinvention a daily part of your business
• How to create raving fans and the perfect experience for your customers
• How to market and promote like PT Barnum
• 5 things you can do today to stand out
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