We were lucky to catch up with Braden Yardley recently and have shared our conversation below.
Braden , so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
Owning a business is a source of great creative satisfaction. Generating ideas isn’t usually a challenge for me, but turning those ideas into reality can be. I draw inspiration from diverse sources like old ads, landscapes, architecture, fashion, vintage baseball photos, and more, which aids in designing projects like websites and new products. When facing creative blocks, collaboration is essential. For instance, I recently faced obstacles while updating logos and typography for a new baseball glove line, but I worked with a talented graphic artist from Canada and it led to the creation of logos I’m really happy with.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I have been working on baseball gloves since 2010. I had a glove that broke when I was playing college baseball and it lead to me learning to fix that glove and other gloves for teammates. A few years later I started a company called Reglove and used the skills I had learned to fix gloves and create products from old or worn out gloves like wallets, keychains, etc. After years of taking thousands of gloves apart for up cycled items and repairs I have began working on my own baseball glove company called Yardley Sports. I’m dedicated to the idea of improving the game of catch. It is the most fundamental element of baseball. Right now my products are centered on anything that improves that. My products include glove conditioner, glove break in tools, gloves, and baseballs. I have been updating my websites and hope to provide more options for customers to design and get their gloves made to their specifications. I have also trained with master glove craftsman and learned the skill of glove making. I hope to use these skills to continue to improve my current product line as well as do some small scale production in the USA for catchers mitts and fielders gloves.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Three significant factors that have shaped my journey include:
1. A Deep Understanding of Baseball and Equipment: My journey has been influenced by a profound understanding of the game of baseball and the equipment required for it. This knowledge has been essential in driving my passion for creating high-quality baseball gloves.
2. Leather Craft and Mentorship: I’ve had the privilege of delving into leather craft and benefiting from the guidance of great mentors for over a decade. This expertise has played a pivotal role in my skill development and journey in the baseball glove industry.
3. Effective Communication and Continuous Learning: My journey has been enriched by the importance of communication. Being part of a team has improved my ability to communicate with others effectively. Continual learning and self-improvement have also been integral to discussing the game and equipment knowledgeably.
For those in the early stages of their career or business development journey, I would stress the importance of patience. I set a goal to make gloves back in 2016, and while my first attempt wasn’t great, I persevered. Now, seven years later, I’ve successfully created gloves that people purchase and appreciate. The key lesson here is not to give up on your dreams. Achieving them is possible, but it requires dedication and hard work.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
My favorite book is “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. This amazing book follows the journey of Santiago, a sheepherder, whose visions and life experiences propel him on an incredible adventure. I cherish the quote from the book: “When you want something, the whole universe conspires in order for you to achieve it.” As I’ve dedicated myself to my business, I’ve witnessed increased support from family, friends, former teammates, and wonderful customers. The success of a business is intrinsically tied to its customer support, and I’m fortunate to assist remarkable individuals. I’m incredibly grateful for this, and in a way, I feel like there’s a small community helping me achieve my dreams, much like Santiago’s journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: yardleysports.com
- Instagram: @yardleysports
- Facebook: @yardleysports
Image Credits
Not applicable.
