We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mitch Thomas a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Mitch, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I think we always look for our purpose. I wasn’t quite sure what mine was. I was a father at a young age and I always wanted to make sure that I could provide for my family. But, I was supposed to do that. I worked hard. I would do things that would make me happy but still searched and asked what was my purpose. I was at a crossroads in life and going thru some struggle. A friend asked me to join him for a Sunday at church. I was not much of a church guy. That day I left in tears. I am not sure that was the day I found my purpose but that day I did choose God over other choices. Over the next couple of years, I would start coaching athletics and I believe over this time this is where I found my purpose. It wasn’t necessarily the sport. It was about influencing others. How my story and my experiences in life might help another person. I do believe that the day I choose to pick God over other influences is the day that allowed me to find my purpose.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Currently, I am co-owner of Power Alley Sports and DBA as The Hitting Zone STL. We are an indoor batting cage in Ofallon, MO. We rent space to club teams, independent contractors, recreational teams, and of course the individual athlete. One of the most rewarding opportunities we have is the ability to impact young athletes in a specific sport. We have coaches that will work with individuals, small groups, and teams.
Recently we were able to add a members only cage that will hose a pitching machine that will allow clients to swipe a members card and can pick from Slow pitch, Fastpitch, and Baseball pitches. The machine will have 3 speeds. What makes me excited about this is growing up I loved heading out to the put put or outdoor batting cage and putting in a coin and get a few pitches to swing at. I would remember taking dates to locations and just brings back some fun memories as a child. Come in get some reps and your done.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Learn – Failure is not real. It only becomes real if you quit – make a mistake it’s ok. Sometimes those mistakes may lead to negative consequences. Mistakes are learning opportunities in my opinion.
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?
There is a couple of books. While I do not read the Bible much. I do listen or read certain books with in the bible or even certain verses. I believe that I have been given this chance because I changed from being selfish to making sure I understand the hierarchy. God 1st. I still struggle at time but I will read certain scripture to help me thru some tough days.
As for the professional side, I love the read What Drives Winning by Brett Ledbetter. While most of it is geared toward sports. I do believe what it takes to be a leader in sports is similar to being a leader in business. Some of the best coaches providing information to what it takes to be a successful program have many similarities in business. Especially, since my business is the sports world.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thehittingzonestl.com
- Instagram: _thehittingzonestl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HittingZone/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUv3E2bWLuwtEpu3OEZ9alg
