Transitioning from MLB to Entrepreneurship & Philanthropy with Willie Bloomquist

Willie Bloomquist is a former MLB player, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Throughout his career in baseball, Willie played for the Seattle Mariners, Kansas City Royals, Cincinnati Reds, and Arizona Diamondbacks, and has played every position aside from catcher and pitcher. After retiring from professional sports in 2016, Willie explored his other passions through the avenues of entrepreneurship and philanthropy. His passion for nature led to his founding Elite Outdoor Adventures, a company which “allows you to spend one-on-one time with a professional athlete or celebrity participating in a pastime that you both enjoy.”

Listen in as Willie discusses his journey as a professional athlete and why he decided to turn to entrepreneurship following his retirement from MLB. He also shares his love for the outdoors and the business that resulted from that passion. Finally, Willie talks charity and outreach and why philanthropy has become a huge priority in his life.

Topics Discussed:

• 04:53 Lessons learned throughout Willie’s sporting career
• 07:27 Growing skills while playing multiple positions on the field
• 11:15 Becoming comfortable with the uncomfortable in business
• 13:38 Why Willie made the switch from football to baseball
• 16:10 Knowing what to prioritize in life
• 18:51 Navigating social media as a public figure
• 25:52 Willie’s perspective on failure
• 27:50 Budgeting and other financial considerations as a professional athlete
• 31:23 Willie’s philanthropic efforts at Phoenix Children's Hospital
• 36:01 Why acts of charity are priceless
• 38:38 Transitioning from professional athlete to entrepreneur
• 40:10 Willie on his venture, Elite Outdoor Adventures
• 45:40 Training and motivating your employees
• 50:32 How Willie balanced family life and a high-profile sports career
• 54:10 What sets the Arizona Diamondbacks apart

Connect with Willie Bloomquist:

• Instagram (@eliteoutdooradventures)
• Elite Outdoor Adventures Website
• Twitter (@williebloom)
• Linkedin

Resources & People Mentioned:

• ASU College Baseball
• Pat Murphy
• Bret Boone
• Lou Piniella
• State Champion Football QB
• Derek Jeter
• Mark Candelaria on episode 03
• Phoenix Children's Hospital
• Diamondbacks President & CEO Derrick Hall

Key Quotes from Episode 

• If I’m not going to be good enough, that’s fine; but I’m not going to leave it to chance just because I didn’t work hard enough to give myself every opportunity. Hard work doesn’t guarantee you success, but without it, you don’t have a chance.
• Failure only sharpens us to become better the next time around.
• The way it makes you feel when you help somebody out, unsolicited, makes you feel pretty dang good inside.
• Generosity proceeds prosperity.
• We judge other people on their actions and we judge ourselves on our intensions.
• Surround yourself with good people. People who are going to be honest with you and look out for your best interests.