In a recent episode of The Turning Pro Podcast, Chris Meade, co-founder of Crossnet, shared his incredible journey from humble beginnings to creating a global sports brand.
The episode, hosted by Ben Sharf and Adrian Alfieri, explores Chris’s entrepreneurial path, personal challenges, and mission to help others succeed.
If you’re an entrepreneur, or aspiring to be one, Chris’s story is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.
Chris Meade turned a simple concept into a thriving business: a four-way volleyball net. Launched in 2017 with an nvestment from his 401(k), Crossnet has grown into a multimillion-dollar brand sold by major retailers like Walmart, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Amazon.
The early days were anything but glamorous. Chris and his co-founders sold nets on Miami beaches, reinvesting every dollar into the business. Lacking manufacturing experience, Chris leaned on creativity and hustle, sourcing suppliers through Alibaba and learning on the fly.
A major breakthrough came when a viral influencer video garnered over 5 million views. This not only boosted sales but also proved the power of organic social media marketing for startups.
Chris’s story is one of resilience. Growing up in a financially strapped household, he learned the value of hard work early. The sudden loss of his father at 17 deeply impacted him, shaping his determination to create a better life.
“I didn’t want to live paycheck to paycheck,” Chris says. “That’s what pushed me to take risks and chase something bigger.”
This mindset extended to his approach to business: building from scratch, making sacrifices, and staying grounded.
Beyond Crossnet, Chris has made it his mission to help other entrepreneurs succeed. He founded The Founders Club (TFC), an exclusive community of business owners designed to share resources, network, and provide mentorship.
With over 200 members ranging from small startups to multimillion-dollar companies, TFC is a space where entrepreneurs can learn from one another and avoid costly mistakes.
Chris emphasizes that TFC is more than just a business group—it’s about fostering a well-rounded life. Events and retreats include workshops on business strategy, health, and wellness, reflecting Chris’s belief that success requires balance.
Chris’s insights offer a blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs:
Start Small, Scale Smart: Chris reinvested every dollar back into Crossnet, growing steadily rather than chasing quick wins.
Embrace Authenticity: Using LinkedIn, Chris connected directly with retailers and shared his journey transparently, earning trust and opportunities.
Prioritize Well-Being: Chris believes that financial success is meaningless without health and personal fulfillment.
Learn from Mistakes: By creating TFC, Chris is helping others avoid the challenges he faced.
For Chris, the turning point in his journey was the viral success of a Crossnet video. Orders surged, and the brand’s visibility skyrocketed. But even amid this growth, Chris remained focused on his core values: staying authentic and helping others.
He sums it up best: “At the end of the day, I want to be happy, spend time with my family, and enjoy the life I’ve built.”
Chris Meade’s journey is a reminder that success comes from grit, passion, and a willingness to take risks. Whether you’re building your first startup or scaling an established brand, his story is proof that it’s possible to turn a dream into reality.
Listen to Chris Meade’s full episode on The Turning Pro Podcast for more insights into his entrepreneurial journey.
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