Don't Panic. Pivot!

Why things might not be going as planned.

Alright Team,

What do you do when the plan doesn’t go the way you imagined? Most people panic. Winners pivot. (watch the video) or (listen to the pod)

This week’s story isn’t just about an athlete—it’s about brothers who bet on themselves when the traditional path shut down. Instead of relying on another contract, Jeff and Jason Driskel bought a business. Not a flashy one. Not one you’d expect. An accounting firm.

There’s a lesson in that: You don’t need a massive audience, a Shark Tank idea, or a clear roadmap. You just need the courage to look at what’s right in front of you—and take ownership.

We spend so much time preparing for one version of success, we forget that ownership often lives in the unexpected detours. The accounting firm wasn’t Plan A, but it turned out to be the right call. For every reader sitting on the bench, wondering what their next move should be: The game might not be over. It might just be changing.

Can’t watch right now? Subscribe here to watch later or listen to the Driskel Brother’s podcast episode for more.

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The NFL stands for “Not For Long”

Jeff & Jason Driskel at the American Operator HQ

Which is what kept both Jeff and Jason Driskel with their eyes beyond a career in football. What most folks don’t see from the outside looking in is that only a small percentage of pro athletes play past a few years and most of them are not walking out with the kind of nest egg, that they can live on for the rest of their life.

This is what prompted Jeff and Jason to buy, own and operate their first business. Now this doesn’t sound like the kind of business two guys who used to throw the pigskin would naturally gravitate to, but we learned how much sports laid a foundation for them to be solid Operators, regardless of the industry.

Everything from Team dynamics to reading a room — the “soft skills” of sports is what gave both brothers a competitive advantage. Chemistry and commitment are also key when going into a venture, especially with family.

Jason is the “brains of the operation” and uses his post football experience in corporate strategy to keep the trains moving, while Jeff’s superpower is his ability to get in doors and create momentum with the NFL Shield. You can feel the respect each of the brothers have for one another and how important it is for them to honor the history of the businesses they now own.

Build smarter. Lead harder. Operate On.

Truly,

JC & The American Operator Team

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