Caleb Smith

Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Caleb Smith. I am currently the owner and operator of North Carolina Esports Academy, a hands-on gaming, esports, & STEM education and youth development organization. All through out my life I play sports competitively and never took a traditional path. After graduating high school, I skipped college and played soccer competitively in Germany.

After a few years I came back to the states and started the business. I had two goals with the business: 1. Offer a competitive environment for people who liked video games and didn't have an interest in activities such as sports, music, acting, etc. and 2. To offer non traditional education pathways to bring out inner genius instead of a one size fits all approach.

What did it take/how did you get started?

It took a few hundred thousand of upfront capital and the process began January of 2019 and we officially opened in October 2020. It took a lot of time because COVID affected a lot of plans. I had to educate myself and learn a lot about the industry. I did it purely out of my love for video games.

What does the future look like for you and your business?

That's tough to say because I've had many plans throughout the years, yet things have never gone the way I expected. They usually turn out better even though it was different. The esports industry is still in a tough spot, but we are making it work and will continue to intelligently grow the business that ensures profitability.

What drives / motivates you on a daily basis?

Remembering what it was like for me growing up and being a misfit not taking a traditional pathway and having different interests. I want to make sure there is a place for those who the same. I believe everyone has inner genius, yet society holds a lot of people back from unleashing their true potential.

What advice would you give someone interested in doing what you do?

Do lots of research. Learn as much as possible and keep an open mind. Make sure you are doing it for the love of it and not the money. Running a business is challenging and people need to make sure they are up for the task.

What has been the hardest part of your business journey?

Finding the right business model. We started off focusing on competitive gamers, then switched to casual and stayed with casual with a focus on education. Surprisingly the youth enjoy it and I learned it's because they get to be creative and express themselves. We are constantly making changes to our model and what will be most popular.

How have you managed burnout thus far?

I honestly believe that people only burn out for two reasons. 1. They lack passion. 2. They are mentally weak. I have lots of passion and I'm mentally strong so I don't have the issue of burnout.

What are a few resources that you'd recommend?

I like the YouTube channel Valutainment. I have only read 5 books cover to cover since starting the business (I have read part of others and books that I have previously completed.) Those books are:

1. Your Next Five Moves by Patrick Bet David.

2. W1nning: The Unforgiving Race to Greatness by Tim Grover.

3. Profit First by Mike Michalowicz.

4. Clockwork by Mike Michalowicz.

5. Shut Up and Listen by Tilman Fertitta.

I am currently reading EntreLeadership by Dave Ramsey and I should finish the entire book.

The STATS
List the founders
Caleb Smith and Vinny Smith
How many hours a week do you work on this hustle?
On a normal week 50-60.
# of Employees?
4
When did you start?
October 23, 2020
How much did it cost to launch?
$300,000
What were your funding methods and ballpark amount raised?

Personal funds. None raised.
Annual revenue?
$250,000-$500,000
Projected revenue?

$250,000-$500,000
What's the #1 thing you need right now?
More revenue that turns into profit