Posts Written by: andre-buckner

“What tips do you have for entrepreneurs?”

“Andre, you have had your own business for about 5 years now. What tips do you have for entrepreneurs?” A lot of them, but here are 3 key points: Make sure you’re jumping into a business that you are truly passionate about. There will be very, very difficult times. The passion is what helps get […]

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“How did your Duke education help you start and develop your business?”

I don’t think Duke offers a degree in “Youth Basketball Skills Training!” Haa! Seriously, education is an experience more than anything. I think it is a combination of 4 years of academic higher learning from some of the world’s most accomplished professors and 4 years of social higher learning from a student body composed of […]

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“How do you see your program(s) evolving over the next five years or so?”

It’s crazy, Wayne and I started this company without a business plan or a clear vision of where we were going. We were in a very difficult situation that we had to figure our way out of. We both had just lost our jobs completely unexpectedly. We were still considerably young, with families and no […]

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“What are you most proud of as a businessman?”

I believe that I am truly blessed. I have failed miserably (twice) as an entrepreneur before finally getting it right (I think) with Higher Goals. Despite the fact that I’ve spread myself incredibly thin in terms of my duties within the business and the amount of time that I am physically able to spend with […]

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“What can you tell us about Myles Turner?”

“So Andre, no offense, I like Duke, but I’m a UT fan (hook’em horns)! What can you tell us about Myles Turner?” Ha, no offense taken. You have a lot to look forward to. We coached/trained Myles during arguably his most critical timeframe (7-9th grade). Myself, Greg Buckner, Dwight Coleman, and a few more of […]

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“What would you have done differently during your time at Duke?”

I would have applied myself more (athletically, academically, and even socially). I worked very, very hard at the things that were required. However, I did not work as hard on the “extra” things. I’m very proud of what I accomplished while there given my circumstances. But, as an adult, father, and coach looking back, I […]

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“What are your most memorable moments at Duke?”

Here’s a personal one. Prior to stepping foot on campus, I had made a pact with myself that I would take Jay Williams’ position as projected starting point guard. I had never seen him play. So in my mind, I’m thinking, “He’s just some overrated guy from New Jersey.” I had been working extremely hard […]

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“What is the most challenging aspect of youth sports?”

It’s pretty smooth sailing if you know what you’re doing. I may be speaking for myself on this one, but the training, coaching, mentoring, even running the business, is the fun part, and quite frankly the easy part. Managing everyone’s hunger for greener grass and their lust for shinier gold is quite challenging in youth […]

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“What inspired you to be in youth sports?”

Sports are such important bricks in the foundation of our society. The country needs a healthy number of reliable and knowledgeable coaches/trainers/mentors. I’m not really “inspired” by one particular thing in youth sports. My life just pulled me in this direction. I’ve witnessed and experienced so many miracles and downfalls within and outside of sports; […]

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