Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin McDonald.
Hi Justin, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Growing up, I was always a multi-sport athlete. I played football, basketball and baseball. Sports opened many doors for me and was I afforded the opportunity to play college football for the University of Central Florida on a full scholarship. After college, my dream was to play in the NFL, but I wasn’t fortunate enough to make it to that level. It was tough in the beginning, because I didn’t know exactly what my purpose was outside of playing football.
Upon entering the workforce, it wasn’t easy trying to find my passion as well as how I would impact lives. I faced a lot of ups and downs while trying to find myself and my passions outside of the field. I just knew I wanted to make an impact in other people’s lives and that sports had to be my means to reach people. My goal became to help mentor and positively impact student-athletes lives like former coaches I had in my life.
I started doing personal training for local youth athletes, which I really enjoyed, but I felt I could be doing a lot more to help athletes who didn’t live in the Twin Cities. Me and my wife had constant conversations about what I could do to expand my reach and one day while we were talking, my baby, Athletes On Air, was unintentionally born.
I was blessed to get a full scholarship to play the sport I love but there are so many talented young men and women who don’t get that opportunity. I believe everyone should have a chance to continue their education. Even though I didn’t realize it immediately, and it has taken a lot of hard work, I’m excited to have developed something life changing. I will continue to use my platform and business to pay college tuitions and hope to be a household name, known for not only dope apparel but also for making effective change in education. I want student-athletes to know you can do anything you put your mind to and your abilities can make a huge impact in the lives of others on and off of the field or court.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’d be dishonest to say everything has been smooth sailing. There have been things that caused resistance, and obstacles along the journey of bringing Athletes On Air into existence. Upon starting the business, funding was one of the main factors that discouraged me. From writing down costs of all the materials and tools I would need, to figuring out taxes, at times it was frustrating and overwhelming. My wife and I have been blessed because we’ve been able to avoid going into debt and taking out loans. Many businesses aren’t able to get started without external funding or investors, but we’ve been able to make a lot of things happen financially by budgeting, bargain shopping and cutting personal costs where necessary.
Another bump in the road was determining how successful I would be at expanding my brand presence with there being so many established apparel companies and competitors. This was more of a mental obstacle I had to overcome. I was telling myself it would be a long shot to get people to support my brand and my mission. I had to change my way of thinking and understand that nothing worth having comes easy and everything takes hard work and dedication.
I believe in my brand and what it stands for and with the support system I have, I believe that Athletes On Air will be everything it is intended to be. I realize that obstacles come with the journey and that growth doesn’t happen within a comfort zone so I’ve learned to embrace uneasy feelings.
As you know, we’re big fans of Athletes On Air. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Athletes On Air is an athletic-based clothing brand that intersects style and sport. It was established in fall of 2021 to give athletes, coaches and sports professionals a way to embrace themselves through apparel. As rules change and athletics continue to evolve, Athletes On Air will remain consistent in helping athletes make a statement through their clothes. Each item is designed and created “in-house” in the Athletes On Air brick-and-mortar location opening soon in Inver Grove Heights, MN.
We believes it takes the help of everyone to provide lasting change in the lives of student athletes. Not only does a percentage of each purchase help to fund our in-house scholarship, but it also markets and grows our reach.
By making a purchase and sporting our apparel, you help us build a strong foundation for the next generation of doctors, scientists, lawyers, marketers, teachers and business owners. The more we can contribute, the more scholarships and awards are given. It takes each of us to be a part of the change we want to see. As we like to say, it takes “One Community Under Sports.”
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
There are several qualities and characteristics that have contributed to my successes, but the one that is most important is my faith in God. Along with God’s guidance and blessings, being humble and having integrity has also carried me far. I want everyone to know that when they purchase from and do business with Athletes On Air, they are not only getting a great product but they are shopping with a business of high-quality and an owner of high integrity. I ultimately want Athletes On Air to be known for the principles that have contributed to my personal success.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@athletesonair.com
- Website: www.athletesonair.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athletesonair/
