For Lacey and Damon Redman, opening an indoor/outdoor sports training facility wasn’t just a business decision—it was the culmination of a lifelong dream.
Growing up, both Lacey and Damon had a deep-rooted love for sports, and their passion only grew as their own children came along. When they realized they passed their love for sports down to their kids, the couple decided starting a facility where young athletes could hone their skills was the right path for their family.
This led to the construction of a brand new building and opening of Redman Sports and Event Center in Dover in August 2024.
Turning a Childhood Dream into Reality
“The idea for this business has been in our hearts since childhood,” says Damon. “Both of us grew up playing sports, and it’s been a huge part of our lives. We always knew we wanted to give back to the community in a way that nurtures young athletes.”
One day, watching their children exhibit the same fire and appreciation for sports, they made their decision. The Redmans knew they wanted to create a place where area youth could come together, train, and have fun.
“We wanted to build a facility that not only helped kids sharpen their skills but also fostered a sense of belonging and community,” Lacey adds. “We prayed a lot about it, and faith has been the cornerstone of this entire journey. We knew we were going to face challenges, but our belief in the vision pushed us forward.”
With that foundation, the Redmans set out to bring their dream to life, understanding the road would require a lot of hard work and sacrifice along with the support of their loved ones.
Community Engagement Through Social Media
As they moved forward with their business, Lacey and Damon found the community’s excitement for the facility matched their own.
“We decided to test the waters by posting a few things on Facebook to gauge interest,” Lacey explained. “The response was overwhelming. Our social media presence grew rapidly, and we hadn’t even fully launched. That was confirmation that there was a real need for this type of facility in our area.”
Social media has become their most valuable marketing tool. This grassroots approach allowed them to spread awareness organically.
Support from the ASBTDC
The Redmans appreciate the support they received from the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center at Arkansas Tech University.
“Our advisor, Matt Lundy, has been invaluable,” says Damon. “The guidance, experience, and resources he’s provided have been life-changing for our business.”
From checklists to operational advice, Lundy helped them navigate the complexities of starting a business.
He gave us the blueprint for long-term success,” Lacey adds. “Everything from attendance tracking to financial algorithms. His advice on what works and what doesn’t, backed by real-life examples, was priceless.”
The guidance they received from the ASBTDC gave the Redmans the tools to push forward and stay focused on the long-term vision of their facility.
Lessons Learned
Starting their own business has come with challenges, and the couple approached them with planning and persistence.
“The biggest lesson for us has been that no one is going to do it for you,” Lacey says. “The level of independence and responsibility is far greater than we anticipated. Working for yourself is amazing, but it also means that everything is on your shoulders.”
When asked what advice they would give to those considering starting their own business, Damon offered practical guidance. “Thoroughly research your market and competition. Validate your business idea with potential customers, and make sure you have a solid business plan,” he said. “Most importantly, seek guidance from mentors like the ASBTDC and other entrepreneurs.”
Lacey agrees, adding that learning from both successful and failed business stories can provide invaluable insights.
“Surround yourself with like-minded people and ask lots of questions,” she said. “This journey is going to be tough, but if you’re willing to put in the hard work, it will be worth it.”
A Bright Future Ahead
As the Redmans continue to grow their business, they remain focused on their original goal: to provide a space where young athletes can develop their skills and foster a lifelong love of sports.
The facility is equipped with batting cages, weights, and other equipment indoors. Event packages for children’s birthdays, private lessons for softball and baseball, and occasional skills camps are also offered.
With the community behind them, faith guiding their steps, and the support of organizations like the ASBTDC, the future of Redman Sports and Event Center looks like a home run.
Visit Redman Sports and Event Center on Facebook.