676: Jesse Cole (Owner, Savannah Bananas) - The Beauty of Obsession, Building a Fans First World, Walt Disney, Mr. Beast, Radical Transparency (Opening the Books), Do the Opposite of Normal, Turning a $6M Mistake Into a Moment, and Creating Banana World - The Learning Leader Show With Ryan Hawk Recap

Podcast: The Learning Leader Show With Ryan Hawk

Published: 2026-02-23

Duration: 45 min

Summary

Jesse Cole, owner of the Savannah Bananas, discusses the power of fan-centric experiences, radical transparency in business, and the importance of believing in a vision. He shares insights on turning challenges into opportunities and how they aim to revolutionize the baseball experience.

What Happened

In this episode, Ryan Hawk interviews Jesse Cole, the dynamic owner of the Savannah Bananas, who transformed his business from $1.8 million in debt to a billion-dollar enterprise. Jesse shares his journey, highlighting the pivotal moments that shaped his vision and the significance of fan engagement. One standout story involves his decision to sacrifice $6 million in revenue due to a system error, which ultimately led to a stronger connection with their audience and a better overall experience for fans.

Jesse emphasizes the practice routines of the Bananas, where they perform trick plays consistently, ensuring that these exciting moments become second nature on game day. He also discusses the radical transparency he adopted by releasing the team's full profit and loss statements, a move that contrasts sharply with the usual secrecy of private businesses. This openness not only fosters trust but also deepens the fans' connection to the franchise. Furthermore, Jesse's collaboration with influential figures like Mr. Beast serves as an example of his commitment to learning from the best in the industry, which he believes is crucial for growth and innovation.

Key Insights

Key Questions Answered

How did Jesse Cole turn around the Savannah Bananas from debt?

Jesse Cole transformed the Savannah Bananas from a $1.8 million debt situation by focusing on creating a unique fan experience and believing in a vision that others couldn’t see. He highlighted the importance of executing fun and different experiences for fans, which initially started with messy performances but evolved into something extraordinary. Through perseverance and a commitment to fan engagement, Jesse managed to shift the trajectory of the team.

What is radical transparency and how does Jesse Cole apply it?

Radical transparency is the practice of being open about business operations, including financial details, which Jesse Cole has embraced by releasing the full profit and loss statements of the Savannah Bananas. This approach contrasts with typical business practices, where financial details are closely guarded. By being transparent, Jesse believes it fosters trust and a deeper connection with fans, making them feel more invested in the team's success.

What lessons did Jesse Cole learn from Walt Disney?

Jesse Cole learned the significance of focusing on the fan experience from Walt Disney. He admired how Disney prioritized the needs of guests over purely business considerations, leading to innovations in entertainment. Jesse aims to apply similar principles by improving aspects like ticketing and game-day experiences, ultimately creating a better environment for fans that goes beyond traditional models.

How does Jesse Cole approach mistakes in business?

Jesse Cole views mistakes as opportunities for growth. He recounted a moment when the Bananas faced a $6 million revenue loss due to a system error. Instead of seeing it as a setback, he recognized it as a moment to strengthen the bond with their fans and improve the overall business. Jesse believes that enduring the messy phases is essential for achieving greatness, and he encourages others to share this mindset.

Why does Jesse Cole prioritize fan engagement over traditional business strategies?

For Jesse Cole, fan engagement is the core of the Savannah Bananas' success. He emphasizes that understanding and prioritizing fan experiences can lead to a more successful business model than adhering to traditional strategies. This focus has led them to explore unconventional markets and create memorable experiences for fans, which he describes as an obsession that drives the team forward.