Ever dreamed of taking your athletic passion to the next level? In this inspiring first episode of Forging Excellence, Mark Smith and Christine Kawai take us behind the scenes of SMITH arenas, a revolutionary concept designed to empower athletes of all ages and abilities.

Mark and Christine delve into the inspiration that sparked the creation of SMITH arenas, highlighting the critical need for well-equipped and inclusive sports facilities within communities. They explore the unique "360 approach" that goes beyond playing fields. Imagine a space where athletes can hone their skills, review game footage, tackle homework, and train for peak performance – all under one roof!

But Forging Excellence isn't just about physical prowess. The conversation emphasizes the importance of sportsmanship, fostering strong team bonds, and cultivating mindfulness as a core strength. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting your journey, Mark and Christine remind us that mental preparation and a love for the game are equally important.

Looking for a little extra motivation? Christine shares her heart-warming story as a Detroit Tigers fan, reliving the thrill of meeting baseball legend Miguel Cabrera. Mark, a true sports enthusiast, throws in a hilarious (and cautionary) anecdote about missing an epic brawl at a Red Wings game. You won't want to miss that!

Darnell Blackburn joins Christine Kawai and Mark Smith covering various topics including first impressions, authenticity, mindset, encouragement, and overcoming challenges. Darnell shares his experience of meeting Mark for the first time during their MBA program and how Mark's consistent personality made a lasting impression. They discuss the importance of being true to oneself and embracing vulnerability.

Darnell also talks about his role as a traffic reporter for WDIV Detroit and the challenges of speaking in front of a camera. The conversation highlights the power of encouragement and the impact it can have on others. Darnell shares his personal experience of losing his son and how he uses his own struggles to inspire and uplift others. He also talks about his TEDx Detroit talk on implicit bias and the importance of empathy education. Darnell discusses his training consulting company, PRAT International, and the bias training programs he offers. He emphasizes the need to treat people the way you want your loved ones to be treated and shares his plans to start a nonprofit and an endowment in memory of his son. The conversation ends with a discussion about Darnell's signature bow ties and his future plans for a bow tie line.

Mark and Christine interview Chris Gronkowski, former NFL player turned entrepreneur and CEO of Ice Shaker. They discuss Chris's journey from being a professional athlete to starting his own business, the experience of appearing on Shark Tank, and the growth and versatility of the Ice Shaker brand. Chris shares insights on the importance of customer feedback, the power of licensing and partnerships, and the future innovations he is working on for the company.

Chris discusses his experience on Shark Tank and the lessons he learned as an entrepreneur and former professional athlete. He emphasizes the importance of preparation and being ready for any questions or challenges that may arise. Chris also shares his insights on the value of hard work, time management, and the need for athletes to start preparing for their future careers. He highlights the importance of learning multiple skills and being adaptable in the business world. Chris also discusses the lessons he learned from his parents about the value of a dollar and the importance of teaching children the value of hard work and earning their own money.