Company case study
Gastonia Grizzlies
Gastonia Grizzlies is a college summer baseball team that previously struggled with low attendance and revenue before being revitalized under Jesse Cole’s leadership. It came up on My First Million, hosted by Sam Parr and Shaan Puri, in the episode "The (Improbable) Story of Savannah Bananas' Rise to a $1B Empire" (aired December 5, 2025).
At a glance
| Podcast | My First Million |
|---|---|
| Hosted by | Sam Parr and Shaan Puri |
| Episode | The (Improbable) Story of Savannah Bananas' Rise to a $1B Empire |
| Aired | December 5, 2025 |
| Revenue and traction | During Jesse Cole's management, the Grizzlies' revenue grew significantly, reaching 800,000 dollars in annual revenue before he transitioned to the Savannah Bananas. |
| Category | Media |
Figures and claims are as told on the episode, summarized from the transcript. Check the date: they describe the company at the time it aired.
What the episode said
The (Improbable) Story of Savannah Bananas' Rise to a $1B Empire · aired December 5, 2025 · hosted by Sam Parr and Shaan Puri
Why it works
The Grizzlies became successful by implementing entertaining promotions and creating a fun atmosphere that attracted more fans, turning the team into a profitable venture.
Founding story
Jesse Cole started as a general manager at the Gastonia Grizzlies, turning the team around from having only 200 fans attending games to selling out events through innovative marketing and entertainment strategies.
The playbook
The playbook included creating memorable promotions, focusing on fan experience, and engaging the community through unique ideas.
Also mentioned
The Grizzlies’ success laid the foundation for the eventual creation of the Savannah Bananas, which took the entertainment aspect to a new level.