Imagine Faith Talk - Interview with Ashton Owens (Part 1)

Episode Overview

In this episode, we sit down with Ashton Owens, CEO of Triple Threat, a branding and design agency that specializes in telling stories for professional athletes. Ashton shares insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, and authentic storytelling in the sports industry.

Key Topics

- Introduction to Ashton Owens and Triple Threat's work

- Leadership philosophy and team building strategies

- The journey from Oklahoma City to Springfield, Missouri

- Managing creative teams and ego in the industry

- The intersection of faith and business

- Brand storytelling in sports and athletics

- Current trends in the athletic wear industry

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Key Insights

1. **Team Building Philosophy**

- Uses 6-month contract periods to assess team fit

- Emphasizes personality alignment over just talent

- Creates collaborative culture without rigid titles

- Values long-term relationships with team members

2. **Leadership Development**

- Started entrepreneurial ventures in early teens

- Views leadership as an ongoing refinement process

- Balances leading and following in different seasons

- Emphasizes humility in leadership positions

3. **Brand Storytelling**

- Creates authentic connections with audiences

- Focuses on purpose-driven projects

- Understanding the power of personal narrative

- Builds genuine community engagement

4. **Business Culture**

- Prioritizes team success over individual recognition

- Implements a "no-titles" approach to foster collaboration

- Values long-term partnerships over short-term gains

- Builds culture based on shared purpose

Notable Quotes

- "The moment that you think that you like have it all figured out, right? Like you're your dead in the water."

- "I believe in failing fast."

- "Where does my joy and my validation come from?"

- "It really comes down to truly understanding what do you stand for?"

Industry Insights

- Analysis of Nike's recent market challenges

- Evolution of consumer behavior in athletic wear

- Impact of social media on brand storytelling

- Rise of individual creators challenging major brands

- Importance of authentic storytelling in modern marketing

Personal Background

- Founded first company at age 20

- Relocated from Oklahoma City to Springfield, Missouri

- Background in music and church leadership

- Currently age 33, approaching 34

- Experience in sneaker culture and sports branding

Faith and Business Integration

- Emphasis on finding validation through faith rather than social media

- Integration of Christian values in business decisions

- Focus on serving others in leadership

- Building business relationships with purpose

*Note: This is Part 1 of the conversation with Ashton Owens.*