James Springer owns Tennis WerX, which prepares players from any skill level for tournament-level competition. He has been coaching tennis for 30 years and says his approach is to give students tools to succeed in life, beginning with skills learned on the court.
What is the best business advice you’ve received?
You get so much of both good and poor advice along the way. Probably the best was “start.” Start with one client. Start with one new employee. Start with one building. All of the dreams and difficulties of business come after you start.
If you could change one thing about Southern Nevada, what would it be?
Well, I do absolutely love Southern Nevada. We are incredibly spoiled here — parks, the weather, first-class entertainment. Something that needs improvement is schooling. I would create a mini-curriculum inspired by one group created from high school students, another created by twenty-something young men and women both in and out of college, and an older group of parents and entrepreneurs. This curriculum would consist of courses that they believe kids need to survive well in today’s culture. I’d also add a few more practical courses, such as engine building and etiquette.
The system in place fails our leaders of tomorrow and it ties the hands of all the amazing individuals who chose to become teachers. There are teachers out there getting it done right now. I have hundreds of friends who teach and I see the product; their kids love and respect them.
What’s the biggest issue facing Southern Nevada or its residents?
Drugs. This is a problem everywhere, not just an issue in Southern Nevada. A majority of other issues stem from this problem. Imagine if we addressed the drug problem harder than any other city, not with the police or any form of law, but with education and care. Inform kids about what is in the drugs, what they do to your body, who are the drug pushers are and why they push them — and where to turn when peers attempt to pull you in. The possibilities are endless.
What has been your most exciting professional project?
The branding of Tennis WerX. It’s downright fun. Our clothing products are done in-house, so we can get silly with uniforms and nicknames on the students’ shirts, like “2MIN. FLAT.” Our kids love the logo and they wear it everywhere. Our parents even sport it on their vehicles.
What’s your favorite place to have fun in Las Vegas?
All five mountains on the perimeter of the city. I enjoy going there with my rescue dogs, Dynamite, Casino, Maxx and Kidd — they love the hills, but Mount Charleston is by far the best.
Describe your management style.
Learning. Putting in administrative technology is the only way to expand. Infinitely learning systematic ways to operate while never losing touch with the individual customer.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
We will see. I sold one Tennis WerX facility, however we are going to build many more. The public is in need of all different kinds of programs beyond tennis, and the goal is to serve the public. As far as my own spirit, just mentally stay super healthy and in touch with the public and continue to help wherever I can.
What is your dream job outside of tennis?
To be an entrepreneur. I’ve always wanted to be in the mix. Also, I enjoy being around things that are aesthetically beautiful. I consider myself an artist in general, and playing the drums is my passion.
Whom do you admire?
Any humanitarian or leader in the community making actual progress toward a better culture. L. Ron Hubbard is one of those individuals who stands out to me.
What is your funniest or most embarrassing story on the court?
When children start talking about butts or inappropriate stuff. They get in those phases, then it’s hard not to laugh out loud. I remember when I was a kid how I made the same mistakes. Kids are crazy.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Seek education. Not school — education. If I would have known there was a difference, I would’ve spoiled myself with education. Additionally, if I’ve ever harmed someone with my communication, I would take back every word.
What is something that people might not know about you?
I don’t have a television. I gave it up about seven years ago and it adds to a higher quality of life.
Anything else you want to say?
Don’t think if you’re struggling that you’re alone. You’re not. We are all in the struggle — the rich man and the homeless, the Canadian and the man in Tanzania, the woman, child, pastor — we are all here in the struggle. Keep looking and asking for help. I accomplished nothing on my own and had help all along the way. If one man won’t help, ask another.