Today we’d like to introduce you to Ben Trainor.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Ben Trainor and my story begins in Albuquerque, NM where I was born and raised. I grew up with three sisters, mom, dad, and a great family. I grew up loving all sports, friends, and adventure. Following my upbringing, I found myself at West Virginia University where I studied Business Marketing and Entrepreneurship.
The decision to attend school far away from home is one that I will always cherish. There is nothing like being thrust into a new world with many uncomfortable aspects and truly making the most of whatever you come up with. Following graduation at WVU, I moved to Philadelphia where I worked in various sales roles and followed the traditional course of going to school, getting a job, and eventually having a family.
Now, I haven’t even come close to the family part yet, but that’s partially due to my next point. I was raised by two entrepreneurs, Len and Liz Trainor. They moved to Albuquerque, NM, and started an incredible healthcare company that served thousands. Being an entrepreneur is in my blood and that’s how I knew the traditional path was not for me. About four months into post-grad life, I started a company called Gameday Guide.
A sports travel, entertainment, event planning company and service that supports sports fans in Pennsylvania and Florida. Since then, I’ve met hundreds of fans, planned and executed sports events from various universities, professional outlets, and more. And today, I find myself writing this story about myself where I couldn’t be more proud to be deeply involved in allowing fans all over to attend the annual Florida / Georgia game, Jacksonville Jaguar games and more.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The biggest challenges I’ve faced in my life so far have been those around finding myself and where I want my life to go. It is a challenge everyone faces at least once in their life. When attending West Virginia University, I was forced to look in and truly test myself and try to understand, if I could accomplish anything at this very new place… what would it be?
That alone came with a great amount of challenges. Once graduating, in another new place, another Ben Trainor was being developed, and so on and so on. I believe the obstacles and challenges one faces throughout their life, can always be broken down into your true goals and aspirations. Are you where you want to be?
No, then do something different. If yes, then that’s awesome. Continue to do what you are doing. Maybe even more. I’ve faced a lot of challenges throughout my life but I’ve always stayed true to myself and that has been the key to my happiness and success.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I worked countless sales jobs and opportunities but always felt that being an entrepreneur was everything I am. A few months after graduating, I started a company called Gameday Guide. What started as a solution to planning travel, entertainment, and more around college football has turned into a state-wide service for all sports fans alike.
We had friends that would give anything to start making away games or sporting events in their area, however, most of the time they needed multiple cars, paid to park, designated drivers who didn’t know where to tailgate, and more. As we explored what solutions were out there, we came to find that there really weren’t any, hence, the formation of Gameday Guide. What once started in a small apartment in Philadelphia to provide all travel, entertainment, and sports needs to attend any sporting event has become the most reliable pre-planned, round trip service to do so as well.
Since our launch in Philadelphia in 2017, we’ve entered the Florida market as well as others. We aim to support students, alumni, and fans in making any sporting events within their area at any time, at a reasonable price, and with everything planned. Fast forward to today, we are entering into 2022 where we hope to schedule 10-15 trips between Pennsylvania and Florida universities, fan bases, professional outlets, and more.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
A few of my favorite books include How to Win Friends and Influence People, Good to Great, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, the Lean Startup, Atomic Habits, Power of No, and The Outlier. Now as you can imagine these are all business books but I believe aside from the business aspects there are defining moments and stories about life in all of their stories as well.
A few podcasts I love include Real AF with Andy Frisella, Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu, GoBundance, and Passionate Few by Omar Ellatar.
Contact Info:
- Email: btrainor@gameday-guide.com
- Website: https://gameday-guide.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gameday_guide/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GamedayGuide
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gameday_Guide
