Ep 62: Ashton Owens

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

Get your select beauty products here: https://tinyurl.com/iftalk

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.*