Fans First

The Ninth Inning – Winning with Fans First for Your Company

Cole emphasizes the importance of questioning the status quo, especially when met with skepticism about new ideas. According to him, the very questioning of whether something will work is often a sign that it might, precisely because it deviates from the norm. Rather than conforming to traditional methods, the Savannah Bananas used criticism as…

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Fans First
Eighth Inning – Building an Idea Culture

Jesse Cole of the Savannah Bananas baseball team shares a compelling narrative on the transformative power of creativity in business. The core philosophy at the Savannah Bananas is the “fans first” experience, driven by an endless stream of innovative ideas—ideas that are not just theorized but executed with precision. Cole underscores the critical importance…

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Fans First
Seventh Inning – Conquering Digital

According to Cole, the essence of the Savannah Bananas’ strategy lies in personalization. Whether it’s a tailored video greeting for new subscribers or a personal phone call to thank them, every touchpoint is an opportunity to forge a deeper connection. It’s this human element that sets their digital strategy apart. Cole draws inspiration from…

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Fans First
Bonus Content – Customer Giveaways

In a recent discussion, Jesse Cole of the Savannah Bananas highlighted the fundamental shift needed in promotional strategies to genuinely resonate with audiences. Moving beyond traditional promotional items like keychains and t-shirts, Cole advocates for a more personalized approach to make a real impact on customers. In essence, Jesse Cole’s message to marketers is…

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Fans First
Bonus Content – Rethink Your Pricing Model

In a groundbreaking shift, Jesse Cole and the Savannah Bananas redefined what it means to attend a sports event. They introduced an all-inclusive pricing model that has since become a hallmark of their approach to fan service. This strategy was not just about changing how tickets were sold; it was about transforming the entire…

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Fans First
Sixth Inning- What are the Stages Where Your Business Takes Place?

When you think of a baseball game, you might picture the crack of the bat or the roar of the crowd as a home run sails over the outfield fence. But for the Savannah Bananas, the game is just one part of the spectacle. Jesse Cole, the mastermind behind this innovative team, shares how…

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Fans First
Fifth Inning – Focus on the Customer

In a compelling narrative by Jesse Cole, the Savannah Bananas, a baseball team known for its unconventional approach, has declared advertising dead. Cole emphatically asserts that while advertising may attract customers, it is the fan experience that fosters lasting loyalty. In a bold move, the Savannah Bananas have eliminated all forms of advertising at…

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rural fiber infrastructure
Future-Proofing Starts Now: Rural Fiber Infrastructure Needs Long-Term Planning
March 31, 2025

Rural broadband expansion is at a turning point. The FCC’s updated benchmarks for high-speed internet have significantly increased the number of underserved households, with nearly 28% of rural Americans still lacking access to adequate fixed broadband. As demand surges for reliable connectivity to support telehealth, online education, and remote work, providers and policymakers are rethinking…

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hvac workforce culture
HVAC Workforce Culture: Recruit with Purpose, Retain with Care
March 31, 2025

The HVAC workforce is shrinking as retirements continue to outpace new entries into the field. More than 50% of HVAC professionals are over 45, and the industry is replacing every five retirees with only two new workers.  The result is an urgent need not only to recruit new talent but also to retain it through…

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workplace safety culture
Aligned Data Centers Leads with a Strong Workplace Safety Culture
March 31, 2025

The world of data infrastructure has seen a number of rapid changes. As a result, where uptime and efficiency dominate conversations, the importance of a strong workplace safety culture can often be overlooked. But as everyone’s digital lives increasingly depend on these behind-the-scenes giants, the safety of the people maintaining them becomes more than…

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Fiber Deployment
Connected America 2025: Smarter Planning and Partnerships Key to Maximizing Fiber’s Federal Funding and Impact
March 31, 2025

As the digital divide accelerates and fiber deployment sees growth, Connected America 2025 has emerged as a pivotal moment for infrastructure professionals. With over $42.5 billion earmarked through federal programs like the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) initiative, the U.S. is undergoing one of the most aggressive broadband expansion efforts in its history….

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Other Fans First
Fourth Inning – Be the ONLY
July 4, 2024

In a compelling dialogue centered on brand differentiation, Jesse Cole of the Savannah Bananas underscored the pivotal shift from being merely better to becoming distinctly unique in one’s industry. He introduced an insightful framework called “ONLY,” which stands for Owning the industry’s problems, creating Noise, cultivating Love, and understanding your Why. Owning the Problems:…

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Hiring Fans First Employees
June 27, 2024

Jesse Cole, the visionary behind the Savannah Bananas, shared the innovative approach his company takes to ensure a captivating customer experience by first focusing on employee engagement. According to Cole, the journey starts from the very first interaction with potential employees. The hiring process at Savannah Bananas consists of three unique steps designed to…

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Moving Forward with Fans First
June 20, 2024

In a compelling conversation on fostering innovation within corporate culture, Jesse Cole of the Savannah Bananas highlights the importance of embracing change as a tool for continuous improvement. Cole underscores that change should not be seen as change for its own sake but as an essential part of striving to better serve customers and…

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Build Your Own Media Channels
June 13, 2024

In the storied confines of Grayson Stadium, Jesse Cole, the frontman of the Savannah Bananas, unveils the cornerstone of their marketing success: transforming traditional sports advertising into a vibrant, self-sustaining media operation. The team’s forward-thinking approach not only entertains but captivates a global audience far exceeding the stadium’s seats. The off-season? That’s just a…

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A Stage for Loyal Fans
June 6, 2024

In this captivating episode of the Fans First series, Jesse Cole, the mastermind behind the Savannah Bananas, share with us that in the competitive sports marketing landscape, understanding and enhancing the fan experience is crucial to prioritize fan satisfaction and engagement The key challenge posed to sports marketers and business leaders is to rethink their approach: stop considering patrons…

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Your Front Door is a Stage
May 30, 2024

In his recounting of experiences at the stadium, Jesse Cole reveals a deep-seated passion for engaging with fans and the impactful memories created at the end of each game. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, the stadium becomes a place where joy is palpable as fans of all ages and players alike celebrate together, demonstrating the…

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Prop Room
May 23, 2024

In this episode of the Fans First series, Jesse Cole, the mastermind behind the Savannah Bananas, shares with us that in the vibrant world of marketing, creativity knows no bounds—a philosophy embodied by a prop room and studio teeming with eclectic costumes and outlandish ideas. This creative hub, seemingly disconnected from conventional themes like bananas,…

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The Office as a Stage
May 16, 2024

In this episode of the Fans First series, Jesse Cole, the mastermind behind the Savannah Bananas, shares with us that in the heart of a once-abandoned storage building, a remarkable transformation unfolded, birthing what is now a vibrant office space brimming with life and creativity. The journey began in 2015 when a small, determined team—including…

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Perfect Fan Experience
May 9, 2024

In this episode of the Fans First series, Jesse Cole, the mastermind behind the Savannah Bananas, shares with us that in the competitive world of sports entertainment, delivering an exceptional customer experience is crucial, even more so when faced with uncontrollable challenges like inclement weather. The Savannah ballpark’s approach to customer service exemplifies how businesses can…

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