Free Agent Technologies
Jan 14, 2025
Brandon Beachy transitioned from MLB pitcher to successful entrepreneur, helping athletes navigate career changes.
Brandon Beachy’s story is one of determination, resilience, and pivoting when life throws unexpected challenges. A former Major League Baseball pitcher, Brandon’s career on the field came to a sudden end due to injuries, but his transition from athlete to successful entrepreneur is an inspiring example of how athletes can leverage their skills in the business world.
The Journey from Undrafted Free Agent to the Major Leagues
Brandon’s path to professional baseball wasn’t a traditional one. After graduating from Indiana Wesleyan University, he entered the world of professional sports as an undrafted free agent. It was a difficult start, but through grit and perseverance, Brandon worked his way up from the minor leagues to the big leagues. As a starting pitcher, he experienced success, achieving the dream of playing in Major League Baseball. But just as quickly as his career soared, injuries began to take their toll.
The Struggles of Injuries and the End of a Career
In baseball, injuries are part of the game, but they can also be the end of a career. After undergoing Tommy John surgery and working tirelessly to come back, Brandon faced more setbacks, including additional surgeries. Ultimately, his body couldn’t continue to handle the demands of professional baseball. His career, which had been a dream come true, was over much sooner than he anticipated, and the transition out of sports was jarring.
“At first, I didn’t know what was next,” Brandon admits. “I was in my 30s with a couple of kids, and everything I had known for my entire life—baseball—was suddenly gone.”
While the shift was difficult, it led Brandon to find a new calling: entrepreneurship.
Finding a New Path: Franchising and Helping Others
In the aftermath of his playing days, Brandon realized he needed to pivot, and he found that franchising was the right path. He opened his own business in Nashville, growing it from the ground up. Once he got the hang of running his own business, he transitioned into becoming a franchise consultant. Now, Brandon helps other athletes navigate the world of franchising, teaching them how to evaluate opportunities, avoid pitfalls, and make informed decisions about their next career moves.
“I got into franchising because I wanted to help myself at a time when I didn’t know where to turn,” Brandon explains. “I was lost, and I knew I wasn’t the only one. That’s when I decided to become a resource for other athletes who are struggling with the same transition.”
The Athlete Mindset: How Sports Shape Business Success
Brandon believes that the skills athletes develop during their careers give them a unique edge in business. “Everything that I call on in myself as an entrepreneur was shaped by my life in sports,” he says. “The hard work, dedication, drive, and resilience I developed in the locker room are things that I use every day as a business owner. When you're an athlete, you have to learn how to bounce back quickly from failure, whether it's a bad game or a rough season. That mentality translates directly into business.”
Athletes also have experience working with diverse teams, which makes them excellent leaders in business. “In baseball, you're surrounded by 25 to 30 personalities in the clubhouse, and you have to find ways to come together and achieve a common goal,” Brandon explains. “That teamwork and leadership is something I rely on now in business. I need to recognize what each person on my team needs and give that to them, just like I would have supported my teammates on the field.”
Why Athletes Make Exceptional Business Candidates
According to Brandon, athletes are incredibly desirable candidates in any industry. “To rise to the top in sports, you need more than just raw talent. You need that extra drive—the ability to show up every day, the ability to take a hit and keep going. It’s those intangible traits that make athletes successful not just in sports, but in business too.”
He also points out that the dedication and work ethic athletes have developed in their careers are things that can’t be overlooked. “In the business world, I’ve seen people get away with things that would have never flown in professional sports. There’s a level of accountability and responsibility that athletes bring with them wherever they go.”
Bridging the Gap: How Free Agent Can Help Athletes Transition
For many athletes, the transition from sport to career is a challenging and confusing process. That’s where platforms like Free Agent come in. Free Agent helps athletes navigate their post-sports careers by connecting them with valuable resources, mentors, and opportunities. Brandon believes that the platform can be a game-changer for athletes who are unsure of what to do next.
“Free Agent fills an important gap,” Brandon says. “It provides a place for athletes to connect with one another, share experiences, and find opportunities. It’s a place where athletes who are transitioning out of sports can go to find out what their next step is and have people looking for them in return.”
Free Agent’s Mission: Aligned with Brandon’s Values
The mission of Free Agent aligns perfectly with Brandon’s personal values and his work as a franchise consultant. “What Free Agent is offering is exactly what I needed when I was making my transition,” he explains. “I didn’t know where to turn or what options were available to me. Free Agent is providing athletes with the confidence that there’s something waiting for them on the other side.”
As someone who has been through the struggles of career transition, Brandon knows how critical it is to have support and resources when navigating this major life change. He believes that having a place to find opportunities and connect with others is essential to mental health and success during this transition.
One Word to Describe Free Agent
When asked to describe Free Agent in one word, Brandon doesn’t hesitate: “Uplifting.”
“It’s a lifesaver for athletes during their greatest time of need,” he says. “Free Agent is not just about finding a new career; it’s about giving athletes the confidence they need to make a successful transition and to be sought after in the real world.”
