The Start:
462 days. Precisely the amount of sunrises separating the initial thought to Chatterbox Sports making its debut. Although it may seem like an admirable memory, it was as simple as pulling out a schedule.
Trace Fowler, founder of Chatterbox Sports, sitting back, gazing over the Macintosh web browser. “Right there”, Fowler recalls, as his mouse hovers over the words “at Oak Hills, Monday April 9.” It was a day in which Joey Lewis rounded up his Big Blue bunch, and earned a close, hard fought 2-1 victory. However, about 28 miles away, Fowler was texting for scores, and updates.
“I couldn’t find anything. My mother texts me, and tells me my brother hit his first home run, and they won 2-1. I just sat there and thought, ‘Well, that would have been nice to follow along with,” says Fowler.
Live scores, game casts and more are a part of a vast vision set forth by the Chatterbox crew. Initially, the traditional sports are going to be a priority for the start-up company, but, perhaps the biggest noticeable difference are the ideas. None more so, than the Van Cave.
VAN CAVE:
“I was on board with the idea, I just couldn’t see Trace’s vision at first,” Reid Maus, Chief Editor at Chatterbox Sports said. How could you blame him? Perhaps the word van isn’t a lauded term, but once the play on words of “Van Cave” came to mind, it stuck.
The interior measuring in at 148 inches long, 59 inches wide and just over 74 inches tall. The size alone makes this big clod of metal with wheels hard to miss. Despite the exterior being noticeable, the interior becomes quite unforgettable.
Before Renovation
200 watt solar panels, off the grid power, canned dimmable lights, quartzite countertops, overhead cabinets, bamboo flooring, 40” television and a convertible desk into bed to boot. The first question is “Why?”
“Well, it starts with sponsorships. None of this happens without Kettering Sports Medicine, Miami Regionals, LEVAJO McDonalds, and Rose Automotive”, says Fowler. “We want to do things the right way, the first class way. We think the van resembles this, and we hope to create lasting memories for the student athletes we feature inside the van.
Just about 130 labor hours, $13,270, and countless trips to the hardware store, The Van Cave presented by Miami Regionals is ready for the road. Wondering how this is possible, Trace responds, “Hours of watching YouTube videos, and getting help in certain areas.”
When partner of Chatterbox Sports, Shaun Spurlock heard the van had new windows, he said, “ I immediately asked what I already knew. He cut holes in our brand new van, and installed them himself.” According to the founder, turned DIY-er, installing the windows was an easy part.
Rob Tegge, Fowler’s uncle is a “meticulous” electrician, and helped build out the off-the-grid electrical system. “Rob was a big, big help, and so was the First Ward guys”, claims Trace. First Ward Wood Company was stressed religiously. “Drew and Jake made this van go from good to great,” says Fowler. Loaning their wood shop, offering advice, and using their expertise was pivotal. “Honestly, they gained a lifetime customer from me. They’re incredibly talented, but more than that, they went so far above and beyond to help, I couldn’t be more thankful.”
The Plan:
Chatterbox Sports consists of 16 contributing writers, 6 broadcasters, 3 photographers, and 3 full time employees. Although covering high school prep sports will be a major focus, it’s not the only item on the menu. Familiar local professional teams, and collegiate programs will be covered as well, and numerous multimedia channels will be explored.
“Younger people, like myself, are reading less and less,” says Maus. “For better or worse, it’s a reality. Chatterbox is focused on a multimedia platform that includes an emphasis on video and podcasts.”
Traditionally, three outlets have helped cover local sports. Newspapers, radio, and conference websites. Chatterbox Sports is looking to make it easier for the user to find good, quality content, in one single place. All for a cost that’s tough to beat. Free.
“We are optimistic athletic directors, coaches and schools will see the value we can bring,” Fowler says. Asked when the live scores feature will be ready? “ It’s ready now, but we’re looking to make sure it’s done the right way, and that’s getting a plan, and formula in place for each league.”
It may take some time for the full vision to materialize, but it will be interesting to see where Chatterbox Sports sits in 462 days.