What started as a side project between teaching classes quickly became a full entrepreneurial journey for Anthony Passalacqua. In this episode of FOMO Sapiens, Patrick McGinnis sits down with the founder of Shootin’ School to explore how he used the 10% Entrepreneur mindset to build a scalable basketball training business while still working full-time as a teacher.
Anthony shares how he balanced dual careers for six years, teaching from 8 AM to 3 PM before heading straight into training sessions each afternoon. He explains how his background in education helped him streamline operations early on, from creating video FAQs during his lunch breaks to using Google Forms for scheduling before automation tools were mainstream.
Once he leaped into full-time entrepreneurship, Anthony expanded into new ventures, including Because We Can Sports, an inclusive program for kids of all abilities, and Jump Shots, a dedicated warehouse gym built during the pandemic when local facilities were closed. He also launched the Integrated Athletic Initiative, a nonprofit offering leagues and high-quality uniforms for children with special needs — work that eventually inspired a transformative land donation for a future facility.
Throughout the conversation, Anthony Passalacqua opens up about burnout, resilience, and the importance of being process-driven. He discusses how he anticipates customer concerns, why he focuses on the “next rep” instead of the big win, and how becoming a parent reshaped his priorities, including his 5 AM workout routine.
If you’re curious about building a business on the side, taking a smart leap into entrepreneurship, or creating purpose-driven ventures, this episode will leave you motivated — and ready to take action.
Anthony Passalacqua is the founder of Shootin’ School, one of the fastest-growing basketball instruction programs in the region, known for its emphasis on skill development, coaching quality, and player mindset. A former teacher turned entrepreneur, Anthony built Shootin’ School using the 10% Entrepreneur approach: starting small, systemizing early, and scaling sustainably while still working full-time in education.
After transitioning into entrepreneurship, Anthony expanded his impact by co-founding Because We Can Sports, an inclusive sports instruction program for kids of all abilities, including those with special needs. During the pandemic, he and his team took a bold step by building their own training facility, Jump Shots, allowing them to continue serving athletes at a time when most gyms were closed.
Anthony Passalacqua is also the founder of the Integrated Athletic Initiative, a nonprofit dedicated to creating inclusive leagues and providing high-quality uniforms for children with special needs. His commitment to community development recently led to a donation of 2.5 acres of land for a future accessible sports complex.
Known for his process-driven mindset, relentless work ethic, and customer-first philosophy, Anthony brings a unique blend of teaching, leadership, and entrepreneurial creativity to every venture he builds.
For media and speaking requests, and to suggest a guest for the show, please email letsconnect@patrickmcginnis.com.
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