Tim Hiller (BBA '08, Sales & Business Marketing; MBA '12), who acts as director of athlete development, co-founded the new company with Scott Gajos (BS '09, Physical Education), who acts as the director of performance. Both played football at Western Michigan University, and both are currently high school athletic coaches.
Next Level Performance, which hosted grand opening celebration in early March, offers sessions to individuals or groups that focus on football, baseball, soccer, speed & agility, and strength & conditioning. The 6,000 sq. ft. Portage, Mich. facility features a turf bay area, batting cages, and classrooms. Currently, the programs are designed for athletes as young as nine or ten, but they also work with high school-aged athletes and hope to soon attract athletes at smaller colleges. Sessions, training, and lessons are available in the facility, but can also be scheduled for off-site locations.
The story behind the venture begins in 2011, when Gajos was asked to help Jacob Baird, a nine year-old with a torn ACL, rebuild strength, stability, and confidence. The boy had been injured in a freak football accident, and was anxious to resume playing in the position of quarterback. The family went in search of private lessons, but was unable to find anything in southwest Michigan. Faced with the prospect of driving to the Detroit or Chicago areas, the Bairds asked Gajos if he knew anyone who could help. Gajos suggested his former roommate and teammate at WMU, Tim Hiller. Hiller began coaching and mentoring Jacob, which resulted in a strong relationship between Hiller, Jacob, and his family. It was then that Josh, Jacob’s father, shared his plan for a sports training facility for student athletes. Gajos was brought on board, and in May, 2014, Next Level Performance, LLC was officially formed as a business entity.
To learn more about Next Level Performance, its co-founders, and the products they offer, visit the website at nlathlete.com
Gajos (at right in the photo above) is currently a teacher and football and basketball coach at Vicksburg High School.
In addition to working at Stryker Corporation, Hiller (at left in the photo above) coaches football at Loy Norrix High School in Kalamazoo.
Next Level Performance held a Grand Opening in early March. Click here to read more.