Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeff Goodin.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I began touring the NBA & NCAA doing acrobatic slam dunk halftime shows in 1997. After two years performing halftime shows, I auditioned for and won, the job to perform as the first mascot in the history of the Boston Celtics organization. I spent 2 seasons with the Celtics before signing a contract with the Dallas Mavericks to perform as Mavs Man. I spent more than a decade with the Mavericks before leaving to start my own company. The mascot world was great training for my new shows. As a mascot, you’re a part stuntman and part comedian, and the entertainment is 100% live. You get immediate feedback from the audience and get the chance to make constant adjustments and workshop material. I now operate a slam dunk team called Team Big Air and a comedy show utilizing 10 feet tall inflatable animal characters, called Showstoppers. Both acts have been a featured part of the State Fair of Texas. I am in the process of creating another comedy act I will be performing solo. I am very excited about this show. I have spent a lot of time over the last few years producing shows & not performing as much. This new show will be a return to performing, which I have really missed.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Absolutely not! The road has been filled with failures, injuries and several attempts at finding a new career (fortunately I failed at those too). I’ve had multiple surgeries including a thumb reconstruction where a stunt went bad in the middle of a Dallas Mavericks game. Hundreds of nights spent covered in ice bags. And nearly a million miles driven going from one show to the next. No part of it has been easy, but it’s been a wonderful adventure that I wouldn’t trade for anything.
I’ve been booed off the court twice (Boston & Philly). Had some great ideas go down in flames in front of a live audience. And more strange stories that I can even remember. When people ask me what it is like being an NBA mascot, I tell them that it’d be hard to describe, but my life has been proof that truth is stranger than fiction.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Team Big Air and Showstoppers – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Team Big Air and Showstoppers have both found a wonderful home performing for Fairs, Festivals, Church events, corporate events and more. One of the things I’m most proud of is our school assembly programs. We do school assemblies all over the metroplex and I love putting on a great show for the kids and getting to deliver a meaningful message to them. The gratitude expressed to us after the school assemblies by the PTA or school leadership is a wonderful reward. What sets us apart from other acts in the same space is our ability to put on a highly choreographed show utilizing world-class acrobats and some extremely dangerous stunts. Most acts that are ‘thrill shows’, like Team Big Air is, focus on the stunts and don’t add a lot of production value. We make sure that every show has elements of comedy in addition to the high flying slam dunks. I’m very proud of that, and also proud of the performers we are able to secure from all over the world.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
The biggest change I am working on is my solo comedy show. I am very excited about this. It is an idea that has been spinning through my mind for nearly ten years now, and I am finally at a place where I am preparing to launch. The comedy elements of Team Big Air and Showstoppers has been my favorite part to develop. In the beginning of my career doing the biggest stunts is what I thought I wanted to do the most, but over the years, I’ve realized my real strength lies in the comedy elements of our shows. And this new act will be the culmination of 20 years of experience. I can’t wait!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jeffgoodin.com
- Phone: 972-571-4295
- Email: jeff@championfactory.net
- Instagram: @teambigair
- Facebook: @teambigair
- Twitter: @jeffgoodin
- Other: www.championfactory.net
Image Credit:
Clark Cabus Photography
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