Building a business that blends passion, innovation, and purpose is no small feat. In a recent episode of That Entrepreneur Show, Ian Lintott, Founder and CEO of Total Sport Solutions (TSS), shared his journey from grassroots entrepreneur to industry leader in the sports and fitness space. With a strong focus on team building and providing top-notch solutions, Ian’s story is one of perseverance and vision.
From Landscaping to Luxury Courts: Ian’s Origin Story
“I have been an entrepreneur my whole life,” Ian recalls. Early in his career, he started both a landscaping and a lawn care company, learning the art of small business management. His journey took a pivotal turn when he stumbled upon modular tile systems designed for backyard sports courts.
“I thought it was a cool idea,” Ian shared. What began as curiosity quickly grew into a business opportunity. He dove deep, researching the technology and recognizing its potential to transform outdoor spaces. That simple discovery laid the foundation for Total Sport Solutions.
Since then, TSS has evolved significantly. The company now offers comprehensive solutions, addressing every aspect of creating a sports environment. Whether it’s designing backyard sport courts for basketball or pickleball courts or installing high-performance indoor gym floors, TSS has become a go-to resource for families and organizations seeking customized athletic spaces.
Lessons from the Court: Building a Winning Team
One of Ian’s key philosophies is that success starts with the right team. On the podcast, he shared insights into his approach to team building and leadership:
- Learning from Visionaries: Ian admires leaders like Steve Jobs, who excelled at assembling effective teams. He believes the ability to share a clear vision and inspire others is a cornerstone of strong leadership.
- Partnering for Purpose: For Ian, choosing the right vendors and collaborators is as important as hiring the right employees. Aligning with partners who share TSS’s mission and values has been critical to maintaining the company’s high standards.
- Adapting to Challenges: Ian emphasizes the importance of being flexible and open to change. He recognizes that challenges are part of the entrepreneurial journey and believes success lies in finding creative solutions and staying committed to long-term goals.
- Investing in Growth: Ian credits working with a business coach as a pivotal step in refining his approach to leadership and strategy. The experience allowed him to gain new perspectives and continuously improve both personally and professionally.
- Client Advocacy Over Profit: “We are not here to sell what is best for us. We are here to advocate for the client, regardless of the impact to us,” Ian emphasizes. This client-first approach has been a guiding principle for TSS, ensuring that each project is tailored to meet the specific needs and goals of the customer.
Creating Spaces for Wellness
At its core, Total Sport Solutions is about more than just courts or gym floors. It’s about creating environments where families and communities can thrive through sport and fitness. Ian’s passion for innovation and customer satisfaction has propelled TSS into a trusted position in the industry.
Whether it’s transforming backyards into high-performance courts or designing indoor fitness hubs, Ian and his team approach every project with a commitment to excellence.
Looking Ahead
Ian’s journey is a testament to the power of entrepreneurial grit, adaptability, and vision. As he continues to grow TSS, his focus remains on solving problems, building relationships, and fostering wellness through innovative sports solutions.
For a deeper dive into Ian Lintott’s inspiring journey, listen to the full episode of That Entrepreneur Show. It’s a conversation filled with insights that any aspiring entrepreneur or sports enthusiast will appreciate.