We had the good fortune of connecting with Pavlo Zolotarenko and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Pavlo, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting my own business was primarily driven by a desire to test myself in a new role and to challenge my entrepreneurial capabilities. The foundation of my decision was built on thorough market research and an understanding of the growing demand for the service I was proposing. Despite facing challenging circumstances, such as the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent geopolitical crises, notably the full-scale war in Ukraine, my determination to bring my idea to life never waned.

My confidence in the venture was partly rooted in intuition but was bolstered by a deep market analysis, which provided grounds for optimism. I relied not only on my ambitions but also on my existing experience working within an international network of developmental soccer centers for preschoolers, which gave me the necessary knowledge and skills to launch my own project. My professional education, experience playing soccer, and ability to communicate effectively with people also played a key role in shaping my entrepreneurial vision.

Overall, my thought process was focused on realizing an idea that could benefit society while aligning with my personal and professional interests, even amidst uncertainty and high risks.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

My business, “Ajaxik,” is a small but thriving early childhood football development center that caters to nearly 100 children aged 2 to 6 years. Our center stands out by implementing Dutch methodologies that I adopted while working with a leading company in the same field. These programs are designed for holistic and harmonious personal development, using the ball to focus the child’s attention through games that develop various skills, such as leadership, teamwork, and creativity.

The tumultuous times of the coronavirus outbreak and the tragic war in Ukraine, which I’ve witnessed firsthand with the destruction of our city’s largest shopping center, have affected people’s willingness to frequent public spaces. Despite these challenges, we’ve adapted by emphasizing the personal growth aspect of our activities, prioritizing skill development over the game itself. We focus on body mastery, including coordination, motor skills, balance, spatial orientation, and quick thinking, which are all crucial for young children.

We also familiarize the kids with the basics of football through one-on-one and small group sessions, ensuring more hands-on time with the ball for each child. Our center organizes various competitions and open training sessions in a safe, stress-free environment that gradually engages children and provides them with enjoyment. Additionally, during short breaks in training, children learn English in a playful manner with the help of their coach, steadily improving their language skills.

We are proud of creating a nurturing environment that not only teaches children the fundamentals of football but also equips them with life skills and a love for learning in a fun, engaging way.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Having settled in Atlanta just over five months ago, my exploration list is still full of places to discover. Yet, if friends were to visit, we’d definitely catch an Atlanta United match at the state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which has left a lasting impression on me. I’m eager to share with them Atlanta’s energetic and diverse cultural scene.

Our time would include a leisurely stroll through Piedmont Park, absorbing the lush urban greenery. A walk along the Atlanta BeltLine is also on the agenda to experience the city’s vibrant street art. And the Georgia Aquarium, known for its stunning marine exhibits, is a place I’m looking forward to visiting with them.

When it comes to dining, Atlanta offers a plethora of delicious and varied options that I’m excited to delve into. Importantly, I’d love to take them to the soccer school (TYSA) in Tucker to introduce them to the fascinating people there who enrich the experience.

It’s the combination of places, experiences, and people that truly makes any visit to Atlanta uniquely memorable.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to the vibrant community and individuals from my hometown of Kremenchuk, Ukraine, where my entrepreneurial journey in soccer began. Investing all my profits back into local soccer was a leap of faith, but it caught the attention of Sergey Kovnir, the president of our city’s professional soccer club competing in Ukraine’s championship. His recent venture into the business side of the sport and his philosophy of treating the club as a business rather than a personal expense greatly influenced my understanding of sports management.

Working closely with Sergey, a successful businessman in the petroleum trade, was an invaluable live learning experience, much more immediate and hands-on than any book or website could offer. His thought processes and philosophy enriched my knowledge. Additionally, collaborating with the club’s director every day for the benefit of the club was a priceless experience. From the age of 22 to 25, leading a professional club alongside these two top executives taught me crucial lessons in leadership and sports management.

In 2023, we achieved the club’s best sporting results in the last 20 years and set a league record by selling players for half a million dollars. These milestones underscore the positive impact and the remarkable experience I gained.

Moreover, I find inspiration in successful individuals who share their life hacks and thoughts on YouTube channels. Their insights add to my pool of knowledge and influence my approach to both business and personal development.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pavlo.zolotarenko?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
It’s my photos

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