Biography of Thomas Fields: Founder and CEO of GRIND -Entrepreneur
Biography of Thomas Fields:
From Passion to Innovation
Thomas Fields grew up with a deep love for basketball, but
his dream of going pro was cut short due to multiple knee injuries. Instead of
letting his setbacks define him, he channeled his passion into innovation. With
no formal engineering background, Thomas taught himself mechanical design and
manufacturing, determined to create something that could help athletes train
smarter and more efficiently.
The Birth of GRIND
At just 19 years old, Thomas launched GRIND from his
parents' garage. His vision was clear—to develop the world’s first smart
ecosystem of sports equipment, starting with a portable basketball rebounding
machine. His goal was to make high-quality training equipment accessible to
athletes everywhere, bridging the gap between affordability and innovation.
The Struggles of a Young Entrepreneur
Building GRIND was no easy feat. As a young, self-taught
entrepreneur, Thomas faced multiple obstacles, from product development
challenges to securing funding. He dropped out of the University of Houston’s
business program to focus entirely on his startup, learning from real-world
experiences rather than textbooks.
A Breakthrough at MIT
Thomas’s relentless drive earned him a spot in the
prestigious Success Initiative Program at MIT Sloan School of Management. Over
two years, he worked alongside top entrepreneurs, refining his business
strategies and learning how to raise financing, validate customers, and scale a
startup effectively. This experience shaped GRIND into a structured and
scalable company.
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Techstars and Expanding the Vision
Recognizing his potential, Techstars selected GRIND as part
of its Sports Accelerator Portfolio. This program connected Thomas with
seasoned investors, mentors, and corporate leaders who helped him fine-tune his
vision. With their support, he aimed to integrate cutting-edge technology into
sports equipment, making training smarter and more data-driven.
A Bold Move to Shark Tank
In 2021, Thomas took GRIND to the national stage on Shark
Tank. Standing before the sharks, he pitched his portable, collapsible
basketball rebounding machine, which allows players to train independently. His
enthusiasm and innovative product caught the attention of Mark Cuban and
Barbara Corcoran, leading to a deal offer of $250,000 for 25% equity.
A Deal That Didn't Close, But Momentum Continued
Despite shaking hands with Mark and Barbara, the deal never
materialized. However, that didn’t slow Thomas down. The exposure from Shark
Tank catapulted GRIND into the spotlight, leading to over $1 million in
pre-orders. Demand for his product skyrocketed, proving that the market was
ready for his innovation.
Scaling Production and Meeting Demand
With thousands of orders to fulfill, Thomas faced his next
big challenge—manufacturing at scale. He navigated supply chain issues and
production hurdles, ensuring that every unit met high-quality standards. His
determination paid off, and soon, GRIND machines were being shipped to athletes
across the country.
Changing the Game in Sports Equipment
GRIND wasn’t just a rebounding machine; it was a revolution
in sports training. Unlike expensive alternatives, GRIND offered an affordable
and easy-to-use solution for players at all levels. The machine seamlessly
returned the ball to shooters, allowing them to focus on improving their game
without needing a training partner.
A Mission Beyond Business
For Thomas, GRIND was about more than just selling
equipment. He was passionate about using technology to bridge the gap in sports
training for underprivileged communities. He envisioned a world where young
athletes, regardless of their background, had access to professional-grade
training tools.
Giving Back to the Community
Committed to empowering others, Thomas became a board member
at TXRX Labs, a nonprofit dedicated to providing makers, entrepreneurs, and
students with access to tools and training. He wanted to inspire young minds,
showing them that with grit and creativity, they could build anything.
Recognition and Accolades
Thomas’s journey from a high school athlete to a tech-driven
entrepreneur earned him a place on Forbes 30 Under 30. His story became an
inspiration to aspiring innovators, proving that with resilience and vision,
it’s possible to turn setbacks into success.
Expanding GRIND’s Reach
With a firm foundation, Thomas looked ahead to the future of
GRIND. His dream was to build an entire ecosystem of smart sports equipment,
integrating AI and performance analytics to enhance athlete training worldwide.
The rebounding machine was just the beginning.
A Legacy in the Making
Thomas Fields’ story is a testament to perseverance,
innovation, and the power of belief. From shooting hoops in his backyard to
redefining the sports equipment industry, he turned his obstacles into
opportunities. As GRIND continues to grow, Thomas remains focused on his
ultimate goal—to empower athletes to become the best version of themselves.
Timeline for story
2016 – Thomas Fields' basketball dreams end due to knee
injuries.
2017 – Begins self-learning mechanical design and
manufacturing.
2018 – Launches GRIND from his parents' garage at age 19.
2019 – Joins MIT Sloan’s Success Initiative Program.
2020 – GRIND selected for Techstars Sports Accelerator.
2021 – Pitches GRIND on Shark Tank, secures $250K offer
(deal not finalized).
2021 – Shark Tank exposure leads to $1M+ in pre-orders.
2022 – Overcomes manufacturing challenges to scale
production.
2023 – Becomes a board member at TXRX Labs, expands GRIND’s
mission.
2024 – Recognized on Forbes 30 Under 30, continues
innovation in sports tech.
