Mountain Ridge High School Senior Troy Borman has loved and played baseball since he was knee high to a baseball bat. But when the pandemic hit and many things shut down — including his high school baseball season — he was disheartened.
But he was able to parlay his pent up energy and entrepreneurial spirit, not to mention his handiness at woodworking, into a new business named3bbatsaz, selling custom hand-made baseball bats.
He said word of mouth spread, people loved the product and then one bat led to another and then another.
Over the course of a year-and-a-half, he has sold more than 80 exclusive bats with intricate designs and craftsmanship for around $120 per order.
“I started the business in early June 2020 when COVID was at its highest, and everything was shut down. Baseball had come to an abrupt stop and it crushed me,” he said. “I wanted to turn my love for baseball into a job or at least something to keep me busy during the pandemic.”
For his work, Borman has been named the Peoria Independent Hometown Hero in the Entrepreneur category.
The Hometown Heroes Awards are a celebration of individuals who live or work in the city, and Peoria businesses for their local achievements and distinguished contributions to the community.
Borman will be honored at an awards luncheon in February.
In partnership with the city of Peoria, Borman will also be interviewed by the city and aired on Channel 11.
Borman is enrolled in NAF’s Academy of Entrepreneurship at Mountain Ridge High School, where he was able to develop his business.
Debbie Moore, educator for NAF Academy of Entrepreneurship at the school, said it has been exciting to see Borman turn a passion into a business.
“Troy will leave high school with a business and a strong financial understanding of how to run a business — that will stay with him for the rest of his life. As we head into Career and Technical Education Month for February, I am reminded of how important it is to help students find their career pathways,” Moore said. “I love teaching students entrepreneurship and being with them on their journey to start their own business. It is so exciting for students to realize that their gifts and talents can lead to a successful business and career pathway. The lessons learned while starting a business are rewarding and will stay with Troy forever.”
Get to know Borman more here.
What I like most about living in Peoria.
My favorite part about living in Peoria is the abundance of events every weekend and we are really in the middle of everything. I’m close to my friends and we like going to the lake and up north for camping, hunting and snowboarding. We enjoy exploring places not far from Peoria. It is a great location.
Personal background highlights.
I play baseball for my high school, Mountain Ridge High School. I was recently accepted to U of A for their Eller business college and enjoy hunting with my dad on my time off.
Professional background highlights.
3BbatsAZ is my business. Enrolling in NAF’s Academy of Entrepreneurship at Mountain Ridge High School has provided me with work-based learning experiences that helped me improve my skills managing and organizing my business.
What does it mean to be a Peoria resident?
To be a Peoria resident means that you are a unique piece of a tight-knit community. Everyone looks out for everyone and it’s an open and accepting community.
What do you think you bring to the local community that makes it better?
My business because a lot of local businesses use my products as gifts to employees. I also produce a minimal carbon footprint by selling locally and drumming up business through word of mouth.
What would you tell people about why it’s important to make a difference?
It is important to make a difference because it gives you a unique purpose to fulfill. I believe there is always a way to make a difference for other people and enlighten others.
Changes I’d like to see in this area.
I would like to see more high school students involved in small local businesses.
My family (what have they taught you).
Good work ethic, responsibility, accountability, nothing in life is free, never give up your dreams.
My interests and hobbies.
Hunting, fishing, snowboarding, woodworking, baseball.
The trait(s) I admire in others.
Accountably, trustworthy, loyalty, hardworking.
People who inspired me (and how).
My dad because he is a business owner as well and has always taught me to never give up my dreams and to put hard work into everything.
My guiding philosophy.
With hard work you can achieve anything.
My advice to today’s youth.
Don’t be a follower. Be a leader and chase your dreams. There are endless possibilities.
Name a couple future goals.
I hope in four years to get a business degree and to hopefully expand my business or start a new one to help the community.