28-year-old Tyler Lydon talks about his time in the NBA and how he’s brought his expertise home to work with students of all ages.
Can you tell us a bit about your business?
I own a basketball training business called Tyler Lydon Basketball Training, which I started in May of this year after my previous business partners and I sold our other basketball training business, LMC Athletics.
What is your basketball background?
I played basketball throughout high school, first at Stissing Mountain in Pine Plains, NY, and then at New Hampton Prep in New Hampshire for two years. From there, I was on a basketball scholarship at Syracuse University, where I played for two years. In 2017, I was drafted into the NBA to play for the Denver Nuggets. I left the NBA in part due to a couple of injuries, but also the pandemic hit when I became a free agent, so I decided it was a good time to leave and pursue other opportunities.
How did you decide to start this business? What inspired you?
Growing up in Pine Plains and the surrounding areas, there weren’t a lot of options for young athletes. I always wanted to give back to the kids in the area and provide them with higher-level training and more programs. I want to give back to the kids.
How did the first year of your business go?
It’s been great! I’ve worked with thousands of basketball players from first graders to NBA players, and it’s been awesome. We’ve been doing camps and clinics throughout the state, and the business continues to grow.
Has anyone else been an instrumental part of developing your business?
My cousin, Jeremy Mergendahl, played a really big role in both LMC Athletics and my business. When we were doing LMC, it was me, Jeremy, my brother Zach, and our friend Justin Cooper. Jeremy has a business background, so he was a great resource with LMC and now with my business as well. My father is also a local business owner. My dad, Jeremy, and my wife Samantha have all played a really big role in the overall success of my business.
What was your plan when you started your business, and how has that plan changed over time?
When we started LMC Athletics, we were focusing mainly on doing basketball camps and clinics throughout the summer and fall. We found that a lot of kids were looking for additional outside, personalized training, so now I’m focusing more on doing personal basketball training. I still run camps and clinics, but I’ve definitely shifted away from that and towards a more individualized, one-on-one structure.
Was it difficult to transition from a business where you had partners to a business that you run yourself?
At first, it was nerve-wracking because you always have an extra set of hands when there’s more of you. Now, everything is on my shoulders. I have hired a couple of people to help me with clinics, but for the most part, it’s just me running everything on the business end. It’s been an adjustment for sure.
What is one of the most important things you learned starting this business?
The biggest thing is to not be scared. We had to take a lot of risks with LMC, and I’ve had to take some with my business, too. The best thing is just to suck it up and do it. I wouldn’t be in this position without those choices, so you can’t be afraid. Jump in.
What was the most challenging thing about starting this business?
I think the most challenging part is a play off the most important thing I learned; you have to believe in yourself and know that you can do it on your own. Once I realized what a strong support system I have, I realized that this was something I could do on my own and be successful at.
How do you manage a work-life balance when you’re technically never off the clock?
As an athlete, you develop a workaholic mentality. You never want an opponent to outwork you, and you’re always fighting for playing time. It’s who I am as a person, and also who I am as a business owner. I’m constantly thinking about new ways to help the kids out, generate income, and cover costs. It can be hard for me to shut that switch off, but I try my best. My wife also keeps me in check and reminds me that when I’m home, it’s family time. We have a one-year-old and one on the way, so that’s helped put things into perspective for me. I’ve been better about recognizing that I can step away from my phone and not answer that email right away.
Is there anything you wish you knew before you started?
I think part of the beauty of becoming a business owner is figuring things out for yourself. You learn a lot, but you never really know what to expect until you’re in it. Looking back, I’m glad that we started LMC Athletics at such a young age and figured out what works and what doesn’t, because it’s made it much easier for me to do this on my own. •
To learn more about Tyler Lydon Basketball Training, visit their website tlbasketball.com and follow them on Instagram and Facebook @tylerlydonbasketballtraining.