Inspiration Behind Robbie Young's Company Juco Product
Just Getting Started
Home to nearly 31,000 people, the town of Garden City, nestled in Finney County, Kansas, is known for its esteemed two-year college and Lee Richardson Zoo, the largest in the western part of the state. The college was founded over a century ago in 1919 and the local economy is driven largely by agriculture. For Louisville, Kentucky native, Robbie Young, chasing a dream of playing baseball at the highest level meant playing and studying around the United States and outside of his comfort zone, taking a leap of faith and attending Garden City Community College.
Surrounded by sports his entire life, Young fell in love with baseball early on in his childhood. Looking up to names like San Diego Padres first baseman Eric Hosmer and former Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia, Young had many men in his life that were impacting his decision to pursue baseball seriously.
Out of high school, Young made a pit stop at an NCAA Division III school in Tennessee, the state in which his parents resided in at the time, and shortly after realized he wanted to push himself further at a different level of collegiate athletics. "It just wasn't for me," Young recalled. "I'm a high achiever, I like to be challenged, I like to have freedom to be able to pursue whatever is in front of me and so I decided to take a chance transferring out mid-semester."
Garden City Baseball Tabbed Home and Lessons Along the Way
Through an unexpected run-in at an indoor hitting facility in Louisville, where Young's parents then lived, the aspiring hopeful was introduced to Eric Hammer, a sports performance professional and former University of Louisville baseball strength coach. Hammer had contacts with Garden City's baseball program and a week later, Young caught a flight to visit the Broncbusters' facilities, committing that day. Unsure of the move at first, Garden City is now recounted as one of the best decisions of his life. "[Hammer] said 'are you okay with going to Kansas?' and I was caught off guard, but it was a blessing in disguise, and you know, I found myself on a plane to visit about a week after that, hitting in front of the coaches and everything was good," stated Young.
An undiscovered route, the latest signee was loosely familiar with the NJCAA, but says the lightbulb of pursuing it never went off. "One of my childhood friends was a great baseball player and actually went to junior college out of high school so I knew a lot about it, and I knew a lot of athletes went that route, but for some reason that never intrigued me," Young noted. "For me, it was always, I just want to get an education, play my four years, and see what happens. It wasn't until I went to the NCAA Division III school that I had a wakeup call and I felt inspired to do more as a student-athlete." Young describes this as the moment he felt junior college could open doors for his career.
Like some uncertain student-athletes, junior college was the ticket to unparalleled experiences and lessons for Young. "Robbie was what every coach wants in a player," said Chris Finnegan, Garden City Head Baseball Coach. "We never had to worry about him on or off the field. Classroom was always a priority. He was a young raw player that played with a lot of emotion and excitement."
The first baseman batted .356 with eight home runs, 72 hits, 58 runs scored, 14 doubles, 35 walks, four triples, and a .474 on-base percentage in 55 games for the Broncbusters. A left-handed hitter, Garden City taught Young the ins and outs of himself and his work ethic. "I learned the most physically and mentally about growing up. Junior college brought about several physical challenges, living 18 hours away from family, practicing crazy amounts of time a day, always exhausted waking up at 4:30 in the morning," Young recalled. "I learned the most about myself and how much I could really push myself to achieve my dreams. Little did Young know how big of an impact small town Garden City would have on him and those watching him.
"I don't think it's just Garden City CC that teaches kids about hard work, etc. – it's Junior College, period," added Finnegan. "These kids walk in with a dream of playing baseball the rest of their lives, which doesn't happen for a lot of them. We are the ones that have to start the process of teaching them how to work on their own, develop a routine, understand our timetables are completely different then the NCAA – the student athletes that walk out of their junior college and can be accountable for themselves, getting extra work in, are the ones that become really successful at the next level and throughout life."
Juco Product was Born
While success was made on the diamond, in 2018, one business professor in particular observed Young's desire to excel in his career, too. Young's company Juco Product was born as a result of his dedication to advocate for former student-athletes like himself. He is the proud founder and owner today, traveling across the United States as an ambassador for those who take the junior college path, giving back to those that poured so heavily into him. "[Young's] final project was one of the best projects in his class," Renee Harbin, Garden City Business Professor, recalled. "He took the requirements and made them his own. He explained business startup but used his business idea as the example of what would be needed to get this off and running."
Young says he started the company because he felt as though the junior college route did not always get covered in a positive light, and because a lot of them have compelling stories to be told, he wants to showcase the great stories that not only come from junior colleges, but the incredible student-athletes that make-up those opportunities. "I really liked his concept and wanted to support his business but also his philosophy," Harbin added. "Community college can be hard, and it isn't always someone's first choice, but it can build students and athletes and they are better for the experience in the long run. I think this is what Robbie's business is all about. As an educator this resonates with me. Sometimes, I have students in class that aren't there for academics, but for sports. If sports can get them an education, then it is my opportunity to inspire something in them to embrace their sport, but maybe also something else they can utilize later in life." Harbin was Young's very first customer for Juco Product and the two keep in close contact today.
A Dream Achieved
After two impactful seasons with the Broncbusters, Young achieved the dream of playing on the big NCAA Division I stage in Boone, North Carolina at Appalachian State University. A true believer in Young and what he stands for, Kermit Smith, Mountaineers Head Baseball Coach, knew from the start he was getting a well-rounded student-athlete. "Robbie was a high character person and a very passionate player," Smith stated. "He brought both of those aspects to our program. His journey definitely rubbed off on other guys. There is not a person in our program that wasn't affected by that character and passion."
Young played in 122 games and started in 118 as a three-year starter at first base. Collecting various accolades throughout his career in Boone, Young was an All-Sun Belt first-team pick in 2021, finishing his career with 56 RBIs, six homers, 15 doubles, 102 hits, and 57 runs. Young also earned Sun Belt All-Conference First Team honors, Academic Honor Roll recognition, as well as the All-American Strength and Conditioning Athlete of the Year merit.
Smith remembers how Young could always handle the big moments with a great deal of calmness. When asked if he was surprised that his former student-athlete started a company to advocate for junior college athletics, Smith said, "Not at all. It was very clear that Robbie was going to find something that allowed him to serve others. I love that he is using his story to impact people."
In a similar way, Garden City's Finnegan added, "Robbie is a testament of success by taking a simple idea and a simple story and branding it into his own company. He will continue it for years to come and it is awesome to listen to all of the stories he has told about his adventures already."
Pay it Forward
Young credits many for his achievements and growth over the years, but especially Harbin, Finnegan, and Smith for believing in him and challenging him during all stages of collegiate development. Now that the baseball jersey and cleats are officially hung up, Young is pursuing further opportunities for NJCAA schools, student-athletes, and supporters as an NJCAA licensed vendor. The company's services and team continue to expand. Juco Product offers custom apparel, promotional items, branding services, graphic design, website design, event displays, partnership opportunities, and much more.
Like the NJCAA, Young believes junior college is more than an unparalleled education and athletic experience. "I formed my company years back to impact and motivate others to be the very best they can be, no matter what level," said Young. "Eventually, as an athlete you finish your career, and you will have an opportunity to reflect back on the choices you made in your athletic career as a whole. So that was the end goal, to let junior college change people's lives. I just want to impact and motivate student-athletes to continue to improve."
Young has visited Garden City to speak to incoming students and share his story. He continues to motivate others and demonstrate there is no right or wrong path to chase your dreams, just opportunity. From Division III NCAA, to Division I NJCAA, to Division I NCAA, Young is inspiring the past, present, and future of college athletics.
"Junior college isn't for everybody, but for those that do choose it, junior college can be life changing." - Robbie Young, Juco Product Founder and CEO.
For more information, visit: Juco Product
