OUR team

the spark of an idea

In 2002, Rick Hart, Jump Start Sports Founder & CEO, a successful advertising executive, sought to combine his professional skills with his passion for kids and sports. Seizing this opportunity, Rick developed a series of camps and programs designed to be both fun and enriching for children. This small beginning laid the foundation for something much bigger—a vision that would touch the lives of children in many communities.

building the foundation

With the clear goal of providing diverse and inclusive programs, Jump Start Sports quickly resonated with local communities and their families. The early success of these programs fueled further expansion and soon, Jump Start was operating across Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and North Carolina. The focus was always on making sports fun, accessible and rewarding for every child, regardless of their skill level.

a bold step forward

In 2023, Rick Hart took a bold and ambitious step by franchising Jump Start Sports. The goal was to extend its positive impact nationwide, delivering quality and consistent youth sports programs to millions of children. This move marked a significant milestone, transforming a regional initiative into a national movement. The franchise model flourished, bringing the Jump Start experience to communities far and wide. Jump Start isn't just about playing games; it's about fostering physical, psychological, emotional, and social development. The emphasis on world-class coaches, rather than just world-class athletes, ensures a supportive and enriching environment for all participants. This approach guarantees that every child, regardless of their athletic ability, can experience the joy and benefits of sports.

the heart of our mission

our vision and principles

At Jump Start Sports, our vision is to deliver our best-in-class youth sports programs to millions of children and communities across the nation. We partner with those who share our passion for quality and integrity, aspiring to set the standard for excellence in coaching, life skill development, and character education.

Our core philosophy is simple: provide inclusive, safe, and well-organized sports experiences. We encourage children to explore a wide variety of sports, find their passion, and develop a love for sports from an early age. We focus on positivity and FUNdamentals, with an emphasis on positive reinforcement, fostering learning, development, and relationships.

join the movement

Jump Start Sports continues to expand its reach, driven by a mission to enrich children's lives through sports. We invite you to be part of a legacy that champions the growth and development of every child through the joy of sports.

Our team

Rick Hart, Founder & CEO, leads Jump Start Sports with a lifelong dedication to sports and youth development. His wife, Lori Hart, the Chief Financial Officer, brings extensive experience in management and strategic planning, ensuring the company's financial health and growth.Cindy Rhodehamel, Chief Operating Officer, oversees franchise operations with her extensive background in business growth and team management. Kelli Sweeting, Marketing Director, drives innovative marketing strategies, while Luke Finney, Program Director, ensures the quality of sports experiences. Dave Rhodehamel, Franchise Development Officer, works to expand and support franchise partners.