Q&A: Jeff Jaeger shares his career journey from NFL placekicker to businessman

By Grace Chang | October 8, 2024

The transition from the football field to entrepreneurship is often a challenging yet rewarding journey. Grace Chang, ’20, had the opportunity to delve into the fascinating story of Jeff Jaeger, a former star Husky placekicker who successfully ventured into the realm of business after a career in the NFL. Their conversation shed light on the remarkable parallels between the worlds of athletics and entrepreneurship, offering valuable insights for aspiring individuals embarking on their own entrepreneurial paths.

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Grace Chang: Jeff, give us an overview of your transition from being a football player to becoming an entrepreneur.

Jeff Jaeger: I played college football for Huskies and then in the NFL from 1987 to 2000. My father and I ran a bar called Jaeger’s in Factoria from ’95 to 2000. With the guidance of Gregory [Kovsky, President & CEO of IBA], we successfully sold the business. Afterward, I transitioned into residential real estate, where I have amassed more than 20 years of experience.

Chang: Operating a sports bar like Jaeger’s must have posed some challenges. Can you share some significant hurdles you encountered and how you overcame them?

Jaeger: One of the main challenges was managing people. I quickly learned that not everyone shares the same level of dedication as the owner. Dealing with different personalities and work ethics required patience and understanding. My experience on the field taught me the importance of teamwork, which was crucial in overcoming these hurdles. By fostering a collaborative environment and leading by example, we were able to navigate through the challenges and achieve success.

Chang: How did your experiences as a football player influence your mindset and approach toward entrepreneurship?

Jaeger: The values and traits I learned in football, such as confidence, punctuality, hard work, honesty, and integrity, have greatly influenced my approach to entrepreneurship. The discipline and determination required to succeed in football are equally applicable in the world of business. Whether it’s preparing for a game or a business venture, the principles remain the same: put in hard work, believe in your abilities, and strive for excellence.

Chang: Drawing from your time on the playing field, what specific lessons do you find most relevant to running a business?

Jaeger: One of the most important lessons I learned from football is the value of preparation. Coach [Don] James instilled in us the importance of being on time and ready to go. This mindset of thorough preparation and readiness has served me well in my entrepreneurial endeavors. By investing time and effort in planning and preparation, you can approach any challenge with confidence and resilience.

Chang: It sounds like a simple rule to follow.

Jaeger: But not everyone does it, surprisingly.

Chang: How have you implemented teamwork and collaboration in your entrepreneurial ventures?

Jaeger: My wife and I have been working together for eight years, and we’ve learned to leverage each other’s strengths and define our roles accordingly. Recognizing that no one can do everything alone, we prioritize communication and collaboration to achieve our shared goals. By working as a team and supporting each other, we’ve been able to navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship more effectively.

Chang: Dealing with setbacks and unfairness is a common theme in sports. How do you apply these lessons to navigate challenges in the business world?

Jaeger: Setbacks and challenges are inevitable in both sports and business. In football, I learned to embrace failure as an opportunity for growth and to persevere in the face of adversity. Similarly, in business, I’ve learned to adopt a resilient mindset and to view setbacks as learning experiences. By maintaining a positive attitude and staying focused on my goals, I’ve been able to overcome obstacles and continue moving forward.

Chang: Competition is fierce in both sports and business. How do you approach competition, drawing from your athletic background?

Jaeger: Competition is a natural part of both sports and business. In football, I learned that you can’t win every game, but you can control how you respond to defeat. Similarly, in business, I approach competition with a determined mindset and a focus on continuous improvement. Rather than viewing competitors as adversaries, I see them as opportunities to learn and grow. By staying adaptable and resilient, I’m able to thrive in competitive environments.

Chang: For individuals aspiring to start their own businesses, what advice would you offer?

Jaeger: Surround yourself with good people and seek out mentors who can offer guidance and support. Learning from others’ experiences can be incredibly valuable, and having a strong support network can help you navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship more effectively. Additionally, I would encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace failure as a natural part of the learning process and to approach challenges with resilience and determination.

Chang: Reflecting on your entrepreneurial journey, are there any decisions you would have made differently? What have you learned from those experiences?

Jaeger: I could have done a better job of seeking out mentors and learning from others’ experiences. Sharing knowledge and seeking guidance from those who have been successful in their own ventures can provide valuable insights and help avoid costly mistakes.