Welcome to Jake’s Takes! My name is Jake Chapman, co-founder of Showcase U, and today is a truly remarkable day. After 4 years of planning, collaborating, and strategizing, the public launch of www.ShowcaseU.com has finally arrived.
I have been told by many people much smarter than I to find something in life you are passionate about and “simply do it,” “completely own it,” or, my favorite, “fiercely devour it.” Well, there are thousands of families across the country starving for affordable help with college recruiting, and I am hungry to make a difference.
As a small-town, farm-boy in Indiana, I grew up with a basketball in my hand. I spent countless hours in a dusty barn shooting hoops with my buddy Paul, my brothers, and my dad. We loved playing there. A leaky roof, an International tractor as the out-of-bounds line, and the occasional pause for animal crossings were all part of the game. And let’s not forget the trampoline, dunk-o-rama, slam-fest, half-time show…you know, for the fans. But, as much as “barn ball” meant to me, a career as a high-flying NBA mascot may have been my only opportunity resulting from all those hours of practice. It soon became clear to me and my parents that baseball could open the most doors for me to go to college, get an education, and perhaps receive some form of athletic scholarship.
My parents and I embarked upon the college recruiting process with blindfolds on. We heard about two gentlemen with a nationally-affiliated college recruiting service who we thought could help us. Without knowing better, we signed up. I was sold on the pitch that I’d be recognized as one of the top college prospects of America, and I sat back and simply waited to be recruited. It didn’t happen. We gave $800 and total control of my collegiate future to two strangers more interested in making money than helping a family in need. I’ll never forget my parents’ willingness to do whatever they could to give me the best opportunities in life. To this day, I still feel guilty that they spent a significant amount of money on such a fruitless service.
So there lies my passion. As much as I strive to be a good person, caring father, and successful businessman, I equally strive to put these scam artists out of business. Our team has built a do-it-yourself recruiting machine more powerful and armed with more tools than most of these “experts” have at their disposal – and it will grow stronger every day.
As parents, when it comes to our children’s futures, we need to keep one hand on the wheel at all times. If you feel Showcase U can serve you better, let us know. Make suggestions, participate in the forums, and let’s make a difference – together.