Siouxland Magazine - Volume 2 Issue 5

succeed
contribute
develop
Jeff Carlson
Partner, The Arena
Business Owner, ReMax Preferred
What are you working on now?
The Arena started as a passion project that now feels
like a calling. Sioux City had taken a back seat to other
cities regarding the sports scene, programming options,
and facilities. Our mission is to provide the highest
character, most talented staff to youth in our region. It was
paramount to create a facility and environment rivaling
anything in the country. If you build it, they will come. But
if you build it right, they will come back. Our ownership
group, all Siouxland natives, includes Mike Hesse, Dustin
Cooper, and myself. We want to show the next generation
all dreams are possible, and possible right here. The We
Got Next Foundation, renamed The Arena Foundation,
was a huge piece of this overall vision. We use athletics as
a vehicle to uplift kids.
What is your vision for the future?
I am blessed to work with a variety of companies locally,
nationally and internationally including The Arena,
ReMax Preferred, Blue Ox, EPIC Consulting, The Arena
Foundation, Jackson & Partners, and Caicos Dream
Tours. These experiences offer a unique perspective
into other markets. Sioux City is on the verge of an epic
explosion. Therefore, my wife Rachel and I recently
purchased ReMax Preferred, along with Amy Kakacek
and Aaron Jones of ReMax Lakes Realty in Okoboji.
We will add a “Market Experience” to The Arena that
celebrates real estate and the beauty of our region from
Siouxland to Okoboji. This vehicle will give investors,
buyers, and sellers an opportunity to work with a team
that has significant experience in sales, marketing, and
commercial/residential development. At The Arena, and
all of our companies, we emphasize a culture of positivity
coupled with relentless work ethic.
What would you like to see happen in Siouxland?
Families check boxes when looking for a community
to live in. The Arena Sports Academy checks a box and
is a valuable amenity to our region. Economic impact
and an influx of capital is critical to growth. Players and
spectators by the tens of thousands have traveled to Sioux
City and competed in The Arena. Restaurants are up 25-
50 points every time we host an event, hotels sell out,
and retailers see surges in spending. This environment
escalates increased investment and overall atmosphere
in Siouxland. I’d like to see doors continue to open to
encourage creative ideas and entrepreneurism, and a
commitment from the public and private sector to not
only invest funds but lessen barriers to entry for the next
generation. Specifically, offering more platforms for youth
and families to thrive.
What are you doing to make that happen?
Dustin Cooper and I co-founded The Arena Foundation (We
Got Next) six years ago. 85 kids attended a free basketball
camp and a few received scholarships. In 2019, 1500 youth
participated in free programming. Our scholarships provide
school supplies, athletic equipment, funds to participate
in athletics, nutrition supplementation, and mentoring.
Combating childhood hunger is also a passion of ours. We
partnered with The Miracle League and will run operations
of Miracle League Park. We believe all kids deserve to be
surrounded by people that have a vested interest in them.
It is our mission to create an epicenter of athletics that rivals
any other metro area.
How can people help you make that happen?
Visit www.theareansiouxcity.com and inquire about The
Arena Foundation. 100% of our net proceeds and funds
raised go directly to youth. That is unique. If you are a
business owner or citizen that is inspired to uplift kids
through character education, athletics, mentoring, and
nutrition supplementation, there are a variety of ways for
you to contribute to the cause.
Volunteer Organizations
The Arena Foundation
Sunnybrook Community Church
The Miracle League
Morningside College Alumni
“All our dreams can come true, if we
have the courage to pursue them.”
– Walt Disney