"In any business, the real challenge lies in staying ahead of the curve and constantly evolving."
Welcome to ValiantCEO Magazine’s exclusive interview with Jay Melamed, the CEO and Founder of XP League, a pioneering youth enrichment franchise in the dynamic world of esports. Join us as we delve into Jay’s remarkable journey of transforming a passion for gaming into a thriving platform for positive development and empowerment.
In this candid conversation, Jay Melamed opens up about the inception of XP League, born from his profound desire to provide young gamers with a structured and supportive experience. XP League not only improves gaming skills but also instills vital life skills like teamwork, sportsmanship, and communication.
Through their franchise model, XP League reaches young gamers in diverse regions, offering opportunities for them to compete with peers from various backgrounds.
Witness the positive impact on young players’ lives, both on and off the screen, as Jay shares insights on thriving in an ever-changing landscape and his vision for a future where esports is a catalyst for personal growth and empowerment.
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Table of Contents
We are thrilled to have you join us today, welcome to ValiantCEO Magazine’s exclusive interview! Let’s start off with a little introduction. Tell our readers a bit about yourself and your company.
Jay Melamed: I’m Jay Melamed, the CEO and Founder of XP League, a youth enrichment franchise in the esports industry. XP League was born out of a deep passion for providing young gamers with a positive and structured experience.
As a father of four kids, all avid gamers, I noticed a lack of community-oriented esports programs that could offer the same values and camaraderie found in traditional sports leagues.
This realization led me to create XP League, where we focus not only on improving gaming skills but also on teaching important life skills like teamwork, sportsmanship, and communication.
At XP League, we believe that esports can be a powerful platform for personal growth and character development. Our franchise model allows us to reach young gamers in various regions, creating opportunities for them to compete with peers from different areas.
It’s been an incredibly rewarding journey, witnessing how our program has positively impacted the lives of young players, both on and off the screen.
In the past year, what is the greatest business achievement you’d like to celebrate with your team? Please share the details of that success.
Jay Melamed: In the past year, one of the most significant achievements we celebrated at XP League was our successful partnership with Unleashed Brands, a prominent player in the youth franchising industry.
This collaboration has opened up new avenues for us, providing access to Unleashed Brands’ franchise development and marketing expertise. With their support, we have been able to expand our reach and presence in the esports space, allowing more young gamers to experience the benefits of XP League.
Another milestone worth celebrating is the growth of our franchise base. We have established franchises in various locations, offering more young players the opportunity to be part of a positive and structured esports experience. Witnessing the passion and dedication of our franchisees as they create meaningful impact in their communities has been truly inspiring.
These achievements have been possible because of the dedication and hard work of our entire XP League team, who share the same vision of making a difference in the lives of young gamers. As we continue to grow, I’m excited to see the positive influence XP League will have on even more young players and families in the future.
What advice do you wish you had received when you started your business journey and what do you intend on improving in the next quarter?
Jay Melamed: Looking back on my business journey, I wish I had received advice on the power of building strong partnerships and collaborations early on. Our partnership with Unleashed Brands has been transformative, allowing us to leverage their expertise and expand our reach faster than we could have done on our own.
Moving forward, I intend to continue seeking strategic partnerships that align with our mission and values to further enhance our impact in the esports industry.
In the next quarter, we will be focusing on improving our program offerings and enhancing the overall experience for our young players. This includes further developing our core program, where kids meet in-person with coaches to go through a curriculum designed to teach gaming skills and life values.
We believe that in-person interaction and coaching play a crucial role in nurturing personal growth and fostering a positive gaming community. Additionally, we will be investing in marketing initiatives to raise awareness of XP League and reach more families looking for a safe and supportive environment for their young gamers.
Online business keeps on surging higher than ever, B2B, B2C, online shopping, virtual meetings, remote work, Zoom medical consultations, what are your expectations for the year to come and how are you capitalizing on the tidal wave?
Jay Melamed: At XP League, we embrace this change by leveraging technology to connect with potential franchisees and expand our network across different regions.
Virtual meetings have allowed us to build relationships with individuals who share our passion for youth development and esports, irrespective of their physical location.
As the world continues to navigate the challenges of a changing landscape, we believe that the demand for positive and structured online experiences for young gamers will continue to grow.
Our franchise model, which allows us to establish locations in various areas, positions us well to capitalize on this trend. We also plan to continue investing in technology to enhance the overall XP League experience, making it even more accessible and engaging for our participants and their families.
Business is all about overcoming obstacles and creating opportunities for growth. What do you see as THE real challenge right now?
Jay Melamed: In any business, the real challenge lies in staying ahead of the curve and constantly evolving. In the esports industry, this challenge is even more pronounced due to its rapid growth and continuous innovation.
At XP League, we believe the key to overcoming this challenge is to maintain a fine balance between technology and the human touch. While technology enables us to connect with young gamers, we also place great emphasis on in-person coaching and community-building to foster personal growth and social connections.
Another challenge we face is addressing the misconceptions surrounding esports and gaming. There is often a negative perception associated with excessive screen time and potential social isolation.
However, at XP League, we aim to counter these misconceptions by creating a supportive and positive environment that not only promotes responsible gaming but also emphasizes character development and social skills.
2020, 2021, and 2022 threw a lot of curve balls into businesses on a global scale. Based on the experience gleaned in the past years, how can businesses thrive in 2023? What lessons have you learned and what advice would you share?
Jay Melamed: Based on the experiences of the past years, I believe businesses can thrive in 2023 by staying adaptable and responsive to changing circumstances. Agility and the ability to pivot when needed will be crucial for success.
In the esports industry, which is still relatively young and dynamic, it’s essential to stay ahead of emerging trends and continuously innovate our offerings to meet the evolving needs of young gamers and their families.
The lessons we’ve learned at XP League have reinforced the importance of fostering a positive and inclusive community. By creating a safe space for young players to connect, learn, and grow together, we can make a lasting impact on their lives.
Additionally, listening to feedback from participants and parents is invaluable in refining our programs and ensuring they remain relevant and impactful. My advice to fellow entrepreneurs would be to stay true to your vision and values.
Success in business should not be solely measured by financial gains but by the positive impact you make in the lives of your customers and the community. Embrace collaboration and surround yourself with a dedicated team that shares your passion and drive.
Together, we can create a future where esports becomes a platform for positive development and empowerment for the next generation of gamers.
What does “success” in 2023 mean to you? It could be on a personal or business level, please share your vision.
Jay Melamed: In 2023, success for XP League means continuing to positively impact the lives of even more young gamers worldwide. Our vision is to be a leading force in youth esports, known for our dedication to character development and fostering a sense of community.
We aim to provide young players with an experience that goes beyond gaming, equipping them with valuable life skills and creating lifelong memories.
Personally, success means finding fulfillment in my role as a father, husband, and business leader. Seeing the positive growth and development of my own kids, who are also active participants in XP League, brings immense joy and pride.
As I continue to lead XP League, my vision is to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs, showing them that with passion, purpose, and a supportive team, anything is possible.
I’m excited about the journey ahead and the potential impact we can make on the lives of young gamers and their families. Together, we can continue to redefine the esports landscape and create a positive legacy that extends far beyond the gaming arena.
Jed Morley, VIP Contributor to ValiantCEO and the host of this interview would like to thank Jay Melamed for taking the time to do this interview and share his knowledge and experience with our readers.
If you would like to get in touch with Jay Melamed or his company, you can do it through his – Linkedin Page
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