Florida Tennis Podcast with Stan Smith and Gary Niebur

Ever wondered what it truly takes to forge lasting connections, whether on the tennis court or in the corporate boardroom? A recent Florida Tennis podcast offers a glimpse into this very question, through a compelling conversation with tennis icon Stan Smith and his business partner, Gary Niebur. 

While the podcast revisits their newly released book, Winning Trust: How to Create Moments That Matter, the deeper takeaway lies in their unique approach to human connection and the surprising ways the principles of tennis can translate into powerful life lessons.

Stan Smith, always grounded despite his legendary status in the tennis (and sneaker) world, offered a peek into his daily life, which still revolves around the game. His involvement with young tennis players at the Smith Stearns Tennis Academy highlights his ongoing commitment to nurturing the next generation.

Above: Smith and Niebur chat with the crowd at a book signing event. Photo credit: USTA Southern.

The conversation quickly shifted, however, to the essence of their Smith and Niebur's book, Winning Trust: How to Create Moments That Matter, a title that resonates with anyone seeking to deepen their relationships. The book is both inspiring and applicable — underscoring its broad appeal beyond the business (and tennis) world.

Niebur, explaining the core philosophy of Stan Smith Events, emphasized that their work goes beyond mere entertainment. He emphasizes, "We really work with corporations. They invite their guests and we try to help them build their relationships and hopefully develop more trust."

The allure of Stan Smith Events is in their ability to create truly unforgettable moments, often through unexpected and intimate gestures. A standout example from the book involved a client’s visit to Stan’s personal shoe closet. Smith himself recalled the anecdote with a smile, "We tried to do that at every event [possible] to make it a moment that matters."

Above: A look at the new book. Source: Stan Smith Events.

Niebur expanded on this concept by linking it to a timeless observation about human nature. The lasting impact of an event, he explained, isn't solely about the experience, but about the emotional connection forged.

Smith echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the critical role of first impressions, meticulous planning, and getting every detail right. He adds, "If [guests are] not picked up at the airport or their, you know, their room isn't ready or that sort of thing, then it can ruin all the plans that you've made."

Niebur explains how they provide an intimate, behind-the-scenes experience at all levels. He explained, "One of the things we’ll do is we’ll have [guests] go into the kitchen and we have the chefs explain what goes on in the kitchen... [before having] these great meals." 

Looking back on his amazing career, Smith spoke about the profound impact of his international travels, both as a player and through his events. His perspective underlines a deep appreciation for home. He notes, "The more you travel in these different countries, the more you appreciate the U.S. and the opportunities we have."

Winning Trust: How to Create Moments That Matter is available in hardcover and digitally on Amazon. Order your copy today to start creating moments that truly matter. And take a deeper dive into the stories (and secrets) behind the fascinating, one-of-a-kind experiences at Stan Smith Events, check out the full podcast interview via the video below.

Exclusive: Podcast Interview

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Written by Florida Tennis Assistant Editor Alex Binstok. Florida Tennis Podcast is hosted by Adam Ross and can be found on the Florida Tennis YouTube channel and Bleacher Brothers Network. Photo credit (top): Stan Smith Events.