Meet Carlos Martínez | Director of The Broward Legacy Basketball Program

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carlos Martínez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carlos, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
The idea was mutual between myself and business partner Coach Alex. When he and I met back in 2018, we started volunteer coaching together. I was amazed to find someone like Alex who was just as passionate about working with young kids. We related it through basketball but honestly basketball is the least important thing of it all. We care about the kids. Creating a family environment, kids from all over become life long friends, and keep them out of trouble. We had always spoke about wanting to explore how we can help the community and expand on this. That’s when we came up with the thought of creating a basketball program starting with a travel team. From there, we started creating that vision and then players, the parents, and those around starter buying into it. They see how the kids bond, how they look out for each other, all the while as our success on the court continues to grow each time we step on to play. And now he we are with about 5 travel teams in a span of less than 7 months.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My day job is as a Project Manager for an IT company. I have come a long way from my days as an after care counselor. I had always wanted to be a teacher but shifted career paths when granted the opportunity to work at a hospital in their IT department. I went back to school and got my degree and then my masters which allowed me to get to the position I’m at now. Yet, my passion is having this basketball program. What I learned about this journey is that a job that makes you money is not the only important thing. You need to do something that fulfills you and something you’re passionate about. That’s what I have found with Broward Legacy and I’m glad I learned that he guy this journey. This program changed my whole perspective on life. Like we say to everyone, we try to lead by example so we can help this good kids turn into great young men.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh that’s easy!

Here in south Florida you have to go to twin peaks. Yes, they have it in other places but it’s a staple down here for me and we always take the kids there after tournaments win or lose. It’s a great bonding experience for them each time. Also, love Finka Table and Tap, great drinks and food that’s cuban and Asian infused. And a final spot for me to see is bayside and go on the big wheel they have there. Great views of downtown Miami from there.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate the shoutout to my late grandfather Manuel Fadraga. He was one of the hardest workers I knew and did everything for his family. Very selfless and a constant supporter of mine all throughout my life. It’s an honor that I’m able to have a program with the name across everyone’s chest saying “Legacy.” That’s how I have his legacy live on.

Instagram: @browardlegacy

Image Credits
Coach Carlos Coach Alex Coach Amir Coach Rob