The Ultimate NFL Experience
Our Journey to Being Recognized by the Dallas Cowboys x Lenovo Small Business Empowerment Project
About a month ago, I came across an opportunity that I almost passed up—the Dallas Cowboys x Lenovo Small Business Empowerment Project. The grand prize included a $50,000 media package, and the competition was open to small businesses in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Participants needed to be nominated by others who believed they deserved this recognition. At first, I hesitated. Who would have thought that a small sneaker restoration business like mine would have a chance in a competition like this? But I decided to take the leap and enter, just to see what might happen.
The Call That Changed Everything
Fast forward to the moment I received a call from the Dallas Cowboys organization. When I saw their name pop up on my phone, I stood up immediately, heart racing. To my surprise, they informed me that out of 894 small businesses, I had been selected as one of the top 10 finalists! I could hardly believe it—I almost didn’t even enter!
A Day with Legends and New Technology
As a finalist, I had the incredible opportunity to meet with the Dallas Cowboys and Lenovo teams, including NFL Hall of Fame legend Drew Pearson. They visited my business and even gifted me $5,000 worth of brand-new technology. The tech bundle included a desktop, laptop, tablet, headset, Chromebox, and various accessories that are going to be game-changers for my business operations.
But the surprises didn’t end there. I was also invited to attend the Cowboys vs. Saints game on September 15th. Watching the game from a luxury suite was surreal, but what made it even more special was going down to the field and watching both teams warm up. We even bumped into Mike Tyson as we entered the stadium—another unexpected highlight! When we reached the suite, we were gifted footballs featuring our business name, along with other Cowboys-themed accessories like hats, towels, and cups. It was a day of unforgettable moments.
An Unforgettable Experience
As if the experience couldn’t get any better, before the game started, all of the finalists' videos were played on the Jumbotron for the entire stadium to see. We were invited to stand on the field as the crowd cheered us on. Meeting Jerry Jones’ wife was another amazing moment. Although I didn’t win the final prize, I felt like a winner just being part of this incredible journey.
After the game, my wife and I took the chance to walk around the field, taking photos on the star and in the end zone. The hospitality, the energy, and the recognition were beyond what I ever could have imagined. From the complimentary food and drinks to the memories made, it was truly an experience I’ll never forget.
A Huge Thanks to Lenovo and the Dallas Cowboys
Out of nearly 900 small businesses, being recognized as a top 10 finalist for the Dallas Cowboys x Lenovo Small Business Empowerment Project is an achievement I’m deeply grateful for. It highlights our dedication to excellence, innovation, and growth within the sneaker restoration industry and the Dallas community. Never did I think I would be part of something this big, and it still feels surreal.
A huge Texas-sized thank you to Lenovo and the Dallas Cowboys for this incredible opportunity! The new technology will allow me to take my business to the next level, and I’m excited for what the future holds.
Gratitude and Faith: My Journey in Business
I once prayed to be where I am today, and this entire experience is a reminder to never give up, no matter how hard the road may get. My faith has always been a source of strength for me. I live by Matthew 17:20: "All you need is faith the size of a mustard seed." That’s exactly what has carried me through the toughest times in building this business.
There were moments when I doubted myself and considered giving up. But my wife, always by my side, believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. She saw something special in me and kept encouraging me to push forward.
This is just the beginning. I’m marking my words now—one day, I will be part of something even bigger involving the Dallas Cowboys.
Looking Ahead
To everyone who made it into the top 10 finalists, congratulations. It’s been an honor to be in this group of hardworking, passionate business owners. This journey has been a testament to perseverance, faith, and community support. And to everyone reading this: if you have a dream, no matter how small, trust in yourself and keep going. Who knows where that leap of faith will take you?
I’m incredibly blessed to have had this experience, and I’m excited for what’s to come. Here’s to continuing the journey and growing this business that I’ve worked so hard to build.
Sole Fresh & Sole Clean - The Best Sneaker Cleaning Services In Dallas Texas
"Saving Soles, 1 Pair At A Time"
SNEAKER CLEANING
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After
At Sole Fresh & Sole Clean, we offer premium sneaker cleaning services designed to restore your kicks to their freshest state. With over 16 years of experience, we specialize in cleaning, conditioning, and color- correcting a variety of materials. These include leather, suede, nubuck, nylon, canvas, and cloth--just to name a few.Whether you're looking to refresh your everyday running shoes or you're most luxurious designer pairs, each pair is treated with the highest standard of care to ensure it leaves us looking Sole Fresh & Sole Clean!Our meticulous process includes:
- Deep Cleaning: We target dirt, stains, and buildup from the soles to the uppers, ensuring every inch of your sneakers is spotless.
- Professional Care: Each pair is worked on by a seasoned pro, using only the best products and techniques to bring your sneakers back to life.
- Odor Removal: Our cleaning process eliminates bacteria and unpleasant odors through UV exposure, leaving your sneakers feeling fresh.
- Added Care & Protection: As a part of our deep cleaning service, customers will also receive a complimentary dust bag and shoe trees.
Our mission is simple: "Saving Soles, 1 Pair At A Time" you can trust me to bring your favorite sneakers back to life with expert care and attention to detail!
SNEAKER UNYELLOWING
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After
Our unyellowing services are designed to restore the original color and clarity to your sneakers to get them looking as new as possible. We specialize in unyellowing sneakers from top to bottom, including soles, midsoles, and even uppers like patent leather, cotton mesh, suede, and more. Nearly anything that oxidizes over time can be brought to back to life with our premium unyellowing products and techniques. Our meticulous process includes:
- Surface Preparation: We begin by carefully pre-treating and cleaning the affected areas to remove any dirt or buildup, ensuring a clean surface for treatment.
- Premium Product Application: Using advanced, high-quality UV activated products, we apply a specialized solution that targets even the deepest oxidation and discoloration.
- Controlled Processing: Your sneakers are then treated under controlled UV light conditions to safely and effectively reverse yellowing without compromising the integrity of the material.
SOLE PROTECTION
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After
PROTECT your investment with our premium sole protectors! Designed to shield your sneakers from wear and tear and oxidation, sole protectors help preserve the life and appearance of your soles. The Before & After picture above shows a 2 year old sole protector compared to a brand new one applied after the customer came back in for some much needed maintenance. Why choose Sole Protectors?
- Prevent Wear & Tear: Safeguard your soles from daily friction and abrasion, keeping them in the pristine condition.
- Reduce Yellowing: By acting as a shield against moisture and exposure to the elements, sole protectors help prevent oxidation, keeping your soles clear and looking as new as possible.
- Extend Sneaker Longevity: With sole protectors in place, your sneakers will maintain their value and look as new as possible for up to 1-2 years when taken care of properly.
Our Process:
- Custom Fit: Each protector is precisely cut and applied to match the shape and size of your soles for maximum coverage.
- Durable Materials: We use high quality, long lasting materials that adhere securely and can withstand everyday wear.
5-STAR RATING BY 120+ GOOGLE REVIEWERS
Check out our Google Business Profile and see what customers are saying about us!
HOW TO GET YOUR SNEAKERS TO ME
We're appointment based only - no walk ins available. To schedule a pickup or drop off, contact us at 682-251-0063 or email sales@solefreshsolecleantx.com. Send photos of your shoes when you reach out for an accurate quote. A 25% deposit is required to confirm your appointment.
Mailing your sneakers in? Reach out first at 682-251-0063 or sales@solefreshsolecleantx.com - we'll send you a quote along with the shipping address and instructions for sending your shoes in safely. Once we receive them, fully payment is required before any work begins. We'll clean them, send you progress updates, and once finished, ship them right back to you.
Drop-Off Appointments: A 25% deposit is required to confirm your appointment, applied toward your total. Full payment is due at drop-off before any work begins — pay in person with tap-to-pay through our Shopify POS, or we can send you an invoice to pay online.
Mail-In Orders: Mail-in customers will receive three separate invoices throughout the process:
- Booking invoice — A 50% deposit to lock in your spot for the month.
- Balance invoice — Sent once we receive your shoes, covering the remaining balance for your services.
- Return shipping invoice — Sent once your shoes are ready, covering shipping them back to you.
The customer will be responsible for the shipping charges to and from us — use any carrier you like. Or we can provide a label through USPS; just print it and attach it to your box.
All invoices are sent and paid securely through our Shopify store.
We're appointment based only - no walk ins available. To schedule a pickup or drop off, contact us at 682-251-0063 or email sales@solefreshsolecleantx.com. Send photos of your shoes when you reach out for an accurate quote. A 25% deposit is required to confirm your appointment.
Mailing your sneakers in? Reach out first at 682-251-0063 or sales@solefreshsolecleantx.com - we'll send you a quote along with the shipping address and instructions for sending your shoes in safely. Once we receive them, fully payment is required before any work begins. We'll clean them, send you progress updates, and once finished, ship them right back to you.
Drop-Off Appointments: A 25% deposit is required to confirm your appointment, applied toward your total. Full payment is due at drop-off before any work begins — pay in person with tap-to-pay through our Shopify POS, or we can send you an invoice to pay online.
Mail-In Orders: Mail-in customers will receive three separate invoices throughout the process:
- Booking invoice — A 50% deposit to lock in your spot for the month.
- Balance invoice — Sent once we receive your shoes, covering the remaining balance for your services.
- Return shipping invoice — Sent once your shoes are ready, covering shipping them back to you.
The customer will be responsible for the shipping charges to and from us — use any carrier you like. Or we can provide a label through USPS; just print it and attach it to your box.
All invoices are sent and paid securely through our Shopify store.
Contact Us
We are here to help! Let us know about the info you're inquiring about.
sales@solefreshsolecleantx.com