LeRoy Watkins works hard, and he plays hard. As the CEO of Vikings Sports, Watkins is serious about how fun, sports, and community are essential parts of a happy and healthy lifestyle. As a businessman and leader, LeRoy Watkins takes a hands-on and personal approach to training his staff.
His leadership inspires and empowers his team, which translates into a positive impact on their clients and community. Under Leroy Watkins, Viking Sports became an award-winning sports camp and the largest private recreation company in Massachusetts. He is a business leader who has combined his passion for business and sports and created a lasting legacy for his family and community.
LeRoy Watkins graduated with a Business Administration degree from Northeastern University. But his discipline and work ethic were developed early on from his experience as a top athlete. Always into sports, Watkins was an athlete for most of his childhood, and he even played soccer at the division one level at Northeastern University.
LeRoy Watkins was also captain of the soccer team when they made it to the NCAA Championship for the first time. Discipline, grit, and drive were qualities that were already evident in him, and going into business honed these qualities even more.
Before becoming CEO of Viking Sports, LeRoy Watkins started a company called MyBike. He grew his company for five years, moving from his initial home office to a more prominent location. Being the leader of a startup taught Watkins so many things about business.
He shared, “It was tough. Startups are not for the faint of heart. It takes a lot of effort and determination to keep your first business going. But I believed in myself and my vision and was determined to make it work.”
In 2011, LeRoy Watkins and his colleague bought Viking Sports. “It changed my life,” Watkins said. Viking Sports is a private recreation company that holds sports camps for children of all ages.
They work with schools, private institutions, and community groups to create sports events that children will enjoy. They have a team of highly-trained coaches and staff ready to make any Viking Sports experience fun and memorable.
As the CEO of Viking Sports, LeRoy Watkins pioneered the company’s expansion into the private sector. He did this by offering sports programming to employers and residential communities. Viking Sports also partners with different public municipalities offering recreational services as a community partner.
LeRoy Watkins also takes pride in being a leader his staff can depend on. He likes to take a meticulous and hands-on approach to training his employees. “I was once an employee of Viking Sports before I became CEO. I’ve been in the trenches, and I know the intricacies and nuances that will help my staff be more competent in their roles,” he explained.
Watkins trains his full-time and part-time employees in coaching, program management, administrative duties, and business development. His well-rounded skill set proves LeRoy Watkins is a dedicated and driven businessman who seeks to inspire his team to achieve greatness.
Being a business leader is a lot of work, and LeRoy Watkins has been recognized for his leadership and business skills. He was named a Top Entrepreneur by Business Week and included in Boston Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 list. LeRoy Watkins said, “I’m grateful for my recognition.
I have always wanted to make a positive impact on a lot of people, whether through giving business advice, sharing my experiences, or creating a fun environment like I do through Viking Sports. I’m so thankful I get to do something I am passionate about daily.”
