From BBQ to Basketball

Jake Headrick’s Journey of Building Teams and Creating Impact

Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Al Blanton

In the bustling rhythm of a family-run restaurant on the Walker/Jefferson County line, a young Jake Headrick absorbed lessons that would shape his life for years to come. At Green Top BBQ, Jake's father started each morning by picking up stray trash from the parking lot — a simple act that taught Jake the importance of presentation and attention to detail.

"The manager getting out every morning and picking up trash, even if it was just a single straw wrapper... that level of effort meant a lot to the restaurant's success," he recalls.

This is just one of the many lessons from his time working at Green Top that would resonate through his career in coaching college basketball and now as the owner of Campio Sports.

Jake's career is defined by his ability to be a good teammate, a philosophy rooted in the relationships he built and the hard work he witnessed growing up. When his family moved from Sumiton to Hamilton, Alabama, during his eighth-grade year, Jake faced the daunting challenge of starting over in a new community.

"Moving when you're 14 is really hard," Jake reflects. "I had to fight for my spot on basketball and baseball teams, surrounded by peers who were already well-established. But that experience contributed to my work ethic."

This resilience served him well as he pursued a college basketball career, playing first at Bevill State Community College in Jasper and graduating from the University of Montevallo. Jake's determination, a mantra of "chance favors the aggressor," propelled him into coaching, where he thrived by focusing on the importance of relationships and authenticity.

In his mid-20s, Jake became the head basketball coach at Chipola College in Marianna, Florida, a role that tested his resolve and leadership. "I was only 26 when I got the head coaching job there," he recalls. "I wasn't completely sure of myself, but I knew it was something I couldn't turn down."

The experience at Chipola was formative, teaching him that success is built on the collective strength of a team. As a coach, Jake cherished the camaraderie and shared struggles at the junior college level. "The thing I miss the most about junior college basketball is the people I got to be around," he says. "There was beauty in the struggle, and people just wanted to be good at what they did." These lessons in humility and hard work reinforced Jake's belief in the value of strong relationships.

Jake’s coaching career later took him to Ole Miss, Samford, and Missouri State, each offering unique experiences and challenges. At Ole Miss, the transition from junior college was a culture shock, with chartered flights and steak dinners replacing bus rides and sandwiches. Yet, amidst the opulence, Jake remained grounded in his core values of authenticity and teamwork. Samford University, in particular, left a lasting impression on Jake. "The guys I have the best relationships with still today are the ones I coached there," he notes. This sense of community and connection is something Jake carries into his current venture, Campio Sports.

In 2019, with encouragement from his wife Tommye, Jake left coaching to start Campio. Campio was born from Jake's vision to create impactful experiences that unite people and support athletic programs.

Campio Sports organizes fundraising events for universities and other athletic organizations, specializing in high-profile golf tournaments and basketball events. Campio handles every aspect of event planning, from creating websites and sponsorship decks to managing logistics and recruiting participants. Jake believes that a successful event is about more than just fundraising; it's about building a community and leaving lasting memories.

The company's dedication to first-class service reflects Jake's upbringing at Green Top BBQ, where attention to detail and customer satisfaction were paramount. "The goal is to provide an unforgettable experience while helping schools and organizations raise funds to support their athletes,” he says.

As committed as he is to his career, Jake's personal life and commitment to family and community take precedence. He and Tommye, who met as students at Montevallo, have been married for 13 years and have two children, Eli and Hannah. The family resides in Springfield, Missouri, where they enjoy attending NBA and college basketball games together and are active members of Connect Church. Beyond his business, Jake is dedicated to giving back to the community. He serves on the board of the Mokan Youth Foundation, which helps underprivileged youth gain experiences through basketball.

While he has seen great success in his career and personal life, Jake remains grounded in his roots and beliefs. "No matter where I have been or whatever I have been able to accomplish, I know the reasons for that," he says. "First and foremost, the Lord Jesus Christ and his provision, and secondly, the people and the experiences from my upbringing." 78