What happened next transformed not just his business, but his entire understanding of success, self-worth, and what it means to show up for the people who matter most.
In this raw conversation with Sacred Business Stories, Matt shares how hitting rock bottom became the foundation for rebuilding everything — including himself.
Show Notes
[00:00-10:00] From Swimming Champion to Business Owner
Matt's 40-year swimming journey from age 6 to Division III All-American
Transitioned from coaching part-time to becoming head coach
Founded Greater Philadelphia Aquatic Enterprises after convincing school district to exit swim business
Built vision for "cradle to grave" swimming program with new facility
[10:00-20:00] When Dreams Become Nightmares
Three-year search for location and funding finally succeeded in 2015
Construction began May 2016, expected to open September 2016
By Thanksgiving, facility incomplete with major construction errors
All SBA loan funds exhausted with no path forward
February 2017: Lawyer recommended bankruptcy as only option
[20:00-30:00] The Moment Everything Changed
Brief moment considering life insurance policies as "way out" for family
Three-year-old daughter's "I love you, daddy" became turning point
Wife (a psychologist) helped him see suicide as "short-term solution to long-term problem"
Decision: "I can't control winning the lawsuit, but I can control doing everything possible"
[30:00-40:00] Fighting Through the Storm
Became his own legal researcher and investigator
Wife battling adrenal failure requiring 40mg prednisone daily
Raising two toddlers while coaching athletes and fighting lawsuit
"There were plenty of days where I couldn't see the finish line"
Settlement finally reached in September 2019
[40:00-50:00] When You Think It Can't Get Worse
Six months after settlement: COVID shut down business for 100 days
Lost home pool, swim school closed for over a year
Applied lessons from first crisis to survive pandemic
Acquired another program in 2021, doubling size but masking lost passion
Tony Robbins' UPW helped realize need for change
[50:00-60:00] The Real Transformation: Inner Work
Maine cabin experience: "I did not like the person I was alone with"
Joined Front Row Dads community for personal growth
Discovered pattern of making decisions based on others' expectations
Somatic breathwork helped access deeper healing
Learning to forgive others and, more importantly, himself
[60:00-70:00] The Edge of Known: New Beginnings
Sold business in August 2024 after quick sale process
Launched "The Edge of Known" Substack about standing at comfort's edge
Now helping executives and entrepreneurs who burn out at work
Core message: "You can be successful in business AND very successful at home"
Writing about USA Swimming's transformation needs
Key Quotes
"The gap between knowing what to do and actually doing it wasn't a strategy problem – it was a pattern problem." - Matt Sprang
"I made the decision that I wasn't going to be able to control winning or losing any lawsuit. But what I could do is everything within my power to make being victorious possible." - Matt Sprang
"We control very little in life, but we can influence a lot." - Matt Sprang
"If I'm not part of the problem, I can't be part of the solution, so I have to look within first." - Matt Sprang
"Winning at home is so much more important than winning at business." - Matt Sprang
Resources Mentioned
The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer
The Surrender Experiment by Michael Singer (recommended during interview)
Front Row Dads - Men's community focused on family leadership
Tony Robbins' Unleash the Power Within - Transformational seminar
Somatic Breathwork - Body-based healing practice
Where to Find Matt
Substack:
(The Edge of Known)LinkedIn: Matthew Sprang
Website: MattSprang.com
Thank You
Deep gratitude to Matt for sharing such a vulnerable and powerful story. To our Sacred Business community members who show up week after week — your presence makes these conversations possible.
P.S.
Matt recommended two potential future guests:
(author and Front Row Dad) and (youth sports coaching expert from Australia). We'll be reaching out to continue bringing you transformational business stories.What's Next
If this story resonated with you, you might also appreciate our conversation with
about building businesses that support your vision. Access all previous Sacred Business Stories episodes in our archive.Not part of The Sacred Business Network yet? Join our paid substack community of conscious entrepreneurs building businesses that honor both inner truth and outer success.
Missed previous episodes? Find all our Sacred Business Stories conversations in the archive.
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Go Deeper
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Discover Your Sacred Business Alignment (Free): Take the Harmony Map Assessment and read our Sacred Business Manifesto to understand where you are on your path and how to move forward with clarity and confidence. Perfect for entrepreneurs wanting to understand how everything in their business connects.
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