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"I think if would have known what I was getting myself into I would have been too intimidated to carry on," said Ledbetter. "Starting your own (business) is the hardest thing someone could do."
But Ledbetter has never let the pessimists stand in his way. He is determined to become one of the nation's leading instructors on the game of basketball. After two intense years of trying to get others to buy into his vision, he is finally seeing his dream unfold into a reality.
Ledbetter is preparing to release the second in a series of instructional DVDs this month.
"Scoring off the Pivot" will debut on March 18 and will be available at clinics and on Ledbetter's website www.ledbetterinstruction.com.
While he is thrilled about the DVD's release, Ledbetter is equally as excited about the nationwide support he has been receiving. ESPN analyst Jay Bilas is featured in the latest video, endorsing the vision shared by Ledbetter.
He also managed to garner the support of Tony Bennett from Washington State University. Ledbetter says convincing others to even take a look at his plan can be a rigorous task.
"These guys see how passionate I am about this and know how tough it is to make it," said Ledbetter. "They have received me with an open mind and out of pure generosity and that provides the momentum to move forward."
He is hoping to release three more DVDs and has been working on additional endorsements. Ledbetter met with coaching staff from Gonzaga as well as the Tennessee women's program.
He says all of his business moves are driven by personal preference and experience. The same individuals that Ledbetter idolized growing up as a player for Warrenton are now climbing on board to vouch for his videos and clinics.
Ledbetter also says all of the content used in the videos and clinics has been taken from his experience as a player - including two years at the University of Idaho.
"What makes it different is how detail-oriented and how it keeps kids accountable," said Ledbetter. "It's very encompassing. Every part of the program was developed from an aspect of my career."
Ledbetter met business partner Jason Rose while playing college basketball in Idaho. Rose has since relocated to this area.
The two are about to embark on a three-week stint in Michigan that will include visiting over 20 schools. Ledbetter and Rose will host clinics for high school programs, providing tips to enhance one's basketball ability.
At the conclusion of the school tour, they will finish up at the Final Four in Detroit. One of Ledbetter's sponsors, New Balance, has offered to let him promote his products and clinics at this year's coaches convention.
Through all of this, Ledbetter says he has very definite goals.
"We want to teach (players) to find scoring opportunities within the framework of the offense," said Ledbetter. "Our goal is to control the defender and their movement in order to exploit them."
Ledbetter has been invited to speak at coaching clinics, including a prior engagement in Michigan. He and Rose work year-round to book and host clinics for high school teams and groups. They will train over 300 area athletes through 90 player clinics and reach many more through team clinics and seminars.
"It's a viscous cycle that can wear us out," said Ledbetter. "But we're young and energetic and we love doing this."
