What does youth marketing, esports, and a $2,000 vacuum have in common?

In this episode of We Code, You Launch: The Startup Community Podcast from CodeLaunch & Improving, host Jason W. Taylor sits down with entrepreneur, former CodeLaunch judge, and DLC founder John Davidson to talk about how his career went from skateparks to esports boardrooms—and what startup leaders can learn from it all.

From launching product demos on stage at the CodeLaunch World Championship to consulting for GameSquare and cities like Frisco, John breaks down how the gaming culture is shaping workforce development, civic engagement, and brand partnerships in 2025.

And yes—we also get the full story on how John once sold Kirby vacuums door to door (with a shockingly good pitch).

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• The Link Between Skateboarding and Esports Leadership

John shares how growing up in a subculture of skeptics gave him the insight needed to bridge the gap between gamers and global brands.

• Why Cities Should Care About Gamers

Learn how Frisco, San Antonio, and other forward-thinking cities are tapping into gaming to develop tech talent pipelines and reimagine youth engagement.

• Behind the Scenes of CodeLaunch World Championship

John reflects on his first experience as a judge, how it challenged his assumptions about startup accelerators, and why he believes CodeLaunch creates “Instagrammable” moments that actually drive value.

• The Secret to Authentic Esports Strategy

From FaZe Clan and Optic Gaming to Six Flags and Coca-Cola, John explains why esports partnerships fail—and how brands can get it right.

• From Startup Judging to City-Wide Innovation

Hear how John’s work with the Frisco EDC is building a new esports ecosystem and why community-first thinking is the next frontier of economic development.

Connect with our guest John Davidson on LinkedIn
Learn more about his work at Davidson Learning Company (DLC)