We had the good fortune of connecting with Jacob Wade and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jacob, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
One of the biggest things that’s helped me succeed is always staying curious and open to learning. I try to soak up as much knowledge as I can, especially from people who’ve already found success. Just listening and learning can go a long way. Being adaptable has also been key—things don’t always go as planned, so being able to adjust and roll with the changes has made a huge difference. And finally, I really believe in helping others. Sharing what I know, offering support, and bringing value to those around me has not only built strong relationships but also opened up new opportunities for growth.

What should our readers know about your business?
In 2022, our disc golf club found itself at a crossroads when one of our leadership members left to join the Air Force. With our community continuing to grow, it became clear that we needed to evolve from just a club into a registered nonprofit to better serve our players and expand our reach. I decided to take the leap and bring together a group of individuals who I felt could contribute to our mission and help us thrive. Having six like-minded people join the effort brought fresh energy and new perspectives to the table. It hasn’t always been smooth sailing, but we’ve accomplished a lot, and our diverse skills have made us a stronger community partner.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way is the importance of stepping back and seeing the bigger picture. It’s easy to get lost in the details and lose sight of the larger goals. I’ve also had to learn how to delegate—something that can be tough at times—but with the right people around you, you can achieve so much more. My main focus moving forward is reaching new players, especially youth, and introducing them to the sport. We’ve put several initiatives in place to make that happen, but we’re always working to spread the word and grow the game we love.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
A week-long trip would be packed with some of the best disc golf our area has to offer. We’d kick things off at Cedarock Park, playing Wellspring, Cedarock, and The Regulator—trust me, you’ll want to play The Regulator twice. From there, Deep Creek Dreams and Chimney Hills are absolute must-plays while you’re in town.

As for food, Yesterday’s Grill is a top spot—try to hit them for both breakfast and dinner at least once. If you’re looking for a great place to grab a drink and catch some live music, check out Fat Frogg and see if they have any shows that week. And for some of the best BBQ around, The Pig Pin by Fat Man is a must-visit.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to give a huge shoutout to the incredible disc golf community that has played such a big role in my journey. With over a decade in the sport, I’ve had the privilege of running tournaments, organizing leagues, and helping grow the game through the Burlington Area Disc Golf Club. Along the way, I’ve formed lifelong friendships and connections that mean the world to me. A special thanks to Ronnie Huffman, Tripp McIntyre and Dustin Hurdle for introducing me to the sport and teaching me so much about the game, as well as Jon Owens for showing me the ins and outs of running a tournament. Their guidance early on had a direct impact on my growth in the sport and ultimately led to my involvement with Burlington Area Disc Golf today.

Outside of disc golf, I also want to recognize my colleagues in education. As the Lead Computer Tech for the Career and Technical Education Department, I have the privilege of working alongside passionate educators who are shaping the future for students. Their dedication inspires me every day. And most importantly, I couldn’t do any of this without the love and support of my family—my wife and two kids keep me grounded and remind me of what truly matters. I’m beyond grateful for everyone who has been part of my journey, and I look forward to continuing to give back!

Website: https://www.burlingtonareadiscgolf.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jawa88/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-wade-27827875

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaWa1988/ and https://www.facebook.com/burlingtondiscgolfclub/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DGBasics

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutNorthCarolina is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.