We will distinguish ourselves from the competition by the people we have, who know the market. I think this will give us a lot more punch.

Because participation in the forum can serve as a springboard to take their businesses to the next level, the excitement was high leading into the presentations.

At the pro level, you're dealing more and more with injuries. Teams don't really help you that much. They're all about ice bags and take some ibuprofen. There is not a lot of rehab going on, it's all up to the players to keep themselves healthy.

There is a fine line between when are you injured and when are you in pain. The team just wants you to play. As an athlete you have to look out for your own best interests, which is tough because if you're not playing, they'll say we can't rely on you. But if you play and hurt yourself to the point where you ruin your career, then you're done as well.

These numbers illustrate the strength and viability of these companies as investment opportunities.

You're playing through pain the entire time. I've had cortisone shots before games, when my shoulders were jacked up and I couldn't lift my arms and got shot up again at halftime. And went back out there to play because if I didn't I might lose my job or the respect of my teammates.