Moorestown: Where Are They Now? An interview w/ Sam Bishop

Moorestown High School, SOUL Joel’s Alma matter, has been nothing but supportive early in his career in entertainment, hiring Soul Joel Productions for various fundraiser events. In addition, SOUL Joel spoke at the high school’s, “Wellness Day,” in the Fall of 2010. What better way to give back to his Alma mater than to periodically spotlight fellow Moorestown Alumni on The Comedy Point’s website.

This week we are honored to have Sam Bishop, currently residing outside of Harrisburg, PA running his own business while still playing and coaching soccer!

Follow Sam on Twitter – @sambishopCWS

Check out Sam’s company CWS - website!

How were you different in your teens than you are now?

Sam:

I proudly wear my geek title now. Back in those days I hid that I liked programming computers, playing video games, and reading comics.

What important things have you learned over the years that have helped you become who you are today?

Sam:

Don’t let anyone say you can’t do something. If you work hard enough, you can do almost anything. People said I couldn’t play pro: I signed my first pro contract at 22 after breaking a finger in 2 places on the first day of preseason 6 weeks earlier. People said I wouldn’t be able to play pro after my shoulder surgery: I signed my 3rd pro contract 9 months later and went on to win a USL national championship in 2007 and an NPSL national championship is 2008. People said I couldn’t create a sustainable business: My web development agency, Connected Web Solutions, recently turned 5 in November, has clients across the globe, and shows no signs of slowing down.

What were you best known for in high school?

Sam:

Maybe as a soccer player but that sounds odd considering I never finished a full varsity season due to untimely injuries.

Where did you picture yourself as an adult when you were in high school?

Sam:

I wanted to be playing pro soccer or developing videogames and seeing as I did one of those things as my first full-time job and I’m still in an interactive field now, I wasn’t too far off.

Did the people who knew you best think you would be doing what you’re doing now?

Sam:

Well my best friend gave me a picture frame in college that was reserved for my first pro contract that now proudly sits in my office next to my diploma from Lehigh. As far as being a business owner, I don’t think anyone saw that coming, including myself.

Was anything you did in high school or college related to what you do now?

Sam:

I think everything in high school/college is related to what I do now. After my pro soccer career ended, I was fortunate enough to coach at D1, D2, and D3 soccer programs and work with various youth goalkeepers from around the country. On the tech side of things, I am writing code on almost a daily basis.

Are there any dreams in high school that you let go of? Are there
any dreams that you haven’t achieved that you hoping to accomplish in the future?

Sam:

I had to eventually give up the pro soccer dream in 2010. I had a 4 year pro career and my web business was really starting to grow at the time and I had to make the responsible career decision. While I didn’t get my first MLS invite until 2010 with the Philadelphia Union, I am still grateful and proud that I was able to make it that far. My dreams have since shifted now that my company is my career and I’m getting married in May. So starting a family is the next dream on the list and I’m kind of pumped for it all.