Beyond the Field: UC Davis Athletes Build a Thriving Business

At UC Davis, student-athletes Cade Cox and Aaron Shebloski are proving that the entrepreneurial spirit can thrive alongside a demanding sports schedule. The two football players, with the help of teammate David Rasor, launched Aggie Elite Services, a local business specializing in at-home services like window washing and holiday lighting.

The business was inspired by a simple idea: a friend of Cox’s was making good money washing windows back home. Cox quickly realized the potential, earning a significant sum in just a few hours—far more than he made at his part-time lifeguard job. Soon after, he partnered with Shebloski, who had also been pursuing various side gigs to make money.

Juggling a new startup with the rigorous demands of college football was a major challenge. Cox described one particularly grueling day where he worked for 12 hours straight, split around his team’s spring game. The pressure eventually led Shebloski, who was struggling with injuries, to make the difficult decision to medically retire from the sport. This decision, however, allowed him to dedicate his full attention to the business, helping to establish a holiday lighting service and a subscription model for year-round services.

The company has since grown into a professional operation. With support from the UC Davis athletics department, they even produced commercials that air during home football games, strategically targeting their fellow Aggie fans.

Josh Flushman, a Senior Associate Athletic Director, initially had his doubts but was quickly impressed by the players’ passion and commitment. He highlights the business’s greater impact: it not only generates revenue but also employs their teammates, providing them with valuable life skills and a steady income during the off-season.

Ultimately, Cox, Shebloski, and Rasor want their story to inspire others. They believe that anyone can achieve their goals by taking concrete steps and turning ideas into action.