Some friends cheer you on.
Others hold you accountable to the version of yourself you haven’t fully stepped into yet.
For me, Ben Chou has always been that second kind of friend.

We’ve known each other for over a decade, but it wasn’t until he got me into cycling years ago that I realized how many of my most meaningful relationships, career decisions, and creative breakthroughs could be traced back to my friendship with him. If you know Ben, you know what I mean. He has a direct, no-nonsense way of telling you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear. That honesty has shaped not only my own growth, but also how I built Fist Bump Filmworks.

So when he shared that he was finally launching his dream, The Home Court, a basketball-first gym and wellness space designed to bring people together, I knew I had to be part of it. That first project became one of my studio’s earliest major clients, and we've been building side by side ever since.

Building Something That Didn’t Exist

Ben’s relationship with basketball runs deep.
He fell in love with the game as a teenager and never really looked back. After years of coaching, managing sports facilities, and learning the operational ropes, he hit a point where he wanted more.

“I wanted to create a space that brings people together through sports and wellness.
It was about building something meaningful for the community.”

That’s what led to The Home Court, a gym that isn’t just about reps and drills, but about connection, consistency, and growth. It was built to be more than a basketball gym. And you feel that the moment you step in.

Behind the Scenes, Before the Shine

From the outside, The Home Court might look like a polished, fully-formed brand. But behind the scenes? It’s been a journey filled with sacrifice.

“There were a lot of long days, tough decisions, and personal sacrifices. But every challenge was worth it to create a place where people feel inspired and connected.”

Leadership isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about creating a sense of clarity when things are foggy. Ben learned to keep calm in the chaos, make decisions with the info he had, and lead the team forward.

Progress, Redefined

Today, Ben’s version of progress isn’t about rapid expansion or chasing trends.

“Progress is when the team is growing, the community feels the impact, and the vision is taking shape over time.
It’s less about speed, and more about direction, alignment, and consistency.”

If you’ve ever talked shop with him, you know that’s not just a quote, it’s the way he moves.

The Plain Pillars

Impact First
Ben gives before he gets, through free community runs, youth programs, and simply offering space for people to grow.

“Whether it’s supporting local initiatives or helping others grow through what we’ve built, the goal is always to give people more than just a place to train.”

Identity is Earned

“Trust and accountability. That’s what’s been earned through reps.”
Whether it’s a teammate, a business partner, or a gym member, people come back because they know Ben means what he says and follows through.

Small Bets, Big Ideas
The Home Court didn’t launch as a perfect product.

“We started with just a basic facility. From there, we slowly tested ideas, built relationships, and shaped our offerings based on real feedback.”

That steady build reflects everything Ben stands for; start small, stay close to your people, and improve relentlessly.

In the Middle of the Journey

When asked what it feels like to be mid-build, Ben sums it up in two words:

“Humbling and relentless.”

There’s no big break yet. No huge moment. Just the daily work of showing up, leading well, and pushing forward.

And if he could give one piece of advice to someone about to start?

“Just begin. Stay adaptable.”

Final Word

Ben Chou’s story is a reminder that success isn’t loud—it’s cumulative.
Built from decisions made under pressure.
Relationships nurtured without fanfare.
And a clear vision kept alive through every tough day.

He didn’t just start a gym. He created a home court for others to rise on.

Follow Ben: @thehomecourt.ca
Know someone building something quietly? Nominate them here →