As a diehard baseball fan, I didn’t take the Savannah Bananas seriously at first. But after learning more about their story and the cult-like following they’ve built, I’ve come to respect what they’re accomplishing. There is a lot other businesses can learn from their approach to engagement, customer loyalty, and growth without the need of outside funding.

Founded in 2016 by Jesse and Emily Cole, the Savannah Bananas have grown from a struggling minor-league team into a global sensation. They’ve sold out stadiums across the United States, landed a broadcast deal with ESPN, and built a waitlist of more than two million fans for tickets. What began as a collegiate summer league team in Savannah, Georgia, has transformed into "Banana Ball," a fast-paced, rule-breaking spectacle that prioritizes fun, showmanship, and fan immersion over traditional baseball norms.

Founder Jesse Cole, dressed in a bright yellow tuxedo, acts as the team’s ringleader. He MCs games, leads the crowd, and personally greets fans as they arrive and depart. But beneath the dancing players, trick plays, and circus-like theatrics lies a masterclass in customer experience. It’s a model startups and businesses across industries can study to stand out in a noisy world.

The Bananas' success is no accident. They’ve built a "Fans First" empire by reimagining every customer touchpoint, removing pain points, and creating unforgettable moments.

In 2025, they are projected to sell two million tickets and generate around $50 million in revenue, all while maintaining 100 percent ownership and turning down outside investment.

Their approach has converted casual attendees into lifelong fans. People travel across the country to see them, get tattoos of the team logo, and evangelize their experience to others. It’s proof that you can build a customer-first business that is both profitable and beloved.

At the core of the Savannah Bananas’ strategy is a relentless focus on putting fans first.

Jesse Cole often emphasizes that businesses should stop chasing short-term profits and instead focus on building long-term authentic relationships. His goal is not just to grow revenue, but to create one billion fans.

Startups can apply this by shifting their success metrics. Instead of focusing only on customer acquisition or conversions, look at indicators of deep loyalty like repeat purchases, referrals, user-generated content, and community engagement.

The Bananas track fan behavior well beyond the stadium. Their organic growth has taken them to more than 40 cities and into Major League stadiums, all without spending on traditional advertising.

Ask your own customers: Would you tattoo our logo? Would you travel across the country to attend our event? If the answer is yes, you're not just building a brand. You're building a movement.

This level of emotional connection is what drives cult-like loyalty around companies like Apple, Tesla, and Wegmans. The Savannah Bananas prove that this kind of devotion isn’t limited to tech giants. It can be built deliberately, even from day one.

Jesse Cole distills their approach to fan engagement into a powerful framework he calls the "Five E's" — a practical, repeatable blueprint for creating unforgettable experiences. These principles guide everything they do, from the way they run games to how they interact with fans, and can be applied across industries to create standout brands in a crowded world.

The Bananas remove every obstacle that gets in the way of a great fan experience. Tickets cost a flat rate of $35 to $40 and include food, drinks, and parking. There are no service fees, no hidden costs, and no last-minute markups.

Startups can do the same by removing friction from their customer journey. Make signups simple, reduce steps at checkout, and eliminate surprise charges. The easier you make it, the more customers will return.

Every moment is a chance to entertain. Players dance between innings, perform skits, and wear microphones to bring fans into the experience. Even confirmation emails come with fun videos instead of boring receipts.

Businesses can make their customer touchpoints more enjoyable too. A fintech app might use fun visuals to make financial data more approachable. An online store could send a quirky thank-you video after purchase. Small creative touches create lasting impressions.

The Bananas are always testing new ideas. They tweak the rules mid-season, use drones for livestreaming, and add unexpected surprises. They are not afraid to fail in public, because constant experimentation leads to innovation.

Startups can foster a similar culture. Run regular brainstorming sessions, test new features, and learn from the results. Growth happens when you try new things and stay open to change.

The team goes above and beyond to make fans feel seen. From surprising couples with flowers after on-field proposals to making personal phone calls, they go the extra mile to make fans feel seen and appreciated.

Companies can do the same by listening to their customers and responding thoughtfully. Use feedback tools, monitor community discussions, and celebrate your most loyal users. People remember when brands treat them like humans, not just data.

Everyone on their team is encouraged to participate creatively. Even interns are empowered to take chances and have been known to rap thank-you messages. Staff at all levels are trusted to take bold actions that surprise and delight fans.

Businesses should empower employees at every level to make customer-first decisions. Give your team permission to go off-script, solve problems creatively, and find joy in delivering great experiences.

The Bananas have designed their entire business around simplicity and transparency. A $30 t-shirt really costs $30. There are no fees added at checkout. Fans know exactly what they are getting, and they love the honesty.

This clear pricing builds trust and loyalty. Instead of chasing margins through upsells, the Bananas focus on volume and return customers. Their revenue comes from tickets, merchandise, and experiences, all made with the fan in mind.

Startups can follow this model by simplifying pricing, removing hidden fees, and offering clear value. Customers reward honesty, and it makes your brand easier to share and evangelize.

The Bananas are not afraid to be weird. They wear outrageous uniforms, let fans catch foul balls for outs, and run games that feel more like live theater than sports.

This isn’t gimmickry. It’s intentional and strategic. In a crowded market, fun and personality can be powerful competitive advantages.

Businesses should identify their own “banana” element, the thing that makes them uniquely fun or memorable.

Maybe you gamify product features. Maybe your customer service team sends memes. Maybe your onboarding flow makes people laugh. Whatever it is, lean into it. People remember fun.

The Savannah Bananas show that unforgettable customer experiences don’t require massive budgets. What they do require is courage, creativity, and a willingness to do things differently.

Eliminate friction. Entertain always. Experiment constantly. Engage deeply. Empower your people.

If you focus on these five principles, you won’t just build a customer base. You’ll build a community.

As Jesse Cole puts it, "Build your brand not by what you say but by what you do."

Whether you’re launching a startup, growing a small business, or trying to break through in a noisy space, take a lesson from the Bananas. Make it fun. Make it meaningful. Make it about your customers. Then watch your business come alive.