BOISE — Two former Boise State basketball players turned business owners are giving back to the community they love during the pandemic.
Mark Sanchez and Matt Bauscher took their talents off the court, one owning a successful real estate company, the other co-owning a successful pizza grill. During the pandemic their using teamwork to deliver food to clients and people in need.
"It's a scary time for sure for any business owner," said Sanchez.
"We're creative, we're doing FaceTime showings, we're getting them everything we possibly can," said Bauscher.
Sanchez and Baushcer played basketball together at Boise State and then abroad. Their paths kept lining up, and eventually, they both returned to Boise and are raising families and businesses just miles apart.
"Our daughters are the same age, our sons are the same age," said Bauscher.
"It's more of just like beyond friendship; it's more like family for us," said Sanchez.
The two had worked together as teammates, and it wasn't long before they decided to tackle this situation together, too.
"I knew that he had my back and I had his, and our whole idea together was how can we find a way to impact the community and let them know we're here for them," said Sanchez.
They're delivering pizzas from Mark's business, Growler's Pizza Grill, to all of Matt's real estate clients, plus more people in need.
"We fed Walmart last week, 50 pizza there, we did a [retirement] home up the road from, [and] we've got Saint Alphonsus today," said Sanchez.
Matt's also giving gift cards to his clients with different Boise restaurants, like the Wylder and Chandler's.
"We've sent out 600 emails, and I think we've given out a little over 100 right now," said Bauscher.
The two are applying the work ethic and grind they learned while playing basketball to raise up the community around them.
"Every day in sports and situations you face adversity, there are times where you get knocked down, the odds are against you, your backs are against the wall, and you find a way to come out of those situations," said Sanchez, "and right now that's what it is."
Growler's is still open for business. You can call in a pizza delivery from anywhere. They're open Monday through Thursday from 11 am-8 pm and Friday-Saturday 11 am-9 pm. You can also reach out to Matt Bauscher on social media or through email at matt@bauscherrealestate.com.
