How Sports Infrastructure Can Shape Business Leadership: The Case of the American Billiards Federation

Leadership is often associated with boardrooms and corporate strategies. Yet, some of the most effective lessons in management and community-building come not from Fortune 500 companies, but from sports. The rise of the American Billiards Pyramid Federation (ABPF), co-founded and led by Ukrainian entrepreneur Maksym Marshchivskyy, demonstrates how sports infrastructure can become a platform for leadership development, institutional growth, and broader community influence.

From Sport to Structure

Pyramid billiards, a discipline widely recognized in Eastern Europe, had long lacked an institutional presence in the United States. That changed when Marshchivskyy, already known for his entrepreneurial ventures in retail and community initiatives, helped establish the ABPF.
His role was not symbolic. As Vice President, he was responsible for drafting the federation’s statutes, implementing the first national referee registry with standardized certification protocols, ensuring professionalism and credibility across all ABPF-sanctioned events, developing a tournament calendar, and structuring a national team for the U.S. The effort culminated in 2025 with the first U.S. Championship in pyramid billiards, an event that marked a turning point in legitimizing the sport on American soil.
“Sports thrive when they are institutionalized,” Marshchivskyy says. “Rules, calendars, and organizations provide stability—and that stability becomes a foundation for leadership.”

Following the war in Ukraine and the collapse of international cooperation in pyramid billiards, particularly involving Russian-based federations, the U.S. emerged as a neutral platform for restoring legitimacy to the sport. Under Marshchivskyy’s leadership, ABPF became a vehicle for rebuilding institutional integrity through transparency, global outreach, and structured leadership.

Leadership Lessons from Sports Governance

The process of building ABPF highlights how sports governance mirrors corporate leadership. He initiated and signed a strategic Memorandum of Cooperation with the European Pyramid Federation (EPF), laying the groundwork for a new post-war international sports governance framework. This required the same skills as running a multinational enterprise: negotiation, management, and vision.
By pushing for a renewed International Pyramid Federation rooted in transparent structures, Marshchivskyy is effectively applying the same principles that strong businesses rely on: sustainability, credibility, and accountability. In doing so, rather than focusing on popularization, he is rebuilding the institutional scaffolding that once sustained the sport globally—transforming it into a model for post-conflict sports diplomacy.

Sports as a Platform for Community Impact

Marshchivskyy’s leadership extends beyond infrastructure. For him, sports are not only about competition—they are about community.
Through ABPF, young athletes in the U.S. gain access to a system that allows them to train, compete, and connect with their peers abroad. The federation also provides a cultural bridge, introducing American players to a sport with deep European roots while simultaneously building credibility for the U.S. on the international stage.
“Sports organizations can become community platforms,” Marshchivskyy explains. “They provide structure, but they also create spaces where values like fairness, teamwork, and discipline translate into broader life lessons.”

Family as a Model of Mentorship

One of the most striking aspects of Marshchivskyy’s approach is how his family life reflects his professional philosophy. As a father of two competitive swimmers—Maks (11) and Danylo (8)—he applies the same leadership principles at home that he does in federations and businesses. Both children are nationally ranked athletes, with titles at state and national championships.
This model of “family mentorship” illustrates how leadership can start in the household and expand outward. It shows that sports infrastructure is not limited to stadiums and federations; it also includes the support systems that prepare young people for success.

Linking Sports and Business Leadership

Marshchivskyy’s career demonstrates how skills gained from sports governance can influence business leadership. His entrepreneurial ventures—including Selecto Market in Ukraine, Peaky Sticks Billiards & Lounge, and Ukrainian Hills in Los Angeles—share a common thread: each is built on structure, mentorship, and community.
In many ways, the ABPF is both a sports institution and a business case study. The federation had to establish bylaws, recruit members, set financial models, and engage international partners. These are the same challenges faced by startups and growing enterprises. By succeeding in both arenas, Marshchivskyy underscores the idea that sports can be a testing ground for broader leadership models.

Recognition and Awards

Marshchivskyy’s achievements have been recognized internationally. In 2021, he received the Award for High Reputation, presented by Standard Chartered Rating (SCR GmbH) and the International Rating Association with EU support, for his integrity in business practices. The same year, he was named “Leader of Entrepreneurship of Ukraine” by the Assembly of Business Circles of Ukraine.
These honors highlight a career that bridges business and sport, confirming his credibility as both an entrepreneur and a sports official.

The Case for Sports Infrastructure as Leadership Training

The story of the American Billiards Pyramid Federation shows that building sports institutions is more than a hobby or a pastime. It is a rigorous process that demands the same qualities as leading a business: vision, organization, accountability, and resilience.
By institutionalizing pyramid billiards in the U.S., Marshchivskyy has not only preserved a sport but also demonstrated how such efforts generate leaders, inspire communities, and influence culture.
“Sports give us a mirror for leadership,” he concludes. “If we can build fair structures in sport, we can build them in business—and communities benefit from both.”

Looking Ahead

As Los Angeles and the broader U.S. continue to welcome new sports and cultural influences, models like ABPF may become increasingly important. They show how infrastructure is not just about tournaments and rankings—it is about creating pathways for leadership, mentorship, and international collaboration.
With geopolitical disruptions reshaping global sports governance, the U.S.—through ABPF—has become a de facto center for rebuilding the sport on democratic and transparent foundations.
For Marshchivskyy, the journey is ongoing. Whether through sports, business ventures, or family mentorship, his work underscores one message: strong infrastructure creates strong leaders. And strong leaders create strong communities.

“It’s not about promoting a sport,” Marshchivskyy emphasizes. “It’s about saving it—and creating institutions that will protect it for the future.”