In the beginning, all Minnifield wanted was to assist with the college move-in process. He recalled issues he faced as a student and sought solutions. He formed “Helping Hands” in that spirit in 2015, rounding up UVA football players for general moving tasks such as packing and unloading.
“We had a business model of trying to utilize ex-athletes or current athletes,” Minnifield said. “We wanted to help them have jobs in the summertime. This was before NIL, so we wanted to help people get some money in their pocket, especially if they were either seniors or just graduating and trying to figure it out.”
Minnifield says the idea has expanded through EZOS, which has generated $22 million worth of work activity so far this year. It partners with property managers from coast to coast to fill security, landscape, painting and cleaning positions, among other tasks.
“Anything that happens at a property could be scheduled out in our system,” Minnifield said.
Minnifield, who’s based in his home state of Kentucky, works with a small team of seven, including former UVA All-America offensive lineman Austin Pasztor, EZOS’ head of data science.
One of EZOS’ most valued partners is Student Quarters, a large owner and operator of college campus-adjacent student housing properties led by CEO and UVA alumnus Andy Feinour.
“There are so many connections in the UVA community,” Minnifield said, “and being able to tap into those over time is extremely beneficial for us football players.”
As is watching their old team ascend to new heights. The Cavaliers, ranked as high as 19th nationally, remain in pursuit of an Atlantic Coast Conference championship and their first appearance in the College Football Playoff.
“My hat’s off to coach (Tony) Elliott,” Minnifield said last week. “They got a lot of kids that I think can play longer than just their college careers. It’s been good football, and it’s been exciting to see Charlottesville rocking every Saturday.”
Should the Hoos make the ACC championship game on Dec. 6 in Charlotte, Minnifield said he plans to be there.
“I bought my ACC championship ticket a long time ago,” he said. “I bought it at the beginning of the season. I was bought in at the very beginning.”