NSGA NOW - January/February 2020

Volume 8 | No. 1 | January / February 2020

Corporate Social Responsibility On Display Learn Which Sports are Growing Gearing Up For Conference & Summit

A PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL SPORTING GOODS ASSOCIATION

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

CEO NOW 4 NSGA Belongs to You SSOCIATION NOW 6 ALooking Back at 2019 and Looking Ahead to 2020 INSIGHTS NOW 8 Growing Sports Trends; Analysis of the Start of

14

CONFERENCE NOW Get Geared Up for What’s Next at the 2020 Management Conference and Team Dealer Summit May 17–19 in Phoenix

>> S peed Networking at NSGA 55 Annual Management Conference & 21st Annual Team Dealer Summit in Braselton, Georgia. th

10 12 17 20 22

the 2019 Holiday Shopping Season

OPERATIONS NOW

Four New Verified Independent Dealers

ADVOCACY NOW

Looking at Corporate Social Responsibility and Community Involvement

I NDUSTRY NOW Shipping Rates Increase in 2020; Hall of Famers Gert Boyle, Jake Burton Carpenter Pass Away; HDA/NSGA Members Win Bauer Awards LOCKER ROOM NOW

Rule Changes by National Sports Organizations

MEMBERSHIP NOW

Q&A With Glen Jusczyk of AMgC Sports NSGA NOW ®

>> January / February 2020 | 3

INow· NSGA OFFICERS Chair the Board NSGAofOFFICERS Cathy Pryor Chairman of the Board Hibbett Sports, Birmingham, AL David Labbe

Kittery Trading Post, Kittery, ME Treasurer/Chairman-Elect Pat Donnelley Treasurer/Chairman-Elect Donnelley Sports, Twin Falls, ID Cathy Pryor Hibbett Sports, Birmingham, AL

Past Chairman Past Chairman David Labbe RandyTrading Nill Post, Kittery, ME Kittery

Nill Bros. Sporting Goods, Kansas City, KS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kevin Bezanson Cleve's for Sports, Kevin Source Bezanson Cleve's Source for Sports, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Rhett Johnson Pat Donnelley Johnson-Lambe Co.,Twin Raleigh, Donnelley Sports, Falls,NCID David RhettLynn Johnson

Dunham’s Sports, Co., Troy,Raleigh, MI Johnson-Lambe NC

GregMiller Miller Greg UniversalAthletic, Athletic,Bozeman, Bozeman, Universal MTMT

Jeff Miller

Jeff Miller Scholastic Sports Sales, Ltd., Manlius, NY Scholastic Sports Sales, Ltd., Manlius, NY

John Oehler

Mick Montgomery Dunham's Sports, Troy, Ml

Denver Athletic Supply, Englewood, CO

Jerry Williams

Schuylkill Valley Sports, Pottstown, PA Jerry Williams

Schuylkill Valley Sports, Pottstown, PA NSGA TEAM LEADERS

NSGA TEAM LEADERS Matt Carlson Matt Carlson President & CEO President & CEO Marty Maciaszek

Marty Maciaszek Director, Team Dealer Division and HDA Director, Team Dealer Division and HDA

Julie Pitts

Director, Julie PittsBusiness Development and Research

Director, Business Development and Larry Weindruch

President, Public NSSRA Affairs Director,

DanRigitano Wiersma Nick Chief Financial Director, InsightsOfficer and Analysis

Jennifer Shaffer Comptroller

CEO NOW The end 2019 resulted in a lot ofsporting reflection on the It is not a secret that of many independently owned goods retailers dealers have beensome under over the pastand decade.

What were ofsiege the most memorable last severaloccurrences years. of the last 10 years? What were the top movies werethinking the best it's players in a particular Consumersand turnsongs? to theWho internet, a better option sport? for their purchases. The labor market is increasingly tight.

The transition to 2020 also leads to a look at what’s ahead Manufacturers try to go directly to the consumer and narrow in the of upcoming decade. Where will we be personally and their distribution products. professionally when we arrive at this point in 2029? Where Those are awill fewour of the biggestbe challenges retailersGoods industry when theindependent National Sporting and dealers face. The effects are evident throughout the industryth as struggling Association celebrates its 100 anniversary? businesses consolidate or close their doors entirely. Our colleagues at NSGA's benchmark associations, the American Booksellers and the North American A lot Association of where NSGA is depends on you Retail as members of Hardware Association, echo those concerns, but none of us is throwing in the towel! the association. Particularly for our core of retail and team members because NSGA belongs to to you.

We always search for ways to helpdealer our core members in their ongoing battle succeed.

Our new 'Verified Independent Dealer Program" hits the bullseye. The idea for the NSGA cannot succeed without you and your involvement. Our ability to speak on your behalf, program was sparked by a group of NSGA-member team dealers who wanted to regarding issues our members nationally and internationally, to those emphasize how that theirimpact experience, knowledge and service differentiates them fromthat affect

only a member or two locally, depends on you embracing NSGA as the trade association that their competition.

represents YOU. Getting the public to understand the importance of working with a quality independent dealer one of not the only critical components to engagement. the NSGA Verified Independent Dealermembers There is is strength in numbers but in The more involved NSGA Program.

NSGA will assist Verified Dealers by sharing and explaining what it means to be are, the better it is for us to make an impact on industry issues. part of this program with their current and potential customers.

One of our best opportunities for involvement with NSGA is the Management Conference & The details theIfcriteria for already the MVPhave and the All-Star Team Dealerabout Summit. you don’t dates May 17 through 19 circled on your categories of the NSGA Verified Independent Dealer Program, calendar, we hope you will make your plans to join us in Phoenix. It’s an excellent way to get along with applications and other important information, together with people from all areas of the industry can be found at www.nsga.org/verified.

You canand alsoshare read ideas and concerns.

more about it on page 22 of this edition of NSGA NOW. We NSGA research shows that members who have attended and participated in the annual encourage team dealers, full-line retailers and specialty retailers Conference Summit haverunning a betterand understanding why and how NSGA does things. involved in & hockey, skiing, other sportsoftowhat, apply.

They get more ROI for their membership investment.

Another benefit of the NSGA Verified Independent Dealer Program will be programming Iffor youthe can’t attend the Conference Summit, there are other ways get engaged involved.

Team and Dealer Management Conference & 21 sttoAnnual group at the 55th Annual & The NSGAThis Scoreboard, Voice and National Ski & dealers Snowboard Summit. will be an Hockey excellent opportunity for verified to getRetailers togetherAssociation and share ideasare andexcellent concerns with their peers. information. So is NSGA NOW and our website. newsletters sources of valuable NSGA also keeps anConference active presence on social to held shareMay news andin information.

The Management & Team Dealermedia Summit 19-21 Braselton, Georgia, isways right work around thefor corner.

Some the involved sporting with goods Whichever best you, the keyofisthe to best stay aspects as activeofand NSGA as industry's premier event are illustrated on page 11 of this issue. Register now by possible. We know you are busier than ever running your own businesses, but taking some completing the form in the magazine, or, online at www.nsga.org/events. extra time to stay on top of what’s going on in the industry could make a big difference for Weand hope had amembers. happy holiday season with family and friends and that you you alleveryone of your fellow closed out 2018 on a high note. Don't forget that NSGA is here to support you in making Here’s to hoping you hadthe a busy 2019 even better!

Fight goodand fightlsuccessful holiday season and a great start to a new decade with many challenges ahead.

Best regards, Best regards, MattCarlson Carlson I President & CEO Matt | President & CEO

NSGA NOW® (ISSN 1045-2087) is published bi-monthly for members of the National Sporting Goods Association, 1601 Feehanville Dr., Suite 300, Mount Prospect, IL 60056-6035; Phone: (847) 296-NSGA (6742); Fax: (847) 391-9827. Subscription price of $50 per year is included in membership fee. Non-member subscription information available from publisher. Periodical postage paid at Mount Prospect, IL 60056 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to NSGA NOW,® NSGA NOW (ISSN 1045-2087) is published bi-monthly for members of the National Sporting Goods Association, 3041 Woodcreek Drive, Suite 210, Downers Grove, Illinois 1601 Feehanville Dr., Suite 300, Mount Prospect, IL 60056-6035. © by NSGA 2019. Printed in the USA. 60515. Phone: (847) 296-NSGA (6742); Fax: (847) 391-9827. Subscription price of $50 per year is included in membership fee. Non-member subscription information available from publisher. Periodical postage paid at Downers Grove, IL 60515 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to NSGA NOW,® 3041 Woodcreek Drive, Suite 210, Downers Grove, Illinois 60515. © NSGA 2020 all rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

4 | NSGA NOW ®

>> January / February 2020

Nominate a deserving Retailer, Dealer, Manufacturer or Industry Influencer for the 2021 Class of the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame.

Nominees can come from any area of the industry.

Must have been in the business for at least 20 years.

Submission deadline is February 21, 2020 Learn more and nominate at nsga.org/halloffame The Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame was created in 1955 by the NSGA Board of Directors to honor the pioneers, innovators and leaders who built the sporting goods industry and to help recognize and encourage excellence within the industry.

NSGA NOW ÂŽ

>> January / February 2020 | 5

ASSOCIATION NOW Looking Ahead at 2020 and Looking Back at 2019 with NSGA

By Lizz McCrindle NSGA Marketing Coordinator Here’s a look at what’s on the horizon for 2020 and some of the

actionable next steps for both parties. NSGA will continue to fight

things that happened with NSGA in 2019.

for member interests on a variety of fronts in 2020.

NSGA also created PHIT ACT resource materials for any to use

Research

in social media posts and for handouts with their customers’ supporting organization.

NSGA successfully conducted its annual participation study for the 35th consecutive year, the longest

Conference & Summit

Retail Audit Insights

standing study of its kind in

Guide to a Better Retailing Experience

the sporting good industry.

New editions to the NSGA research lineup this year

The 55th Annual Management Conference & 21st Annual Team

Published September 2019

Dealer Summit took place May 19–21, 2019 at the Chateau Elan Winery & Resort in Braselton, Georgia. As the premier event of the sporting goods industry, the NSGA Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit offered attendees educational and informative

are two reports based on

sessions as well as numerous opportunities to connect and network.

the findings compiled from

Jim Hunter kicked off the 2019 conference with a session on The

14 retail audits performed

Power of Servant Leadership.

Published September 2019

by retail design expert, Matt Nurre, in 2018. The reports, Retail Audit Insights and Guide to a Better Retailing Experience, are free to NSGA members and can be

Other notable sessions included Strategies and Tips for Reducing Corporate and Individual Tax Expenses by Gene Marks and the

downloaded from the NSGA website.

The sports participation study will continue to be one of the centerpieces of NSGA research in 2020. Plans are also in the works for research products that will help retailers and dealers have a better understanding of the manufacturers they are working with.

Advocacy NSGA members and staff took to Washington, DC on April 3, 2019 to lobby

PHITAct Personal Health

place for members logo or business card here

Investment TODAY

in favor of the Personal

What is the PHIT Act?

Health Investment Today

PHIT Act has strong bipartisan support

(PHIT) Act. The PHIT Act is a bipartisan piece of legislation that will allow

The passage of the PHIT Act

The PHIT Act will allow Pre-Tax Medical Accounts, also known as Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), to reimburse will make a healthy lifestyle attainable for millions of Americans, increasing the physical activity costs associated with physical activity expenses, up to $2,000*. That is a rate for children and adults and building positive lifelong habits. projected savings of 20-30% on fitness related costs.

thanks in large part to Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT) and John Thune (R-SD) who reintroduced the bill in the Senate (S.680) and Congressmen Ron Kind (D-WI) and Mike Kelly (R-PA) who reintroduced the bill in the House (H.R. 1679) in March 2019. *$2,000 return for head of household or joint return

What does the PHIT Act cover?

• Youth & adult sports league fees • Health club membership dues • Exercise classes & personal trainers • Sports & fitness equipment • Youth camps

• Golf • Horse back riding • Sailing

the use of pre-tax medical accounts, such as Flexible Saving Accounts (FSAs) or

IMPACT OF THE INACTIVITY PANDEMIC

BENEFITS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

BENEFITS OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION

OF CHILDREN ARE NOT ACTIVE TO HEALTHY LEVELS

OF AMERICANS ARE SEDENTARY AND THAT NUMBER IS GROWING

OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS HAVE NO PHYSICAL EDUCATION

67%

28%

>> A nita Adam of 2nd Time Sports left, greets speaker and former NFL coach Jen Welter.

48%

Source: www.phitamerica.org

• Pay-to-play school sports fees • Organized running event registration fees • Martial arts • Gymnastics & more!

Annual health care costs are increasing • Items that canexponentially be used outside

sports/exercise the PHIT Act legislation will work to lower (ex: sneakers, yoga pants) health care spending by allowing more

individuals to lead healthy and fit lifestyles, thus reducing health care spending.

14%

Health Care Spending

12% 10% 8%

Social Security

6%

Discretionary Spending Other Mandatory Programs

4% 2% 0%

2011

2021

2031

2041

2051

Source: http://www.phitamerica.org/Leglislation.htm

Help Spread The Word The PHIT Act is a widely accepted piece of legislation with support from both sides of the aisle.

1. Contact your local Member of Congress (https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members).

2. Email, call or write your local representative explaining the importance of the PHIT Act and encourage their support of the legislation.

3. Participate with the PHIT Act campaign on social media by using the hashtag #PHITAct to spread awareness among your local community.

4. Spread the word to friends and family and encourage them to do the same.

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), to reimburse physical activity expenses. The third annual NSGA Lobbying Day was successful with substantive and impactful conversations as well as establishing 6 | NSGA NOW ®

>> January / February 2020

>> Loreena Miceli of The Bench, right, learns more about Caterpy Laces from Anthony Pong during Speed Networking.

Hockey Dealers Association The 34 United States members of HDA in the collaboration with NSGA and the Sports Distributors of Canada (SDC) continued to take advantage of an excellent return on their investment in 2019 with access to special makeup products, purchase discounts and group rebates.

The opportunities for the participants in the collaboration should >> J im Hunter talks about Servant Leadership at the 2019 Management Conference.

Sporting Goods Retail Experience by Mike Cosentino, Paul Kim, and Matt Nurre. Lastly, Dr. Jen Welter closed out the event with a powerful session on developing a championship mindset.

continue to grow in 2020. HDA will also be working in the

®

new year to address specific issues and

The 2020 Conference & Summit will be held May 17–19 in Phoenix,

concerns the collaboration participants and other hockey retailers

Arizona. The popular Speed Networking session will give retailers and

have and to help with services they need. Getting more hockey

dealers a chance to have a series of meetings with manufacturers

dealers to participate in the NSGA Verified Independent Dealer

in one afternoon. Education sessions will continue to get attendees

Program will also be a priority.

to look at issues that will impact them in the future.

Communications

Verified Dealer Program One of the highlights from

Changes are taking place at the beginning of 2020 with the NSGA

the Team Dealer Division was

Scoreboard e-newsletter to make it easier to consume information

the launch of NSGA’s Verified

and also make it more interactive and engaging. The NSGA Scoreboard

Independent Dealer Program. The

is a great way to get the most up-to-date information on rule changes,

program recognizes independent

stories on issues affecting the industry and important events taking

dealers and retailers for their

place at NSGA.

service and experience and

The start of 2019 marked a new chapter in the look, layout and design

helps differentiate themselves

of NSGA NOW, our membership magazine. Design elements have been carried over from the magazine to our website for a cohesive look and consistent branding style, while providing readers with clear and unparalleled sporting goods industry content.

Volume 7 | No. 5 | September / October 2019 Volume 7 | No. 3 | May/June 2019

companies have achieved this status since June 2019. NSGA also continues to keep members informed of rule changes and

A PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL SPORTING GOODS ASSOCIATION

A PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL SPORTING GOODS ASSOCIATION

MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE & TEAM DEALER SUMMIT ISSUE

from their competition. Fourteen

THE 2020 CLASS OF THE SPORTING GOODS INDUSTRY HALL OF FAME

other issues that could affect their products and sales.

NSGA is going to emphasize that Verified Dealers’ current and

Peter Capolino

MITCHELL & NESS NOSTALGIA COMPANY

potential customers understand the value of working with them in 2020.

Robert Greenberg SKECHERS

Klaus Obermeyer SPORT OBERMEYER

NSGA On the Move NSGA moved into its new headquarters in Downers

The NSGA website is also a go-to resource for all things sporting

Grove, IL, a western suburb of

goods. Regularly updated, the NSGA website provides easy access

Chicago in November 2019.

to industry news and member updates whether at home or on the go! Visit the site at nsga.org.

NSGA NOW ®

>> January / February 2020 | 7

INSIGHTS NOW NSGA Research On-the-Go: Growing Sports

By Nick Rigitano NSGA Director of Insights and Analysis Quite often we see or hear a sport being proclaimed as the fastest-growing. But how true are those claims?

It is important to know which sports are growing and where there may be opportunities now and in the future.

In order to provide you with usable information in a quick and easy to understand fashion, NSGA has compiled the following overview on sports and activities that have experienced growth in participation during the last five years (2013–2018) among different demographics.

Please note this is not an exhaustive list and just because a sport is not listed, it does not mean that it is not growing. For a complete synopsis of sports participation, please be sure to check out NSGA’s Sports Participation in the US reports at nsga.org.

The 2020 editions of the Sports Participation in the US reports (containing 2019 data) will be released later this spring.

2020 editions of NSGA’s Sports Participation reports will be available this spring. Check out all of NSGA’s research offerings at nsga.org/research.

8 | NSGA NOW ®

>> January / February 2020

Consumers Out in Record Numbers for Start of 2019 Holiday Shopping Season

By Nick Rigitano NSGA Director of Insights and Analysis Another holiday season has passed and the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) has kept an eye on the 2019 holiday sales results released by multiple organizations.

The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) announced

Figure 1

O P E N

Retail Shop Goods & Products

Thanksgiving & Black Friday

center over Thanksgiving Weekend (Thursday-Sunday), up from 151 million in 2018. Furthermore, 75 percent of Thanksgiving/

through their stores and websites.

Black Friday shoppers buying goods spent money in a physical store and 45 percent purchased goods online from physical stores. spending on Thanksgiving and Black Friday through their stores and websites (Figure 1).

80% of spending on

that an estimated 157 million people visited a mall or shopping

In total, retailers with a physical presence captured 80 percent of

Retailers with a physical presence captured

Source: ICSC

The holiday season of November and December has historically led to a boost in sales for many retail organizations, including sporting goods stores. According to the US Census Bureau’s Monthly Retail Trade and Food Services report, the month of December has

A record 189.6 million US

been the best month for sporting goods stores in terms of total sales during each of the last 10 years at an average of $5.4 billion

consumers shopped from

(Figure 2).

Thanksgiving Day through

during the last 10 years at $4 billion, likely driven by the back to

Cyber Monday, an increase of 14 percent over last year's 165.8 million — Source: National Retail Federation

The month of August has seen the second highest monthly sales school time period. The summer months of June and July have averaged out to be the third and fourth highest at $3.9 and $3.7 billion, respectively.

After that, March, May and November have all averaged around $3.5 billion, followed by April at $3.4 billion. September ($3.2 billion) and October ($3.1 billion) were next, while February ($2.8 billion) and January ($2.7 billion) have historically been the months with the lowest sales over the last 10 years.

You can get all the details of 2019 Holiday Shopping Seasons for retail by going to nsga.org.

According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), a record 189.6 million US consumers shopped from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday, an increase of 14 percent over last year’s 165.8 million. While it was no surprise that Black Friday was the busiest day for in-store activity with 84.2 million shoppers, it was also the busiest day for online shopping, with 93.2 million shoppers compared to 83.3 million on Cyber Monday. NRF estimated that 75.7 million people shopped both online and in stores throughout that weekend (Thursday-Monday).

NSGA NOW ®

>> January / February 2020 | 9

OPERATIONS NOW Four Additions Increase Total of NSGA Verified Independent Dealers to 14

“As NSGA vetted the candidates through reference checks with

The pool of NSGA Verified Independent Dealers increased

• 2nd Time Sports (Northglenn, CO)

in December.

• AMgC Sports (North Attleboro, MA)

Four companies achieved NSGA Verified Independent All-Star

• California Pro Sports (Palos Verdes, CA)

• Capitol Varsity Sports (Oxford, OH)

• Holyoke Sporting Goods (Holyoke, MA)

• Kampus Klothes (Ivyland, PA)

• KoSports Hockey Source For Sports (Canonsburg, PA)

• RG Hockey Source For Sports (Romeoville, IL and Fort

Dealer Status to bring the total to 14 since June 2019.

Adler Team Sports located in Euclid, Ohio. Located just northeast

customers and manufacturers, it was clear all four in this group will go the extra mile to make sure their customers have the tools they need to succeed.”

Other NSGA Verified Dealers include:

Wayne, IN)

of Cleveland, Adler has provided uniforms and equipment for 43 years and also has a thriving corporate business.

• Scholastic Sports Sales (Manlius, NY)

• Winning Streak (Dupo, IL)

Becoming an NSGA Verified Independent Dealer recognizes the most qualified independently owned retailers and dealers in the All Pro Team Sports located in Baltimore, Maryland. In just 10 years, All Pro has established itself as a team dealer that delivers great service and products.

sporting goods industry. It is a way of differentiating experience, knowledge and quality of service from the rest of the competition.

Among the initiatives in early 2020 are personalized social media posts that dealers can share with their followers and educate current customers and prospects of the value of working with an NSGA Verified Dealer. Also planned is a programming session solely for Verified Dealers at the 2020 Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit on May 17–19 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Burke’s Sport Haven located in Eastpointe, Michigan. For 46 years the Burke family has built a leader in the team business in suburban Detroit.

“Sharing the value of doing business with an NSGA Verified Independent Dealer is critical to the program’s success,” said Marty Maciaszek, NSGA Team Dealer Division Director. “Athletic directors, coaches, school superintendents, league directors and other consumers will benefit from understanding the value of working with a Verified Dealer in their community.

“We believe this is a great program for full-line retailers, team dealers

Hauff Sports located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Hauff Sports started in 1933 by legendary Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Famer Dwight Hauff and has four locations with service in five

and specialty retailers who focus on areas such as ice hockey, skiing and snowboarding and running. We are excited about the growing interest in the program by those involved in all areas of

states.

the sports industry.”

“There are many reasons this group of four NSGA Verified

Ready to join them and become an NSGA Verified Independent

Independent Dealers have been in business for almost 200 years combined,” said Matt Carlson, NSGA President & CEO. “They have used their expertise to provide their teams, athletes, coaches and communities with tremendous customer service and satisfaction.

10 | NSGA NOW ®

>> January / February 2020

Dealer? Visit nsga.org/verified or contact Marty Maciaszek, NSGA Team Dealer Director, at mmaciaszek@nsga.org or at (847) 296NSGA (6742), ext. 1260.

10:00

ADVOCACY NOW

Emphasis on Corporate Social Responsibility, Community Involvement Figures to Increase in Sporting Goods Industry

By Lizz McCrindle NSGA Marketing Coordinator In recent years, there has been an

Additionally, potential employees place value on working for businesses

increased focus and demand among con-

that place an emphasis on CSR. In recent years, this has become a

sumers for companies to demonstrate

differentiator for businesses landing top level talent.

and value corporate social responsibility (CSR). Whether it be environmental sustainability, revitalizing local communities, raising awareness about medical conditions such as cancer and autism, recognizing local teams and organizations for their successes or simply encouraging employees to take time away from work to give back to their communities, the public has come to expect the businesses they choose to engage in some form of CSR. The benefits of promoting CSR are not simply for optics. As demonstrated by the National Hockey League, it is possible to “walk the walk” and “talk the talk.” The NHL has taken a stance on environmental sustainably and the impact of climate change. However, the NHL has also expanded that effort to impact the local level, by helping small ice rinks move forward with environmentally friendly alternatives and guiding them in the process of using what the NHL has learned on the matter to make informed decisions.

Customers have demonstrated they are willing to pay a premium or change past purchase behaviors to consume goods that are sustainable or that are supporting causes important to them.

12 | NSGA NOW ®

>> January / February 2020

Here is a look at a few examples of NSGA members in the sports industry who are involved in CSR and community involvement.

REI For five years in a row, REI has closed all its stores and has not processed any online payments on Black Friday. Instead, the company has encouraged all of its 13,000 employees to #optoutside with friends and family. However, this year under the leadership of new president & CEO Eric Artz, and with the increasing urgency for our global environmental crisis, REI asked its 13,000 employees and 18 million members to join the fight for life outdoors—and life on this planet.

Employees and members were asked to “opt to act”—joining a nationwide cleanup effort this November to leave the outdoors better than they found it. REI also asked employees and members to sign up for an employee-sourced, 52-week action plan to take small steps throughout the year to reduce their environmental footprint.

REI recently announced it will be expanding its rentals and used gear business. This serves two purposes, to give customers an alternative

to owning expensive equipment and also to lower the environmental

autism and funds to support Autism Speaks resources and programs.

footprint by maximizing the number of times an item can be used.

Additionally, Wilson announced the launch of the new Triniti tennis

For years, REI has been working toward a goal of operating with zerowaste by 2020. Although it has made significant progress, it does not appear they will be able to reach that goal. However, REI is now working toward a revised goal of operating as zero-waste — diverting 90% of waste from landfill — across its total operations by the end of 2020.

REI is also trying to eliminate unnecessary packaging—for good.

REI figures more than 20% of its current waste is made up of thinfilm, plastic-like polybags. REI has started to transition away from those bags, and by the end of 2020, REI employees and customers should see a dramatic reduction in polybags.

Strauss Skates & Bicycles Serving the community is one of the big reasons Strauss Skates & Bicycles have been a fixture in the Minneapolis-St. Paul hockey community for an incredible 132 years. Strauss employee Jack Carlson, known in the special needs community as “Jack the Bike Guy,” is renowned for giving everyone the opportunity to experience the thrill of riding a bicycle. Carlson also uses a lot of ingenuity to make adaptive bikes at a fraction of the cost of other products.

ball, the first tennis ball designed with sustainability at its core. Wilson will be donating 5% of profits from the Triniti tennis ball to support Wilson’s global sustainability efforts.

Hauff Sports Hauff Sports, headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has been a fixture for 86 years in providing equipment and uniforms for athletes and teams in five states. That includes working directly with Special Olympics for more than 30 years and also being a generous donor to the organization.

GARED Sports GARED Sports places corporate social responsibility at the heart of its mission and has continued to advocate for play in its local communities. In September, GARED Sports partnered with the National Recreation & Park Association

Strauss has also been directly involved in an annual adapted bike day

(NRPA) to transform an empty field into Lemann Park, a dynamic play

for public school students in Minneapolis. And the store is also a big

environment for the city of New Orleans, which still suffers from the

supporter of special needs hockey programs in Minnesota.

devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Hibbett Sports Each April, Birmingham, Alabamabased Hibbett Sports uses its 1,000-plus retail locations and online platform to raise donations for the American Heart Association. Hibbett Sports and the American Heart Association share the same goal of promoting healthy and active lifestyles.

Mallard’s Source For Sports >> J ack "The Bike Guy" Carlson of Strauss Skates & Bicycles hard at work making an adaptive bicycle.

Wilson Sporting Goods Wilson Sporting Goods has proudly supported The Breast Cancer Research

Mallard’s Source For Sports in Castlegar, British Columbia, works with a local newspaper to promote the Mallard’s Team of the Week. This initiative spotlights the accomplishments and success of area teams and organizations in all sports and for all ages.

Foundation (BCRF) and has donated more than $2.5 million dollars over

Do you have a corporate social responsibility or community involvement

the course of their partnership. Wilson has also partnered with Autism

initiative you would like NSGA and the sporting goods industry to know

Speaks to create a limited edition “Love the Moment™” collection of

about? Contact NSGA Director of Communications Marty Maciaszek at

Wilson® and Louisville Slugger® baseball products to raise awareness of

mmaciaszek@nsga.org.

NSGA NOW ®

>> January / February 2020 | 13

CONFERENCE NOW

DON’T MISS THIS! The NSGA Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit is unlike any other event in the sporting goods industry with the mix of decision-making attendees, networking, education, social events, recognition and exposure to new products.

Your team can’t miss the 56th Annual Management Conference & 22nd Annual Team Dealer Summit on May 17–19 at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass in Phoenix, Arizona. Invest in yourself and your business and make plans now to attend!

Networking: NSGA has you covered whether it’s an opening

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reception, a lunch or the popular Speed Networking session. There are numerous opportunities to meet with attendees and make valuable connections. Speed Networking is a fast-paced session of quick meetings between a manufacturer and a distributor and is a great way to maintain current business relationships and establish new ones.

Education: Information and inspiration you can bring back to your business is always important. NSGA will address key topics in the industry that will keep you ahead of the game.

Development: Reward valued employees and emerging leaders with the opportunity to experience a business event and meet peers

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in the industry. Educational sessions and networking opportunities help your staff and business grow!

Recognition: The Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is an inspirational conclusion to the event on Tuesday evening. Three legendary innovators will be honored in the Class of 2020 – Peter Capolino of Mitchell & Ness Nostalgia Company, Robert Greenberg of Skechers and Klaus Obermeyer of Sport Obermeyer.

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14 | NSGA NOW ®

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>> January / February 2020

Unwind: The Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit

>> 1. From left, Adam LaFollette and George Kline of ASICS meet

is not a typical conference! Experience the resort at cocktail

with Sammy Barcelona of Barcelona Sporting Goods during

receptions, play golf, or relax by the pool. Spouses can also register

Speed Networking.

at a significantly discounted rate and enjoy the event!

Register now at nsga.org/conference2020

>> 2. Matt Nurre, left, of Retail Design Source and Mike Cosentino of Big Peach Running Co., discuss The Customer Experience at the 2019 Management Conference.

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>> 3. Chad Clark of Cliff Keen Athletics greets John Steichen of The Graphic Edge during Speed Networking. >> 4. The Esports panel discussion provided attendees with information about its growth and the potential for business opportunities. >> 5. The Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner showcases some of the biggest success stories in the industry.

About the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass NSGA is proud to host 56th Annual Management Conference & 22nd Team Dealer Summit at Arizona’s premier Native American-owned luxury Phoenix resort. Designed to be an authentic representation of the Gila River Indian Community’s heritage and culture, the architecture, design, art and legends of the Pima (Akimel O’otham) and Maricopa (Pee Posh) tribes are celebrated in every detail. The AAA Four Diamond resort includes Aji Spa with private pool and café and the Whirlwind Golf Club with two 18-hole Troon-managed golf courses. It also has the only AAA Five-Diamond and Forbes Five Star award restaurant in Arizona.

You can reserve your hotel room today at nsga.org/hotel and mention the NSGA Management Conference.

Registration is Open!

Registration for the 56 Annual Management Conference & 22nd Annual Team Dealer Summit is now open. th

Register by January 31 to take advantage of the lowest rates to attend!

Registration Includes: • A seat at the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame Dinner

•A dmission to all education sessions •P articipation in Speed Networking for retailers, team dealers, manufacturers and brands • Access to conference networking receptions and opportunities

and Induction Ceremony • Breakfast and Lunch served Monday – Tuesday • A discount on your hotel room

to meet and connect with fellow industry leaders If you have any questions about the Conference & Summit or registration don’t hesitate to contact us at (847) 296-6792.

We hope to see you May 17th in Phoenix!

NSGA NOW ®

>> January / February 2020 | 15

Industry Leading. Longest Standing.

Register TODAY for the best conference rate! nsga.org/conference2020

INDUSTRY NOW Be Prepared for UPS, FedEx Rate Increases in 2020 This content is provided by Partnership, the endorsed shipping partner of the National Sporting Goods Association.

The changes FedEx and UPS have instituted in recent years and are making in 2020 are a direct response to these industry trends. In the past several years, they’ve broadened the use of dimensional weight pricing, added new peak surcharges and drastically increased the surcharges for larger packages.

UPS and FedEx rates are slated to go up in 2020 by an average of 4.9%. The changes took effect for UPS on December 29, 2019 and while the FedEx rates went into place on January 6, 2020.

Understanding the 2020 Rate Increases We know how daunting it is to analyze the 2020 FedEx and UPS

If you’re planning to budget for your costs to go up 4.9% in the next

rates, so PartnerShip has done the hard work for you. PartnerShip

year, you better think twice. The announced average doesn’t paint

produced a free white paper where it breaks down the new rate

a complete picture. The rates for some packages will be increasing

charts and simplifies some of the complex changes. It is a great

less than 4.9%, but that means the cost to ship other packages is

way to find out what will cost you most in 2020. PartnerShip can

increasing far more. What you’re shipping, where you’re shipping

also help with ways to offset the rate increases.

it to, and what service you’re using will ultimately determine how much you should budget for your shipping costs in the new year.

To find out more information about the NSGA Shipping Program through PartnerShip, contact NSGA Membership Manager Brian Van Acker at bvanacker@nsga.org or go to https://www.nsga.org/ membership/discounted-services/shipping/.

Hibbett Sports Selects Longo as New CEO Hibbett Sports Inc., did not have to look far to select Michael Longo as its new CEO. Longo has been in charge of City Gear for the last 13 years. City Gear was acquired by Hibbett a little more than a year ago.

FedEx and UPS Surcharges

Effective December 16, Longo succeeded Jeff Rosenthal, who

The rates, however, are only one part of the equation. You also

announced his planned retirement

have to take into account the additional fees that UPS and FedEx

in March. Also effective with his appointment as CEO, Longo will

tack on. It’s more important than ever to be mindful of what could

replace Rosenthal on Hibbett’s board of directors. Rosenthal had

qualify your packages for these surcharges. Not only do the costs

also served NSGA as Board Chairman.

increase year over year, but the carriers also make adjustments to how the charges are defined – making it more likely that your packages will be hit with them.

“I am humbled and extremely honored to be appointed President and CEO of Hibbett Sports,” Longo said in a statement. “It’s a very exciting time for Hibbett as we continue our mission of improving

A prime example of this is the change both FedEx and UPS made to

the productivity of our store base while also growing the omni-

their Additional Handling fee for 2020. They’ve lowered the weight

channel business to deliver a differentiated customer experience to

threshold to 50 pounds from 70 pounds, which means your costs

underserved markets. I look forward to working with the company’s

could go up significantly if you ship packages within that window.

board of directors, leadership team and all Hibbett employees to further that mission.”

Industry Trends

Longo served as CEO of Memphis, Tennessee-based City Gear,

Online shopping has had a profound effect on the parcel industry

where he oversaw the successful acquisition of the company in 2018

and the way that FedEx and UPS operate. The carriers are moving

by Hibbett. Establishing the company in 2006, he was instrumental

more residential deliveries and an increased amount of larger

in creating a unique brand in city specialty retailers and grew the

packages, as consumers have become accustomed to being able

business through various acquisitions.

to order almost anything online and receiving it in two days or less.

NSGA NOW ®

>> January / February 2020 | 17

INDUSTRY NOW Gert Boyle and Jake Burton Carpenter Pass Away Gert Boyle and Jake Burton Carpenter, both Class of 2003 inductees into the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame, passed away in November.

Boyle, the first woman inducted into the Hall of Fame for her role in building Columbia Sportswear Company into a global brand, passed away on November 3, 2019 at age 95. Carpenter, who modernized the snowboard industry and formed Burton Snowboards, passed away after a battle with cancer on November 20 at age 65.

>> Columbia Sportwear's Gert Boyle was the first woman inducted into the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame.

“The sporting goods industry lost two legends in Gert Boyle and Jake Burton Carpenter and we extend our sincerest condolences to their families, friends and everyone they worked with at Columbia Sportswear and Burton Snowboards,” said NSGA President & CEO Matt Carlson. “Gert was a fighter and the title of her autobiography, One Tough Mother, exemplified the determination and spirit she had

>> P hoto from left, Paul Stanton, Jr., and Paul Stanton of Sports Etc., and Mike Musselman and Scott Rogers of Prince Albert Source For Sports.

Sports Etc., a member of the Hockey Dealers Association (HDA) located in Arlington, Massachusetts, won the Bauer retail award for the United States. Sports Etc., has been a fixture in the hockey-rich Boston area since 1980 and is one of the original participants in the U.S. hockey products collaboration between SDC, HDA and NSGA. Prince Albert Source For Sports, an NSGA member in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, won the Bauer retail award for Canada. Prince Albert is home to one of more than 150 Source For Sports locations in Canada and is a member of NSGA.

to build Columbia from adverse circumstances into the company it is today. Jake exemplified the entrepreneurial spirit of our industry and worked so hard to grow and promote the sport of snowboarding.”

Boyle held many roles at Columbia, from seamstress of its first fishing vest, to president and Chairman of the Board of Directors. She helped lead the company from near-bankruptcy in the early 1970s to a global multi-brand company with nearly $3 billion in annual net sales in 2018.

Carpenter started Burton Snowboards in 1977 and built it into the largest snowboard brand in the world. >> H all of Famer Jake Burton Carpenter Carpenter was also instrumental in snowboarding becoming an Olympic sport in 1988.

NSGA, HDA Member Stores win Bauer Retailer Awards Two Sports Distributors of Canada (SDC) stores, Sports Etc., and Prince Albert Source For Sports, won the Bauer Specialty Retailer of the Year award. The stores were recognized for their retail success at Bauer World in Miami, Florida.

18 | NSGA NOW ®

>> January / February 2020

>> P hoto from left, SDC President Brad Hause and Bauer’s Bryan McDermott.

CCM, Bauer win Source For Sports Awards CCM Hockey extended its streak to seven as the winner of the Source For Sports/Sports Distributors of Canada (SDC) Hockey Vendor of the Year and Bryan McDermott won the inaugural SDC President’s Choice Award. The awards were presented during the Source For Sports/SDC Buying Show and Marketing Convention on Nov. 17-20 at the Scotiabank Convention Centre in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

CCM won the Vendor of the Year award by a vote of SDC members, which factors in attributes such as product innovation, marketing support and customer service and terms. McDermott, the North

American Business Manager for Bauer, received the President’s

sought after and a natural addition to EMC’s product mix. We believe

Choice Award to recognize his years of supporting SDC and Source

their high-quality cheer footwear, innovative bags and clothing will

For Sports in its drive to be the No. 1 hockey retailer in the world.

add value to all of our retail and team stores from coast-to-coast.”

Step Skating to Stop Selling Replacement Steel for Bauer TUUK Lightspeed Edge Blade Holder

EMC was scheduled to receive its first containers of Rebel product in January.

Bauer Hockey announced an agreement to resolve STEP Skating’s

OrderMyGear, Sports, Inc., Form Technology Partnership

sale and manufacture of replacement blades for the Bauer TUUK

Sports,

Lightspeed Edge bladeholder. STEP Skating will stop selling replacement steel for the Bauer skates to retail accounts by April 30, 2020 and stopped selling to professional leagues on Dec. 31, 2019.

Augusta Launches New Sublimation Design Platform

Inc.,

made

an

investment into technology to allow team dealers to receive additional access to pre-released OrderMyGear product features and discounts on various services to provide a more robust Ecommerce solution for team dealers.

“We are excited to partner with OrderMyGear in shaping the future

Augusta Sportswear Brands launched FreeStyle Sublimation, its new

of what’s possible for our industry,” said Travis Elam, Director of the

sublimation design platform, for

Team Sports Division at Sports, Inc.

users to design custom apparel via desktop or mobile devices for all four of its brands (Augusta Sportswear, Holloway, High Five and Russell Athletic). FreeStyle Sublimation was scheduled to be available in January 2020 and gives users a 3D-360 degree garment view with more than 1,000 design options.

“We are thrilled to announce this expansion of our partnership with Sports, Inc., and look forward to continuing our efforts in enabling the industry with scalable and intuitive technology,” commented Dave Dutch, CEO at OrderMyGear. “Building products and features that advance team dealers’ ability to grow revenue and stay ahead of their competition are benefits we provide to our clients while improving the end-user experience as their demands and expectations grow.”

Mueller Sports Medicine Partners with Pro Orthopedic Devices Mueller

Sports

Medicine

has been appointed the worldwide exclusive distributor of Pro Orthopedic Device, Pro Compression Bandage and Scissors products. The Pro Scissor lineup

Rebel Athletic Partners with Eric McCrite Company

“This is a great partnership between two of the iconic companies in

The Eric McCrite Company

perfect complement to the extensive Mueller Sports Medicine line

(EMC) will be the first and exclusive distributor of Rebel Athletics shoes and bags, including the iconic Rebel Dream Bag, through its many dealer networks and Amazon.

“We are excited to be representing Rebel Athletic and distributing their products to the sporting goods dealer trade and through Amazon,” said Eric McCrite, President of EMC. “Rebel products are

Sports Medicine,” said Mueller Sports Medicine president John Cayer.

“The Pro Scissors and Pro Compression Bandage products are a of very high-quality products and will now be available worldwide.”

The Pro Scissor lineup offers evolutionary features such as offset handles, large finger rings, non-stick coating and extra-sharp diamond-honed blades that make these scissors indispensable on the field or in the training room. The Pro Compression Bandages are tubular knits that are cut-to-fit to allow precise sizing on various body parts. This knit compression bandage also features a heavier knit that doesn’t easily stretch out, making the product machine washable, uniquely reusable and ideal for the demands of today’s athletes.

NSGA NOW ®

>> January / February 2020 | 19

LOCKER ROOM NOW NSGA Annual Report on Sports Organization Rule Changes

Dixie Softball

In mid-November, NSGA conducted its annual check on rule

the SweeTees (age 6 and younger), Darlings (age 8 and younger)

changes by contacting more than 40 sports governing bodies in

and Angels (age 10 and younger) divisions.

the United States and Canada. The information provided is for rule

Pitchers will have to wear face guards in the Ponytails (age 12

changes related to equipment and/or uniforms.

US Lacrosse Effective January 1, 2020, all girls lacrosse eyewear must be SEI certified to the current ASTM F3077 standard and listed on the SEI website to be legal for play for the 2020 season, for youth and

All infielders, including pitchers, will have to wear face guards in

and younger), Belles (age 15 and younger) and Debs (age 19 and younger) divisions.

Dixie Softball is played in 10 states – Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.

high school level play.

Dixie Youth Baseball

All manufacturers must mark

The player assuming the defensive pitcher position is required to

product produced on or after January 1, 2020 with the appropriate ASTM standard requirement and SEI mark.

At the high school level, eyewear worn on the field must be SEI certified and listed on the SEI site, however it does not need the SEI mark on it for the 2020 season.

wear a face guard with or without a batting helmet. This will be used in AA coach pitch (8U) district and tournament play and the Division I and II Coach Pitch World Series. Pitchers were previously required to wear a helmet with a face guard.

Personal cell phones or other personal electronic equipment, excluding those carried by on-duty medical or security personnel or required to be “on call” by their profession, are not allowed

At the youth level, the eyewear worn on the field must be SEI

on the playing field or in the dugouts during all local league and

certified and listed on the SEI site and must have the SEI mark of

tournament games.

certification for the 2020 season.

The exception is electronic devices may be used to keep pitch

USA Swimming

counts and lineups if they are not used to communicate outside the dugout via text, email or voice. The penalty is removal of the

USA Swimming has a significant change on swimwear design taking

device from the dugout.

effect September 1, 2020. A USA Swimming spokesperson said the

Dixie Youth Baseball is played in 11 states - Alabama, Arkansas,

organization has been in communication with what it believes are all of the competitive suit companies.

No Technical Suit may be worn by any 12 & Under USA Swimming

Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.

athlete member in competition at any Sanctioned, Approved or

PONY Baseball

Observed meet. Exceptions to the foregoing restriction are only

Safety Balls will be approved for Foal (3 and 4 years old) and

for Junior Nationals, US Open, National Championships, and Olympic Trials.

and 4 years old are still eligible for Shetland play but a league can

A Technical Suit is one that has the following components:

• Any suit with any bonded or taped seams regardless of its fabric or silhouette.

• Any suit with woven fabric extending past the hips.

• (Note: WOVEN FABRIC - A suit with woven fabric and sewn seams that does not extend below the hips is permitted.)

• (Note: KNIT FABRIC - A suit with knit fabric and sewn seams not extending below the knees is permitted.)

20 | NSGA NOW ®

Shetland (5 and 6 years old) tournament play. Players who are 3

>> January / February 2020

split them off into their own age division. Players who are 3 and 4 years old will not be able to participate in Pinto.

Continental Amateur Baseball Association (CABA) CABA is requiring players to wear NOCSAE-approved equipment for the 2020 season.

MEET THE

NEW FACES OF TECH Matt Kaplan, Dave Dutch, Wade Williams, Dustin Downing

SEE HOW OMG IS INNOVATING THE TEAM INDUSTRY ORDERMYGEAR.COM/NSGA

MEMBERSHIP NOW

>> G len Jusczyk of AMgC Sports, right, learns more about QuickHitch MouthGuard products from John Moore during the Speed Networking at the 2019 Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit.

AMgC Quickly Establishes Itself in Team Dealer Community Former Division I and professional soccer player Glen Jusczyk figured one foray into the sporting goods industry would be enough. But a serious family medical situation led him back into it after a hiatus and Jusczyk started AMgC Sports in North Attleboro, Massachusetts. In less than 10 years, Jusczyk has helped establish AMgC as a go-to team dealer and it received NSGA Verified Independent All-Star Dealer status for its quality service and expertise. Jusczyk talked about building AMgC and the importance of giving back with NSGA Director of Communications and Team Dealer Division Director Marty Maciaszek.

Q: A:

What attracted you to the sporting goods industry?

I went to Northeastern University (in Boston) to play Division I

Q: A:

How did that lead to the formation of AMgC Sports?

In 2008 I sold my share of the company to my business partner and said I’d never do it again. I moved to Florida

with my family and a few years later my daughter was diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma pediatric cancer. We moved back to Boston and my wife lost the job she had. My non-compete was over, so I reached out to some old clients to ask if they would work with me if I started up again. I started from scratch in 2013 and now I’ve built it back up here in 2019.

Q: A:

What were the big challenges when you returned to the industry?

Getting a customer base back was difficult. So was getting manufacturers and vendors to believe in me that I could

do it a second time and to get the bigger brands to open with me

soccer and then played minor-league soccer. We had soccer

and prove I was in it for the long run. What helped with that was

camps at Northeastern with over 500 kids there each summer and

I became a member of NBS (Nation’s Best Sports). Once I had a

one of the expenses was T-shirts. We wanted to make our own

small footprint and store and opened with a few people, I worked

T-shirts and that morphed into the sporting goods business from

with NBS to become a member and it took off from there.

there in 1998. I never thought I’d be going that long 20 years later.

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>> January / February 2020

Q: A:

Were you surprised how much the industry had changed in time you were out?

You had the big-box stores and online sellers, consolidation and the independent dying. It probably wasn’t the smartest

thing to do. Some people like that I’m small enough to have a personal touch that’s been lost in this industry. We’re able to provide that, and once we started up again, customers have stuck with me from the beginning. People value that a ton. They trust me and I care about them enough that I’m not going to lie to them and I’m not going to overpromise. Word of mouth and loyalty has helped my business succeed thus far.

Q: A:

What were some of the other big changes the second time around?

How many people I used to know in the industry were out of the industry. Even at that time you had people doing

price comparisons on-line and you wondered, ‘How is anyone making any money?’

A:

We’re into the pediatric cancer world for better or worse because we’ve lived it and we want to help people navigate

it any way they can, with any support we can give in any way. It drives me to work harder in the for-profit world. A portion of our proceeds in the for-profit business is earmarked for altruistic means and that motivates me to continue to work hard. I’ve met a lot of people who need gear for their non-profit and different events they are doing. I have no problem giving them the deal of the century because it’s going for such a good cause. It doesn’t have to be just my cause but it can be any cause they believe in.

Q: A:

How valuable was attending the Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit?

When I first started back in the industry a few years ago I went and I met some good people. I went again this past

year and I plan now to try and get there each year. It’s just great to learn and see the industry at that high of a level. I really liked the speed networking. The Esports session was pretty cool and it was great to hear Jen Welter and what she’s done for girls and women’s

We try to navigate that by being a one-stop shop from uniforms to

sports. Everybody has got a struggle and is climbing up that hill and

equipment to pins to water bottles. We do in-house printing and

it made you feel you weren’t alone. Everybody is working their tail

vinyl printing of banners. Anything they need we’ll do it for them.

off to make a living and to be relevant in this industry.

A lot of our customers are volunteers, and if they have someone they trust to be fair to them and can get everything in one place, it’s helpful. That has also morphed into a lot of corporate business through our sports clients.

We try not to say no to anyone. If we say no someone else will say yes. We do a lot of on-line stores and OrderMyGear stores. People love it because it gets the brand out there for them without a lot of heavy lifting for them. We drop-ship to parents directly and parents can complain directly to us. It makes other people’s lives easier and more people want to use us.

Q: A:

the point we don’t have that personal touch. We only bring in people to work for us that we trust and will do a great

What are some big keys to AMgC’s success?

job and will be lifers for us.

Staying small. My business partner and I haven’t scaled up

I don’t want to just grow for

to the point we don’t have that personal touch. We only

bring in people to work for us that we trust and will do a great job and will be lifers for us. I don’t want to just grow for the sake of growing if it’s not meaningful growth. We want to provide good service for the community.

Q:

“We haven’t scaled up to

Corporate social responsibility and community involvement are becoming more and more important

for businesses. How vital is your For Kids Sake Foundation

the sake of growing if it’s not meaningful growth. We want to provide good service for the community.”

— Glen Jusczyk

and other causes for you and AMgC? NSGA NOW ®

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