TABLE OF CONTENTS
4 CEO NOW
Congratulations to the Hall of Fame Class of 2026
6 ASSOCIATION NOW
John Davenport of Winmark/ Play It Again Sports Joins NSGA Board; Remembering TAG’s Trevor Swangard 8 ADVOCACY NOW
NSGA Breaks Down the Effect of One Big Beautiful Bill
15 RECOGNITION NOW
Introducing the Hall of Fame Class of 2026
16 Sam Barcelona Jr. (Barcelona Sporting Goods)
17 Tim Boyle (Columbia Sportswear)
18 Mort Finkelstein (MC Sporting Goods)
19 Scott Hedrick (Pro Athlete, Inc.)
22 CONFERENCE NOW
Mary Kelly on Winning at Retail
26 CONFERENCE NOW
Sumer Chawla and Tess Sharma (pictured) on the Panel Looking at Success with Shopify
30 RETAIL NOW Game Plan for Uncertainty
34 NEWS NOW
Double First Base Coming to High School Baseball in 2027; Klaus Obermeyer Makes Leadership Transition and More Rules and Industry News
42 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT NOW
Give Me Five with Nathan Otteman, Angles Sports
INSIGHTS NOW
NSGA’s newest Brand Ratings Report looks at baseball equipment and apparel and how team dealers and retailers view the manufacturers and brands. 26
CEO NOW
Passion is a word often equated with success.
Talent alone is typically not enough for sustained, long-term achievement. Passion is a necessary ingredient to make it happen.
One of the trademarks of the members of the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame is their passion for what they have done or continue to do every day. Their goal is to make the athletic experience enjoyable and memorable for all their customers.
It is clearly what has driven the four people selected for induction in the Hall of Fame with the Class of 2026.
Sam Barcelona Jr., Tim Boyle, Mort Finkelstein and Scott Hedrick were fueled by passion in their different routes to achieving the industry’s highest honor.
Sam Barcelona Jr.’s friendship with Hall of Fame basketball player Slater Martin led to the opening of Barcelona Sporting Goods in the sports hotbed of Texas. Barcelona, who passed away in 2024, enjoyed building relationships with everyone from coaches to customers to become one of the most respected team dealers in the industry.
Tim Boyle joins his mother Gert (Class of 2003) as inductees from the remarkable success story of Columbia Sportswear. Their dedication and perseverance took Columbia out of near-bankruptcy in the early 1970s and made it one of the most recognizable names in the industry’s outdoors segment.
Mort Finkelstein and his family entered the sporting goods industry shortly after World War II and he stayed in it until he passed away
in 2023. Finkelstein helped build MC Sporting Goods into the largest national retailer in the late 1980s and then made a successful transition into the manufacturing and product sales side of the industry for 30-plus years.
Scott Hedrick’s vision and dedication helped turn Pro Athlete’s JustBats.com, JustGloves.com and JustPaddles.com for pickleball from a local into a national brand. Hedrick has also built a business regarded as one of the best companies to work for in the Kansas City area with an emphasis on giving back to the community.
You will learn more about the significant contributions of Sam Barcelona Jr., Tim Boyle, Mort Finkelstein and Scott Hedrick in this issue of NSGA NOW and at nsga. org. You may also find you worked with people who are worthy of Hall of Fame consideration. The nomination period for the Class of 2027 is open so check out the criteria on NSGA’s Hall of Fame webpage so we can honor and recognize more of the iconic figures of our industry. Check out nsga.org/hallof-fame for the biographies of all the Hall of Fame inductees and more information.
Please join me in congratulating Mr. Barcelona, Mr. Boyle, Mr. Finkelstein and Mr. Hedrick and everyone who is close to them on this prestigious honor!
NSGA OFFICERS
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
GORDON GEIGER
Geiger’s, Lakewood, OH
TREASURER/CHAIRMAN-ELECT
BOB FAWLEY
Capitol Varsity Sports, Oxford, OH
PAST CHAIRMAN
PAT DONNELLEY Twin Falls, ID
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
KEVIN BEZANSON
Cleve’s Source for Sports, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
JOHN DAVENPORT
Play It Again Sports, Minneapolis, MN
COLE JOHNSON
Johnson-Lambe Sporting Goods Raleigh, NC
JUSTIN MILLER
Scholastic Sports Sales, Manlius, NY
JESSICA ROSE-HUGGINS
Denver Athletic Supply, Englewood, CO
RON RUGAL
B&R Sporting Goods, Shelby Charter Township, MI
JOHN SCIPIO
SV Sports, Pottstown, PA
NSGA TEAM LEADERS
MATT CARLSON
President & CEO
HAYLEY FANSLER
Director, Business Development
MARTY MACIASZEK
Director, Team Dealer Division, Communications
JULIE PITTS
Director, Public Affairs and President, NSSRA
NICK RIGITANO
Director, Insights and Analysis
JENNIFER SHAFFER
Chief Financial Officer
Best regards,
MATT CARLSON PRESIDENT & CEO
NSGA NOW (ISSN 1045-2087) is published bi-monthly for members of the National Sporting Goods Association, 3041 Woodcreek Drive, Suite 210, Downers Grove, IL 60515. Phone: (847) 296-NSGA (6742).
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, IL 60515. © NSGA 2025 all rights reserved. Printed in the USA.
NSGA stays connected with NOCSAE on standards changes that could impact the sporting goods industry.
ASSOCIATION NOW
JOHN DAVENPORT
OF WINMARK CORPORATION/PLAY IT AGAIN SPORTS JOINS NSGA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) made a change to its Board of Directors with the appointment of John Davenport of Winmark Corporation/ Play It Again Sports. He started his term on the Board on July 27.
Davenport is the Manager of Buying Operations for Winmark and is a 36year veteran of the resale and sporting goods industries. He joined Winmark in 1989 and has held a variety of buying and operational roles that have contributed to the growth and evolution of Winmark’s resale brands, including Play It Again Sports.
“We are excited to have John share his experience and knowledge of the sporting goods industry on the NSGA Board,” said Matt Carlson, NSGA President & CEO. “John understands how our industry can make a difference, because sports impacts so many lives, and that will help make him a great addition to the Board.”
Davenport leads the development of product programs across all Winmark brands — Play It Again Sports, Plato’s Closet, Once Upon A Child, Style Encore and Music Go Round. He has established long-term vendor relationships, built category strategies and supported
franchisees in sourcing high-quality used and new sporting goods.
He is also a champion of Winmark’s commitment to sustainable retail, consumer value and broadening the reach of resale in communities across North America. His leadership has been instrumental in positioning Play It Again Sports as the leading franchise in used sporting goods retail, with more than 300 stores in the United States and Canada.
Sports have been a lifelong passion for Davenport as he played four years of football as a wide receiver at Minnesota State University Moorhead. He said that experience shaped his philosophy of leadership through teamwork that he has carried throughout his professional career.
“I’ve always believed that being involved in sports can shape your life in a positive way,” John Davenport said. “Sports teach us how to handle adversity, how to celebrate wins with humility and how
STEFAN HAUSBERGER NEW NSSRA VICE CHAIR
Tto find joy in a healthy lifestyle. Our Play It Again Sports stores support that in an affordable and sustainable way and that’s why I believe so deeply in Winmark’s mission to provide Resale for Everyone®.
“I’m excited to share my knowledge and heartfelt passion for sports and the sporting goods industry with the NSGA Board. I’m looking forward to supporting NSGA’s efforts to positively influence our industry and promote broader access to sports and recreation for all.”
“We are looking forward to working with John on the Board, and at the same time, appreciate the time and effort Troy Freeman invested to help NSGA and the sporting goods industry,” Carlson said. “Troy was a positive and valuable contributor to the NSGA Board and we wish him the very best.”
he National Ski & Snowboard Retailers Association (NSSRA) named Stefan Hausberger of Zimmermanns Skis Boards & More (Nashua, New Hampshire) the new NSSRA Vice Chair as Jon Morrill of Kittery Trading Post (Kittery, Maine) retires and leaves the NSSRA Board of Directors. Morrill was previously the Vice Chair. Robb Shepherd of Shepherd and Schaller (Wausau, Wisconsin) and Tom Fuerst of Pedigree Ski Shop (White Plains, New York) serve as Chairman and Past Chairman respectively. Gary Fleming of Winter Sports Retailers (Springfield,
Massachusetts), Tyler Lockard of Winter Sports Retailers, Brad Nelson of HiTempo (White Bear Lake, Minnesota), Phillip Howard of Troy’s Ski Lubbock (Lubbock, Texas) and Matt Leonard of Ski Country Sports (Banner Elk, North
Carolina) continue their service on the Board of Directors.
FORMER TAG BUYING GROUP LEADER, OWNER TREVOR SWANGARD PASSES AWAY
Trevor Michael Swangard, who was a leader and owner in the Team Athletic Goods (TAG) buying group and part of the sporting goods industry for more than 40 years, passed away on June 27 in Redmond, Washington from complications related to pancreatic cancer.
Swangard, who was 85, spent his final days connecting with friends, family and former colleagues and making sure his flowerpots were properly planted for their summer blooms.
Swangard was with his wife Marianne, son Dan, daughter Jill and granddaughter Courtney when he passed away.
“What a beautiful, loving and kind human,” Jill wrote on her father’s CaringBridge page. “What an amazing life. He will be deeply missed. We’re so fortunate to have loved and been loved by him.”
Swangard was born September 4, 1939 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia. The standout three-sport athlete in high school enrolled at the University of Oregon, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education in 1962 and a master’s degree in administration in 1965. He led the Oregon baseball team in runs, doubles and stolen bases in his senior year and he played three seasons of minor league baseball in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization from 1962–64.
After spending time as a coach and teacher at Southern Oregon Community College, Swangard returned to Eugene in 1965 and began working at Luby’s Sporting Goods, which specialized in retail and team sporting goods sales. Swangard would eventually become a dealer for TAG and in 1984, he became its first Executive Director, a position he held until 2005. For much of that period, Swangard and Marianne relocated to St. Louis, Missouri.
TAG grew significantly under Swangard’s leadership, including launching a line of football shoulder pads, which has become one of the top-selling brands in the industry. He remained an owner of TAG until 2009 and returned briefly in 2010 as a consultant.
Swangard was deeply committed to youth sports. He served on the board of the Eugene Boys Athletic Association, later known as the Eugene Sports Program (ESP), from 1969–78. He was named ESP Volunteer of the Year in 1975 and served as board president from 1975–76. He also served on the Marist High School Foundation from 1983–85. As part of a loyal group of former Oregon baseball players, Swangard was a founding donor for the construction of PK Park when the University re-established the program in 2009.
Trevor and Marianne Swangard were married September 19, 1964, in Vancouver, British Columbia. They were introduced through mutual family friends and shared 60 years of marriage. In articles announcing his retirement from TAG, Trevor was quick to credit Marianne for supporting his professional success.
After his retirement, the Swangards relocated to the Seattle area to be near their daughter Jill and their two grandchildren. Trevor would become the model grandfather, golf marshal, gardener and loyal friend to all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Marianne; his son, Dan Swangard; his daughter, Jill Swangard; two grandchildren, Gabriel and Courtney, all of
Redmond, Washington; and his brothers, Randy (Abbie) of Eugene, Oregon and Graham of Kitchener, Ontario.
Two celebrations of life will be held: the first in Eugene on Sunday, August 17, at 2 p.m. at the Eugene Country Club, and then in Redmond on Sunday, September 7, at 3 p.m. in the Cedar Lodge at Trilogy at Redmond Ridge. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Trevor’s memory to an endowment set up by the family to provide youth scholarships at Kidsports in Eugene. Checks made out to the Oregon Community Fund with a “Trevor-for-Kids” memo line can be mailed to the OFC office at 1221 SW Yamhill St, Suite 100, Portland, Oregon 97205. Online donations can be made at www.oregoncf.org/trevor-for-kids.
ADVOCACY NOW
THE ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL WHAT IT MEANS FOR NSGA SMALL BUSINESSES
BY JULIE PITTS NSGA DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) became law on July 4, 2025 after narrowly passing through Congress. The OBBBA includes reductions in taxes, adjustments to federal spending and changes to several core programs, including Medicaid and Medicare.
The OBBBA is designed to provide substantial support to small businesses through tax deductions, credits and features designed to reduce their financial burdens. As the uncertainty about tax benefits has been addressed, small businesses can have a clearer financial outlook, encouraging longterm planning and investment decisions. Business owners are less likely to face unexpected tax increases, providing greater confidence in scaling their operations and workforce.
The following is an in-depth summary of the OBBBA and how it may affect NSGA small business members.
In terms of taxes and fiscal policy, the OBBBA expands and makes permanent several provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), including lower tax rates for individuals and reduced corporate tax rates. By permanently extending the lower rates, Congress is preventing a tax increase on approximately 33 million passthrough businesses.
Starting with 2025 tax returns, the State and Local Tax (SALT) Deduction raises the cap from $10,000 to $40,000 for single and married filing jointly couples earning up to $500,000, allowing for higher deductions for residents of high-tax states. The $40,000 SALT cap phases out when modified adjusted gross income exceeds $500,000 and fully phases out at $600,000, reverting to the $10,000 deduction limit. The deduction will return to $10,000 for all filers in 2030 unless further legislative measures are taken. Nothing will change
for pass-through businesses in the 36 states that have work-around laws.
The federal gift and estate tax exemption amount is permanently increased to $15 million for individuals and $30 million for married couples beginning in 2026, with annual inflation adjustments going forward.
The Section 199A QBI deduction for pass-through entities such as sole proprietorships, LLCs and “S corporations” is continued. This deduction significantly reduces taxable income for business owners, providing substantial tax relief that encourages reinvestment in their operations.
The Section 179 annual expense limit, allowing businesses to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment and software purchased or financed during the tax year, is increased to $2.5 million, reduced by expenditures for IRS Code §179 property that exceed $4 million. Bonus depreciation at a 100% deduction rate is now permanently available for property placed in service after January 19, 2025, allowing businesses to deduct the full cost of qualifying assets in the year they are purchased.
The OBBBA also has significant enhancements to the Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) provisions under Section 1202, providing substantial tax benefits for small business investors. These benefits include a tiered gain exclusion structure for QSBS acquired after July 4, 2025, and the cap on excludable gain has been raised from $10 million to $15 million per issuer allowing investors
to exclude greater amounts from their taxable income when selling QSBS.
Also, the legislation provides permanent credits for paid family and medical leave and boosts the Employer-Provided Child Care Credit up to $600,000 for small businesses. Furthermore, the new law allows small businesses to pool resources to provide childcare and allows businesses to utilize the services of a third-party intermediary, while retaining eligibility for the tax credit.
Individuals and business owners should consult with a professional tax advisor for the OBBBA’s impact on their individual situations.
Stay informed with the evolving advocacy landscape. Scan the QR code or visit the NSGA Advocacy page at nsga.org/advocacy.
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INSIGHTS NOW
NEWEST REPORT PROVIDES INSIGHTS INTO BASEBALL BRANDS THROUGH DEALER LENS
BY NICK RIGITANO NSGA DIRECTOR OF INSIGHTS AND ANALYSIS
“What brands should I carry for baseball? How do other dealers view these brands? Are these perceptions becoming more positive or negative in recent years?”
These are some of the many decisions team dealers face regarding their business and vendor partners. When it comes to the baseball segment, these decisions are made even more difficult because of the high level of market saturation from the abundance of brands and products.
To give team dealers a better idea of the brands being carried along with their ratings from fellow dealers for key business relationship categories for baseball equipment, uniforms, and apparel, NSGA conducted the Team Dealer Trends: Brand Ratings Survey in the spring of 2025.
Whether an organization is an existing team dealer, a start-up dealer, or a retailer considering the addition of a team component, the resulting insights can aid in understanding the current
landscape of the baseball segment including competition levels serviced, brands carried for select categories, and how those brands measure up against others based on different attributes. This report can also be used by manufacturers to get a better idea of where they stand with their dealer customers.
The following is a snapshot of the information contained in the report:
BASEBALL SALES OVERVIEW
This section provides an overview of baseball sales among dealers for the prior year. According to the report, 65 percent of dealer respondents reported an increase in their 2024 baseball sales compared to the prior year. Among those, sales increased an average of 10 percent.
Additional information in this section includes the median number of baseball teams served by level and the percentage of baseball sales attributed to each level, along with the percentage of total baseball sales among respondents broken out by product category.
BASEBALL BRANDS CARRIED
This portion of the report examines the percentage of dealers carrying a given brand for each of the eight product categories tracked. Featured product categories include baseballs, protective gear, uniforms, performance apparel, field equipment, gloves/mitts, bats and shoes/cleats.
BASEBALL BRAND RATINGS AND 4-YEAR TRENDS
The final section of the report explores the ratings given to 46 baseball brands by their dealer customers based on six different business relationship categories of value for the price, timely delivery,
product innovation, brand name recognition, sell-through and customer service (toward the dealer). An all-category average score is also given for each brand based on their average scores among the six categories.
The category of customer service (toward the dealer) is new to the report this year and a preview of the top-5 rated brands is shown in Figure 1. SANMAR SPORTS received the top spot after dealers carrying the brand rated it most positively (4.53 average out of a possible 5.0). Next in line were CHAMPRO (4.41) and PROLOOK (4.29). Rounding out the top five were Cap America (4.04) and S&S Activewear (3.99).
One of the benefits of conducting this study for multiple years is the ability to trend the results over time, allowing additional insights to be gleaned from the data. As an example, Figure 2 looks at some of the brands with changes in overall feelings toward them since 2021 as rated by the dealer respondents. Ratings for CHAMPRO, Easton and Baden in this category got more positive since 2021, while ratings for Louisville Slugger and Wilson decreased.
The report is available to NSGA retailer and team dealer members as a
complimentary member benefit and can be downloaded at the Research Offerings section of the NSGA website at www.nsga.org/research/. Other organizations interested in obtaining
the report can contact Nick Rigitano, Director of Insights and Analysis, at nrigitano@nsga.org or (847) 296-6742, ext. 1080.
NSGA offers 40+ years of insights on sports participation across 56 sports, shopper behavior and industry trends through research reports and brand ratings.
Scan the QR code or visit nsga.org/research to learn more.
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RECOGNITION NOW
HOF Chairman and 2017
Inductee Larry Aasheim on why you should submit nominations:
“It’s important for us to be able to identify really great candidates.”
HONORING THE LEGENDS of the industry
2023 inductee Jeff Lynn:
Since 1955, the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame has recognized legendary people who made significant contributions to the industry.
2010 Inductee Ken Nimmons:
“It was quite an honor to be selected for the Hall of Fame and it’s a recognition we cherish very much.” (Nimmons’ wife Julie was also inducted in 2010)
“It’s such a wonderful honor after working in the industry for 40 years.” 1 2 3
The Hall of Fame has honored 192 men and women with the selection of the Class of 2026. On the following pages, you can learn more about the accomplishments of Sam Barcelona Jr. (Barcelona Sporting Goods), Tim Boyle (Columbia Sportswear), Mort Finkelstein (MC Sporting Goods) and Scott Hedrick (Pro Athlete, Inc.).
NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE CLASS OF 2027!
Members from every segment of the industry can submit the names of sporting goods retailers/dealers, manufacturers and industry influencers they believe are worthy of election to the Hall of Fame for their extraordinary contributions to the industry.
Biographies of all Hall of Fame members can be found at www.nsga.org/ hall-of-fame/!
If you have any questions about the Hall of Fame, contact Julie Pitts, Hall of Fame Secretary, at hof@nsga.org.
1
From right, grandson John Cardinal and son Tony Cardinal accept the Hall of Fame plaque for the late Tony Cardinal (Cardinal’s Sport Center) from Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame Vice Chair Steve Hauff at the 2025 Dinner and Induction Ceremony.
2
From left, Peter Glenn, Steve Hauff, 2025 inductee E.J. “Ned” Hamilton (Peter Glenn Ski & Sports) and Lori Underwood. Glenn and Underwood are Hamilton’s children.
3
From left, Bill Kirchner, 2025 inductee Chris Considine (Wilson Sporting Goods) and Steve Hauff. Kirchner introduced Considine.
RECOGNITION NOW
CLASS OF 2026 INDUCTEE
USAM BARCELONA JR. OWNER
BARCELONA
SPORTING GOODS
nforgettable is an apt description of the connection Sam Barcelona Jr. had with customers of Barcelona Sporting Goods.
When North Shore High School in Houston won a Texas state football championship in 2015, the school and program showed its appreciation for Barcelona’s support by presenting him with a state championship ring.
“I will never forget the expression on his face,” said Vivian Dancy, one of the school’s athletic administrators in 2015. “He had it sitting on his desk so everyone could see when they entered his office.”
It was part of a 19-year relationship that started in 2003 between athletic director Vince Sebo and Barcelona.
Sebo was sold on using Barcelona Sporting Goods as a supplier at three different school districts because Barcelona didn’t always call just to make a sale.
“When we were in the playoff hunt, Sam would call every Monday and wish us good luck the upcoming week,” Sebo said. “Sam wasn’t just a good sporting goods representative; he was a friend to our program. Sam Barcelona was a true pioneer in the sporting goods business and truly deserves to be inducted into the (Sporting Goods Industry) Hall of Fame.”
And that will happen for Barcelona as part of the Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Barcelona was a revered figure in the industry locally and nationally who
worked until age 94 and passed away on June 11, 2024 at 97.
“Barcelona Sporting Goods was primarily focused on South Texas but was considered one of the strongest team dealers in the industry,” said Jay Schindler, who worked for Wilson Sporting Goods. “Sam is a legend in the industry and in the greater Houston area and the influence he had on so many still carries on today.
“I sold products to Sam and Barcelona’s for over 30 years, and while Sam was tough, he was fair, compassionate and respected. I considered him a friend and mentor.”
Barcelona grew up in Houston and returned home after serving in the Navy during World War II in the Pacific. He worked as a salesman for Holt’s Sporting Goods and learned everything he could about the industry.
Then he teamed up with longtime friend Slater Martin, a star NBA guard who is a member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, on co-ownership of Slater Martin Sporting Goods.
Barcelona eventually became the sole owner of the business and renamed it Barcelona Sporting Goods in 1956. Sam and his brother Dennis grew the company into multiple locations that operated for more than 60 years through
hard work, dedication and innovation. The story with North Shore High School typified the service he expected to deliver to his customers.
“I got to know ‘Mr. Sam’ by calling on his business as a sales representative and found out that he always had the pulse of his store and the schools,” said Stan Wood, who retired after repping Wilson, Russell Athletic and Universal Athletics. “He routinely checked in with coaches and athletic directors to see if they were receiving great service. If something was wrong, he was quick to let you know about it and get the customer taken care of.”
Barcelona also never hesitated to take care of athletes who didn’t have the means to get the equipment to play.
His contributions to the industry are numerous and have left an incredible mark that continues to enrich the lives of many.
“Mr. Sam Barcelona was one of a kind,” Wood said.
CLASS OF 2026 INDUCTEE
CTIM BOYLE
PRESIDENT
& CEO
COLUMBIA
SPORTSWEAR
olumbia Sportswear was struggling to stay in business after the unexpected death of President Neal Boyle in 1970.
The company was on the verge of bankruptcy when Boyle’s wife Gert vowed to “drive it in the ground myself” after receiving only one offer to purchase it for $1,400.
Instead, Gert and her son Tim drove Columbia to amazing heights as a multi-billion dollar business.
Now Tim Boyle will join the late Gert — who famously starred in the “One Tough Mother” commercials — as the first mother-son combination in the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame. Tim was selected for induction with the Class of 2026.
Former NSGA Board Chairman Ron Menconi worked closely with the Boyle family in outdoor apparel.
Menconi nominated Gert Boyle to become the first woman inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2003.
“After Tim took over as President in 1988 the company really began to take off,” Menconi said. “Tim was the driving force on creating new and exciting products for skiers and sportsmen.
“As a dealer selling Columbia products he was always accessible to ask questions and give support. Tim always was open to feedback on what they could do better and how to support the dealers that sold their products.”
Boyle was still a student at the University of Oregon when his father passed away at 47. He left school to help his mother and they refocused the business on outdoor clothing and casual wear.
In 1975, Columbia was the first company to introduce Gore-Tex parkas.
The 1986 release of the Bugaboo, a popular jacket with a zip-out lining, propelled the company’s growth to go public in 1988. Sales grew from $18.8 million in 1987 to $353.5 million in 1997.
“I first had the privilege of meeting Tim in 1988 when I took over as chair at Sports Chalet,” said Craig Levra, who was also the CEO of the retailer. “Since then, I’ve watched him guide Columbia from its roots in Portland, Oregon, to becoming a global powerhouse.
“What has always stood out to me is his unwavering commitment to empowering his leadership team to make difficult decisions while still prioritizing his clients and teams. His people have always known that no matter the situation, he had their backs.”
Lindsay Rice’s 40-plus years in the industry included stops at Galyan’s and The North Face. Rice said Boyle and Columbia have excelled at listening to customer needs, operational excellence, consistent brand management, product innovation and growing the industry.
“Through Tim’s leadership Columbia has been able to build a successful stable of products and categories that’s unparalleled in the outdoor industry,” Rice said. “When I think of the brands I’ve done business with over my 40 years in the industry I believe Columbia stands alone in its ability to consistently grow its business and the outdoor categories it competes in.”
In 2020, Forbes magazine ranked Boyle No. 378 on the Forbes 400 list of the richest people in America.
Boyle and his wife have also donated millions to charitable causes and in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he reduced his salary to $10,000 while maintaining the full salary and benefits of all Columbia retail employees.
“I believe Tim has done a great service to the sporting goods industry,” Menconi said.
RECOGNITION NOW
CLASS OF 2026 INDUCTEE MORT FINKELSTEIN
MOWNER
MC SPORTING GOODS
ort Finkelstein was a child of The Great Depression who learned about adapting and adjusting at a young age.
Entering the sporting goods industry after World War II was the third business model for the Finkelstein family. It turned into a lifetime of opportunities in a variety of industry roles for Mort Finkelstein until he passed away in 2023 at 93.
Finkelstein’s impact included turning MC Sporting Goods from one store in Grand Rapids, Michigan, into the largest retail sporting goods operation in the United States. It was a big part of his selection for induction into the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026.
“Morton Finkelstein is a perfect example of what the founders of NSGA had in mind when they started the Hall of Fame,” said longtime business partner Ed Tobergte. “He has started many highly successful companies in the industry at all ends of the supply chain. Design, manufacturing, engineering, distribution, wholesale and one of the largest and most successful retail sporting chains in the world.”
Finkelstein’s father Jack ran a couple of clothing stores that were adversely affected by the Depression and World War II.
His mom Genevieve wanted her sons — Mort, Edward and Raleigh — to stay in the family business and they made a switch from clothing to emphasize the sale of government surplus war
products. That business eventually slowed up and the Finkelstein family turned its interest to sporting goods.
The company’s name was changed from Michigan Clothiers to MC Sporting Goods and Mort’s son David became a Vice President in the company.
MC Sporting Goods was sold in 1986 to a publicly traded company and grew to more than 80 stores in seven states. The Finkelsteins ran the company until they retired in 1990.
“After selling MC Sporting Goods, he could have ridden off into the sunset but that was not Mort,” said Don Leonard, the President of Crown Sport Sales.
Finkelstein would work for prominent companies such as MacGregor, Sand-Knit, Riddell, Multi Grip and First American Corporation in sales and marketing and he supported other sales agents.
When Tobergte bought Gear 2000, a football protective equipment company in 1996, he turned to Finkelstein for help.
“Mort became more than a source for financing for my company,” Tobergte said. “Mr. Finkelstein, as a leader in the sporting goods business, became a mentor. Mort was a tough businessman but he always sided with fairness and kindness.”
Finkelstein also joined Tobergte in the 2003 purchase of Stromgen Supports, which produced braces and wraps for athletes.
“He reacted to the needs of a young businessman trying to make better products for our youth,” Tobergte said. “When I asked Mort to support my business he certainly did not need the aggravation that comes from the risk of trusting a young businessperson looking for a chance. But Mort chose to take that risk.”
After they sold those companies, Finkelstein purchased Shoeless Joe baseball and softball gloves. He was a fixture at buying group shows and trade shows throughout the country.
Finkelstein was also very involved in a variety of philanthropic efforts throughout his life, especially numerous Jewish organizations and Michigan State University.
CLASS OF 2026 INDUCTEE
SSCOTT HEDRICK OWNER
PRO
ATHLETE, INC.
cott Hedrick created more than just another sporting goods company with Pro Athlete, Inc.
Hedrick helped transform the industry through digital ecommerce with JustBats.com and JustGloves.com for baseball and softball and JustPaddles. com for pickleball. It opened the door for Kansas City-based Pro Athlete to become a national brand and led to Hedrick’s selection for induction into the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame with the Class of 2026.
“I have had the privilege of knowing and working closely with Scott for over 15 years, and I can confidently attest to his remarkable contributions to the sporting goods industry,” said Kurt Ainsworth, co-founder and CEO of Marucci Sports. “Under Scott’s visionary leadership, Pro Athlete has established itself as a top-tier retailer, earning widespread respect and recognition within the industry.
“Scott’s keen understanding of customer needs and his commitment to delivering top-quality products has cultivated a loyal customer base, further strengthening Pro Athlete’s standing in the industry.”
A disappointing experience finding award patches for Scott’s high school letterman’s jacket led his parents Wes and Judi to open Pro Athlete in December 1987. Long hours and minimal profits led the family to explore selling the company in the mid-1990s, but there was no interest.
That sparked Scott’s foray into ecommerce sales with the internet beginning to gain more of a foothold in everyday life. Sales took off and by 2004, Pro Athlete transitioned to a fully 100 percent on-line company doing business throughout the country.
“His significant achievements and unwavering commitment to his customers and employees has pushed his company to the top of the industry and has had a profound and lasting influence on the industry and his community,” said Rick Fortuna, Chairman of USSSA.
“Pro Athlete has been a true leader in both catalog and online sales for baseball/softball bats and gloves for close to 40 years,” said Mike Zlaket, the Vice Chairman and former CEO of Rawlings. “Having been in the industry for most of those years, I can certainly speak to the consistent success of the company and the positive impact it has had on the industry. Scott deserves the bulk of the credit.”
Hedrick’s commitment to success includes his generosity and support of Pro Athlete’s employees. The facility includes free access to a gym, weight room, cardio room, lap pool and volleyball, basketball and pickleball courts. There are meeting and break rooms that pay homage to many of the company’s vendors and partners
such as the Rawlings’ Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Award rooms and a Lumber Yard room featuring Marucci and Victus bats.
Giving back to the Kansas City community has also been important to Hedrick and Pro Athlete. The company has supported an adaptive youth sports program and gives employees $1,500 per year to donate to charitable organizations of their choice. Pro Athlete also hosts an annual JustBats June Jam baseball tournament in Kansas City with thousands of dollars in prizes from JustBats.com given to the championship and runner-up teams in the event.
In 2020, Pro Athlete received the prestigious “Mr. K Award,” named after Ewing Kauffman, the late founder and owner of the Kansas City Royals, to recognize a small business of the year. Pro Athlete also won the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce’s Legacy Award in 2024.
“Scott is among the very best of representatives of a leader in our industry – as an entrepreneur and business leader,” said Jim Hackett, President & GM of Wilson Baseball-Softball. “For the quarter-century that I’ve known Scott, I have always been impressed by his character traits he exhibits in all interactions.”
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MAKING SURE TIME IS ON YOUR SIDE FOR BUSINESS SUCCESS
BY MARTY MACIASZEK NSGA DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
Dr. Mary Kelly made the most of her time and maximized it for attendees of the NSGA 2025 Leadership Conference during her dynamic back-to-back speaker sessions in late May in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
And there was no drop in energy or important messaging in her second session, “Winning in Retail.” Kelly, the retired U.S Navy Commander and Hall of Fame speaker, joked about the amount of time everyone has at their disposal.
“How many of you feel, ‘Oh my gosh, I have so much time I should waste some,’” Kelly said to laughter and smiles from the session attendees. “You need to stay focused. People need you to be very, very focused.
“You’ve got to stop doing stuff that’s wasting your time. You have to save your time for the important things you have to be doing.”
That’s easy enough to say and something we all aspire to accomplish. Kelly provided some strategies that included using productivity sheets to determine which tasks are being completed and goals are in the process of being met. Making business growth plans and vision plans are also crucial to long-term success.
“Where is your business going?” Kelly said. “Does your team understand what they are doing and where your business is going?
“Do you have good, solid strategies? Do you have a plan in place that maps out where you are going, what you are doing and what that looks like? Do you have an updated strategic plan?”
Kelly emphasized that too many small businesses spend a lot of time — and money — on ineffective marketing. She is not a fan of “spray and pray” marketing that relies more on luck than actual targeted actions.
Those marketing plans don’t need to be solely focused on prices in comparison to your competitors.
“You don’t have to have the lowest prices, you have to be the best value,” Kelly said. “Loyal customers will spend 67 percent more and are five times more likely to purchase with you again.
“I want you to dominate your area. Establish trust as a go-to expert through blog articles or videos. Ask people for testimonials.”
One of the simple ways to build relationships with your customers is by “working your list,” according to Kelly. Keeping
people updated on what you’re doing is important but so is sending a note of congratulations to a coach for a big win or successful season.
“Every single one of us could do better at follow-ups,” Kelly said. “You need to keep people updated and remind people of what you do.
“We can be so worried about having to make this sale now, and I don’t care what I have to do to get it, instead of building that relationship. When you work with teams and schools year after year, you have to sell to every coach because they could be your league’s
commissioner next year. You have to look for the people who are paying the bills and market to them.”
Using AI (artificial intelligence) is one way to save time for more important aspects of your business. AI can be used to write or sort emails or create proposals. Kelly said most leaders don’t have a plan for AI and how it could help maximize their daily operations.
“The time isn’t the issue,” Kelly said. “It’s how we spend it.”
And if it’s time well-spent that could go a long way to your customers spending more of their money with your business.
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The “Unified Commerce Conversation” panel, from left, of Kevin Bezanson (Cleve’s Source for Sports), Brad Hause (Sports Distributors of Canada), Nick Rhoads (SV Sports) and Sumer Chawla and Tess Sharma of Shopify.
WHY UNIFIED COMMERCE IS THE FUTURE FOR SPORTING GOODS RETAILERS
BY TOM VAN JACOBS HDA MANAGING DIRECTOR
Sporting goods retailers today face growing pressure to match the convenience, speed and personalization of major online players. At the NSGA 2025 Leadership Conference, Shopify hosted “A Unified Commerce Conversation,” a panel discussion focused on helping retailers bring together in-store and digital experiences for an omnichannel experience.
Tess Sharma, Partner Manager at Shopify, explained how a unified commerce is about unifying all aspects of your business and eliminating the “messy middle.” It also helps eliminate manual reconciliation, disconnected systems and clunky workarounds.
Unified commerce blends your Point of Sale (POS), ecommerce, inventory, fulfillment and customer profiles into one system. The benefit to a unified
commerce is being able to meet your customers where they are, whether that’s in your store, on their phone or at an event.
The session included a fireside chat with three retail members using Shopify in different ways: Nick Rhoads of SV Sports, Kevin Bezanson of Cleve’s Source for Sports and Brad Hause, the President of Sports Distributors of Canada.
Rhoads, who helps manage IT for SV Sports, said one of the biggest improvements was inventory management.
“That has been one of the biggest struggles that we've always had, managing that inventory for the team customer, for the retail customer, for the online customer,” said Rhoads. SV Sports was able to unify the POS and ecommerce to make things easier. They can have accuracy with product and pricing across in-store and online channels.
With Shopify POS, SV Sports cut down on equipment needs and training time. “The POS is very intuitive, it is just like an iPhone,” said Rhoads. He freed up
time with the ease of transitioning to the Shopify POS and his part-timers did not have a difficult time learning the system.
Bezanson’s primary concern with migrating to Shopify was the training and order processing. “Our main responsibility was to make sure that we had the UPCs of all the products in our POS, which we never had a need to before,” said Bezanson. Making sure the data they had was clean and consistent helped mitigate the concerns with order processing and training.
Hause, representing the Canadian and U.S. buying group Source For Sports and Source For Hockey, noted how Shopify’s flexibility allowed them to build their own custom order management system (OMS). Hause explained how having the versatility from Shopify ecommerce allowed them to have multiple POS systems across the buying group but still be able to integrate them and collect and import data into the
Shopify system. It allowed their customers to buy from one website and get the items fulfilled and shipped from different stores seamlessly.
The benefits of unified commerce come down to three key areas:
1. Customer Experience: With unified profiles, staff can view purchase history, leave notes, and offer better service across channels. “Ask them their name, you type in Joe’s name and all of a sudden you can pull up their lifetime order value right on your POS,” said Sharma.
2. Data Quality: Centralizing your data makes it easier to track top SKUs, forecast demand, and plan smarter.
3. Integration: Shopify’s native POS and ecommerce tools work together, and its app ecosystem allows connections with Mailchimp, Klaviyo, ERPs and more.
Shopify’s open API (Application Programming Interface) and flexible tools
give smaller retailers the ability to build what they need without the heavy price tag. Hause said that it came down to two main things for choosing Shopify, “it was cost and versatility.”
For organizations still trying to manage different systems that don’t communicate with each other, consider rethinking your system setup. According to Shopify, 73% of sports and recreation businesses already see omnichannel as a top priority, and 77% are actively working to streamline operations.
The message from the panel was clear: unified commerce isn’t a tool just for big box stores. It’s for any retailer looking to grow without making things more complicated. The tools are available to help you upgrade your business while still delivering the personal service your customers expect.
For NSGA members, it could be the playbook that helps you stay competitive, run more efficiently and strengthen your customer relationships.
Brad Hause (Sports Distributors of Canada) makes a point during the panel discussion as Kevin Bezanson (Cleve’s Source for Sports) and Nick Rhoads (SV Sports) listen.
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GAME PLAN: HOW SPORTING GOODS RETAILERS CAN DRIVE TRAFFIC IN UNCERTAIN TIMES
BY RITCHIE SAYNER ADVANCED RETAIL STRATEGIES
In a retail landscape filled with economic uncertainty, including talk of tariffs, inflation, what the Federal Reserve may or may not do with interest rates, the latest unemployment figures, a myriad of international conflicts, not to mention fierce online competition, is it any wonder that sporting goods stores face an uphill battle to keep customers coming back?
The good news?
You don’t need a massive marketing budget to win. What you do need is a proactive, personal strategy built around consistent customer engagement.
Here are three practical, proven tactics that can help your store boost foot traffic, deepen customer loyalty and stand out from the big-box chains.
1. MAKE 10 CONTACTS A DAY — AND MAKE THEM COUNT
It sounds simple because it is. Have each sales associate commit to making at least 10 customer contacts per shift — by phone, text, email or even social media DMs. The purpose isn’t to sell something every time, but to stay on your customers’ radar.
In a sporting goods context, those touchpoints might include:
• Inviting customers to demo nights or in-store clinics
• Alerting them to new arrivals (like the latest driver, trail running shoe, or pickleball paddle)
• Offering to reserve limited stock items
• Following up on special orders or team uniform inquiries
Let’s do the math: three associates x 10 contacts per day x 5 days a week x 48 weeks equals roughly 7,200 personalized customer interactions a year
Even if only a fraction respond by visiting, you’re creating genuine connections that big-box stores rarely match.
2. SHOW YOUR MVPS SOME LOVE
Your best customers are worth keeping. Create a customer appreciation program that rewards loyalty and keeps these high-value shoppers engaged.
Start by identifying top spenders from your POS data — such as those who’ve purchased premium skis, bicycles, golf clubs, or team orders in the past year. Then send them a sincere thank-you letter or email, paired with a small but meaningful gift:
• A $20 certificate toward their next visit
• A free gear tune-up or stringing service
• Early access to an upcoming sale or product launch
Here’s a sample message:
“Thank you for your continued support of our store. As a token of our appreciation, please enjoy this $20 certificate toward your next visit. We can’t wait to show you the new gear arriving this season!”
Small gestures like this build goodwill, encourage repeat visits, and reinforce why shopping local is worth it.
3. WIN BACK THE CUSTOMERS WHO’VE DRIFTED AWAY
Even loyal customers sometimes fall off the radar — life gets busy, interests change, or they simply forget. That’s why reengagement is critical.
Write a friendly note that says you noticed they haven’t visited recently, and that you’d love to welcome them back. Keep it personal:
We miss seeing you in the store! If there’s anything you need — whether it’s new gear, a tune-up, or help finding the right fit — just let us know. We’d love to help.”
Consider sweetening the invitation with a small offer, like free in-store consultation or discount on their next purchase. Following up with a quick phone call a week later can double the impact.
THE WINNING FORMULA
Together, these three strategies — daily contacts, customer appreciation, and reengagement — create a powerful, cost-effective way to keep your sporting goods store front-of-mind, strengthen relationships, and build traffic even during uncertain times.
Or, as Brad Hamilton put it in the classic Fast Times at Ridgemont High: “Learn it, know it, love it!”
RITCHIE SAYNER
Sayner has spent the past four decades helping independent retailers improve profitability. In addition to speaking to retail groups nationwide, Sayner is a regular contributor to retail industry publications. Prior to embarking on his retail consulting career, he was the general merchandise manager for an independent department store in the Midwest. Ritchie is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse. He is also the author of the book, “Retail Revelations-Strategies for Improving Sales, Margins, and Turnover.” He can be reached though his website at www.advancedretailstrategies.com.
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DOUBLE FIRST BASE REQUIRED IN HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL IN 2027
Beginning with the 2027 season, a double first base will be required in high school baseball games to minimize the risk of collisions by runners and fielders. This rule revision was one of 10 proposed by the NFHS Baseball Rules Committee during its annual meeting June 8–10 and the rules changes were accepted by the NFHS Board of Directors.
New language was added to Rule 1-2-9 noting that the double first base must be white and a contrasting solid color. The white portion of the base is located in fair territory while the colored half is located in foul territory, split by the first base foul line. There is to be no space between the two portions of the double base.
Two rules changes were approved to bring the Baseball Rules Book in line with all NFHS rules. Language added to Rule 1-4-4 allows a school’s name, nickname, logo, mascot and/or player’s name to be permitted on a uniform top and/or pants beginning in 2027.
In addition, Rule 1-6-3 states “no player shall wear any audio (microphone) or video (camera) device during the game.”
NFHS SURVEY: NUMBERS OF HIGH SCHOOL OFFICIALS RISING
The number of registered high school sports officials remains above pre-pandemic levels and grew by six percent during the last school year, according to a follow-up survey of 36 National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) member state associations that originated in 2018–19.
Data compiled by the NFHS from the 36 associations showed the total number of officials’ registrations at 237,811 during the 2024–25 school year, up 14,432 from the previous year, and an eight percent increase from pre-pandemic numbers (220,340) reported in 2018–19.
ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION, UMPIRE APPAREL IN HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL RULE CHANGES
No player shall be allowed to transmit or record audio or video from the playing surface in high school softball. This new language in Rule 1-8-6 of the NFHS Softball Rules Book further clarifies the use of electronic devices and what is permitted in the sport after language was added last year to allow for electronic communication for coaching purposes. The color allowed for an umpire’s pants was also adjusted as part of the NFHS Softball Rules Committee’s rules recommendations from the committee’s annual rules meeting held June 15–17. The NFHS Board of Directors subsequently approved the rules changes to take effect for the 2025–26 season.
The proper uniform for an umpire was adjusted in Rule 10-4-2, noting that ‘charcoal gray’ slacks were allowed, instead of ‘heather gray.’
NFHS MAKES BOYS LACROSSE RULE CHANGES FOR 2026
On-field equipment and game administration rule changes were written, with cones now required at the corners of the team areas (Rule 1-2-9) and a working horn required at the table on the sideline (Rule 1-12) to allow a coach to call for a double horn from the field.
Rule 1-9-1b, 4 and 5, regarding player equipment, was also modified to align with other NFHS rules codes on tooth and mouth protectors. Also, for player uniforms, numbers on the back of the jersey must now be at least 8 inches tall (1-9-1h[3]) instead of 12.
JAVELIN SPECIFICATIONS ADDED TO NFHS TRACK AND FIELD RULE BOOK
With 21 state associations now incorporating the javelin into outdoor track and field competition, the NFHS Track and Field Rules Committee voted to move the implement construction specifications into the Track and Field Rules Book, effective with the 2026 season.
The addition of javelin specifications was one of 11 changes recommended by the committee at its June 16-18 meeting in Indianapolis — all of which were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.
NCAA SOFTBALL APPROVES USE OF DOUBLE FIRST BASE
The NCAA Softball Rules Committee approved the requirement for a double first base to be used in Division I for the 2025–26 academic year. Implementation of the requirement in Divisions II and III was delayed until the 2026–27 academic year.
NCAA INTRODUCES CHAMPIONSHIP PROPOSALS FOR TWO WOMEN’S SPORTS
The Division I Council voted to introduce proposals that, if also supported by Divisions II and III, would establish NCAA championships for women’s stunt and women’s acrobatics and tumbling. If the proposals are adopted by all three divisions, championships committees would begin work in stunt and acrobatics and tumbling in January 2026, with the first championship for each sport expected to occur during the spring season in 2027.
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NEWS NOW
Continued from page 34
The council also introduced a proposal to add women’s flag football to the Emerging Sports for Women program following recommendations from the Committee on Women’s Athletics and the Strategic Vision and Planning Committee. Flag football has grown rapidly in popularity at the youth sports level — including high school — and will make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The proposal will be considered in October.
NAIA APPROVES WOMEN’S FLAG FOOTBALL AS INVITATIONAL SPORT
The NAIA’s National Administrative Council (NAC) Executive Committee has approved Women’s Flag Football as an invitational sport for the 2025–26 season — a significant milestone for collegiate flag football, which launched as an emerging sport in the NAIA in 2021.
BIG 5 ACQUIRED BY PARTNERSHIP, WILL BECOME PRIVATE COMPANY
HALL OF FAMER KLAUS OBERMEYER MAKES LEADERSHIP TRANSITION
Klaus Obermeyer, the 105-year-old snowsports industry icon and member of the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame, announced he will remain an active Board member and President of Sport Obermeyer, the company he founded in 1947. The new CEO is Kris Kuster, formerly of Mammut Sports Group AG and X-Bionic, and he will be part of the drive to turn Sport Obermeyer into a year-round, premium outdoor sports company
CCM HOCKEY RECEIVES MINORITY STAKEHOLDER INVESTMENT
Seven7, LLC, the Stamford, Connecticutbased investment firm, has co-invested with Nordic private equity firm Altor in the previously announced acquisition of CCM, the global hockey equipment brand. The investment from Seven7 and Altor will focus on international expansion, digital transformation, product innovation, and deeper engagement with the next generation of players.
CCM Hockey is a member of the Hockey Dealers Association.
Klaus Obermeyer was part of the Class of 2020 of the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame.
ORDERMYGEAR TO LAUNCH OMG PRESENTATIONS AND ORDER MANAGEMENT
BISON INTRODUCES NEW BASEBALL, SOFTBALL PRODUCT LINE
Big 5 Sporting Goods Corporation entered into a definitive merger agreement to be acquired by a partnership comprised of Worldwide Golf and Capitol Hill Group, a private equity firm, in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $112.7 million in enterprise value. The transaction includes the assumption of approximately $71.4 million in credit line borrowings as of June 29, 2025.
Big 5 Sporting Goods is a member of NSGA.
OrderMyGear (OMG) announced OMG Presentations and Order Management, a brand new solution for businesses that sell branded merchandise. Slated for launch in Q3 2025, OMG Presentations and Order Management gives promotional product distributors, apparel decorators and team dealers everything they need to pitch new business and close deals faster than ever before — all inside one easy-to-use tool.
OrderMyGear is a member and supporter of NSGA.
OMG founder Kent McKeaigg is a member of the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame.
Bison recently expanded its product offering with baseball and softball batting cages, foul poles, netting systems, portable sports fencing, backstops, and accessories will join their existing line of field padding and outdoor bleachers and benches.
Bison is a long-time member of NSGA.
BORLEY PROMOTED TO LEAD STAHLS’ EMEA
GroupeSTAHL announced the promotion of Martin Borley to the role of Chief Executive Officer, STAHLS’ EMEA, effective July 1, 2025.
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NEWS NOW
Continued from page 36
In his new role, Borley will report directly to Carleen Gray, CEO of GroupeSTAHL, Inc., and will lead all initiatives across the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region in support of the overall vision directed by GroupeSTAHL, Inc. His leadership spans STAHLS’ UK, STAHLS’ EU, STAHLS’ TPT, and all affiliated divisions and distributors throughout the EMEA markets.
STAHLS’ GRAY HONORED BY ASI
The Advertising Specialty Institute® (ASI), the largest technology, marketing and information provider in the $26.6 billion promotional products industry, announced Carleen Gray, CEO of STAHLS’, was named the 2025 Counselor® International Person of the Year.
“It’s an honor to celebrate the bold thinkers, creative forces and resilient leaders who help this industry thrive,” said Timothy M. Andrews, ASI President and Chief Executive Officer. “Their determination and imagination continue to propel us all forward.”
The International Person of the Year award recognizes a global leader who has driven meaningful growth, innovation, and collaboration in the promotional products marketplace.
Gray, a Counselor Power 50 leader, has transformed STAHLS’ into a unified international power player, reshaping the company from what was once known as “the letters-and-numbers people” to a global leader in decoration technology serving more than 100 countries. She began her journey at STAHLS’ more than 35 years ago in customer service and rose through the ranks, becoming CEO in 2018 as the first internal hire to reach that position.
Under Gray’s leadership, STAHLS’ completed a strategic global realignment in 2023, unifying its U.S. and European operations under one brand with consistent product offerings, R&D, and marketing for seamless international
reach. A major milestone came in October 2023 when STAHLS’ acquired Fulfill Engine, a software company specializing in order fulfillment, e-commerce integration, and print-on-demand (POD), and officially launched it globally in June 2024 to empower decorators and suppliers with scalable, technology-driven solutions.
STAHLS’ is a longtime member and supporter of NSGA. Ted Stahl is a member of the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame.
GARED BUILDING NEW HEADQUARTERS, STAYING IN NOBLESVILLE, INDIANA
The City of Noblesville announced GARED Performance Sports Systems will relocate its headquarters to the Deer Creek Business Park on the city’s east side from its current location in Noblesville. This new headquarters will retain 125 jobs and create 175 new jobs with competitive wages and is expected to open August 2026.
GARED Performance Sports Systems is a longtime NSGA member.
COATS ACQUIRES ORTHOLITE, ACCELERATING FOOTWEAR GROWTH STRATEGY
Coats, the world’s leading manufacturer in thread and structural components for apparel and footwear and an innovative pioneer in performance materials, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire OrthoLite Holdings LLC, the global market leader of premium insoles, accelerating Coats’ growth strategy to create a super tier 2 supplier in footwear materials.
OrthoLite is a member of NSGA. OrthoLite founder and CEO Glenn Barrett is a member of the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame.
PRIME LINE ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH YETI®
Prime Line, a division of S&S Activewear and a leader in the promotional products industry, announced a partnership with YETI, a globally recognized premium outdoor brand. This collaboration makes Prime Line the preferred supplier of YETI products in the promotional channel, offering its customers access to one of the most sought-after brands in the world.
With this agreement, Prime Line will initially offer a carefully curated selection of YETI’s iconic drinkware, giving distributors a unique opportunity to provide their clients with the ultimate in durability, performance and brand prestige. S&S Activewear is a supporter of NSGA.
GIFT OF THE GAME LAUNCHES EXCLUSIVE TRAINING PLATFORM
Aspiring hockey players across North America can now train directly with two of the sport’s most accomplished champions. Gift Of The Game (GOTG) officially launched, delivering unprecedented access to exclusive video lessons with Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) star Taylor Heise and three-time Stanley Cup champion Duncan Keith.
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NEWS NOW
Continued from page 38
A 5-STAR VIRGINIA TECH HELMET RATING BECOMES TOUGHER TO ATTAIN
The Virginia Tech Helmet Lab has made it more difficult for products to earn a five-star rating.
The helmet lab updated its rating system to include new thresholds for varsity and youth football helmets and bicycle helmets. The new grading scale is the result of the helmet industry’s growth toward better performance on the tests, according to researchers in a story from Virginia Tech.
Five is the top number a helmet can achieve in the STAR (Summation of Tests for the Analysis of Risk) system, which started 15 years ago to calculate a helmet’s performance. The lab conducts a series of impact tests to assign a number of stars.
DUDY STEPS DOWN AS WILSON CEO
Joe Dudy decided to step down as President and CEO of Wilson, effective August 31, to pursue new endeavors outside the company. He will serve as an advisor to Wilson through March 1, 2026.
The company has begun a comprehensive search for the next Wilson leader.
Amer Sports CFO Andrew Page was appointed interim President & CEO of Wilson and the Ball and Racquet Sports segment, effective September 1, 2025, in addition to his current role as Amer Sports CFO.
“On behalf of the Amer Sports Executive Committee and Global Leadership Team, we want to warmly thank Joe for his many valuable contributions to Wilson and Amer Sports over the past 30 years,” said James Zheng, President & CEO of Amer Sports. “Joe has been a highly appreciated and respected brand leader and a valued member of the Global Leadership Team. We extend our best wishes for his future.”
WILSON DEBUTS NEW ULTRA TENNIS RACKET
business through top-tier service and headwear solutions. He’s especially excited about seeing customer logos brought to life on caps and understanding the brand impact that customized headwear can have.
Outdoor Cap is a member of NSGA.
G-FORM® UNVEILS V2 SOCCER SHIN GUARDS
G-Form® announced the launch of the all-new V2 Soccer Shin Guards — the next generation in body-mapped protection and comfort, created for athletes of all ages and levels. Unbelievably lightweight and designed for speed, the V2 guards are built to unlock ultimate performance on the pitch.
G-Form is a member and supporter of NSGA.
Wilson Sporting Goods announced the debut of Ultra v5, the latest evolution of its acclaimed Ultra® franchise, engineered for players who demand dominating power and pinpoint accuracy. Built for intermediate to advanced athletes, Ultra v5 unlocks a broader range of shot potential, making it the most versatile Ultra racket Wilson has ever released. Already turning heads ontour, the Ultra v5 has been embraced by a growing roster of top talent, delivering the reliable, responsive performance that elite players count on. Wilson is a member of NSGA. Chris Considine, Jim Baugh, L.B. Icely and Fred Bowman of Wilson are members of the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame.
OUTDOOR CAP PROMOTES WILSON TO KEY SALES ROLE
Outdoor Cap promoted Hunter Wilson to a key sales role within its Promotional Products and Sports division.
In his new role, Wilson will focus on building strong relationships with customers and helping them grow their
For the latest news and a deeper look at the stories featured in this issue, visit the News section by scanning the QR code or go to nsga.org/news/ or check out the NSGA Scoreboard sent out weekly.
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GIVE ME 5 WITH NATHAN OTTEMAN
General Manager, ANGLES SPORTS | Longmont, Colorado
1. A NATURAL FIT FOR SNOW SPORTS INDUSTRY
I’ve been connected to snow sports for as long as I can remember. My dad had me on skis at an early age, which sparked a lifelong love for the mountains. By the time I was a sophomore in high school, I saved up to buy my first snowboard set-up — and that’s really where my personal passion for snow sports took off. Around that same time, I began working behind the scenes for an e-commerce sports retailer managing product databases and helping with inventory systems. That early hands-on experience in both retail and technology gave me a unique foundation for understanding this industry from the inside out. The best part of this industry, hands down, is the community. Snow sports bring people together in a way few things can — whether it’s chasing powder days, teaching someone to make their first turns or gearing up families for their annual mountain getaway. It’s an industry built around fun, freedom and lifelong memories. I feel fortunate to be a part of it.
2. LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD
This past season was a tough one for us. Longmont saw about half of its average snowfall, and like many shops in the region, we took a hit on sales. Rentals were down and we definitely felt the impact of an unpredictable winter. That said, it reinforced the importance of diversifying our product mix and staying connected with our community year-round.
Looking ahead to the 2025–2026 season, we’re staying optimistic. We’ve already started making strategic adjustments — including deeper pre-season promotions, expanded multi-sport offerings and more partnerships with local resorts and community groups. If there’s one thing this past year taught us, it’s the value of resilience and creativity in this business. We’re ready to hit the ground running when the snow returns.
3. ANGLES PUSH TO GROW PARTICIPATION
We believe the barrier to entry shouldn’t be intimidating, so we focus on education and access. From beginner-friendly rental packages to free community clinics and how-to workshops, we aim to make the sport approachable for everyone. For new skiers, it’s all about experience — ensuring their first day is a great one. We follow up with those guests, invite them to upcoming events, offer discounts on additional rentals and help them find the best equipment as their skills progress. It’s about creating a welcoming environment both in-store and on the slopes.
4. COMMUNITY CONNECTION KEY TO SUCCESS
Community connection is everything. In an era of online competition, specialty retailers thrive by building authentic relationships — with customers, with local resorts and with other businesses. Service, expertise and experience are where we can differentiate. Being involved in your local scene, offering value-added services like boot fitting and tuning and showing up at the mountain keeps you relevant and top-of-mind. Specialty retail succeeds when it becomes a trusted part of the local outdoor culture.
5. FIRST NSGA LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE
The NSGA Leadership Conference was incredible. It’s not every day you get to be in a room with other passionate, forward-thinking retailers and industry leaders. The sessions on evolving consumer expectations, digital marketing trends and experiential retail were especially valuable. I came away with new ideas for loyalty programs, cross-promotional partnerships and ways to integrate online and in-store experiences more seamlessly.
To any fellow NSSRA members considering attending — do it! It’s an investment not just in your business, but in the relationships and ideas that will shape our industry’s future. You’ll leave energized, inspired and equipped with actionable strategies you can implement immediately.
INTRODUCING THE NEW
DESIGNED WITHOUT COMPROMISE
New from VICIS, the industry’s performance leader, the ARC_V1 Varsity Shoulder Pads sport elitelevel technology with new German-engineered CURV™ arch technology, increased breathability and comfort with VICIS Air Management cushioning, and an increased range of motion. Pre-equipped with an attached backplate for complete player protection.
LIGHTWEIGHT WOVEN THERMOPLASTIC COMPOSITE TACTICAL ARCH
The VICIS ARC_V1 leverages CURV™, a self-reinforced thermoplastic composite that provides superior impact severity reduction and increased rigidity when compared to conventional plastics. CURV’s lightweight strength and durability makes it the perfect material choice for athletes looking for top-level protection and improved on-field perfomance.
EXTERNAL ARCH LOAD MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
PRO MOTION INDEPENDENT ARCHES Provides enhanced range of motion for all positions.
ADJUSTABLE CHANNEL SYSTEM
Four-piece adjustable/removable channel system over the AC for customizable fit.
VICIS AIR MANAGEMENT CUSHIONING
The VICIS Air Management System consists of dual-density foam with soft-touch internal quilted lining for increased comfort, protection, and out-of-the-box readiness and fit.
BELT & BUCKLE SYSTEM
Industry-standard belt-and-buckle system allows for easily locking in the fit and maximizes the performance of the arch.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
CURV™ thermoplastic composite internal/external arch and epaulette
Optimized weight-to-stiffness ratio for improved impact distribution
Locking epaulette to protect AC joint during impact
WIDER NECK OPENING
Increased range of motion and improved pre-snap head positioning.
BACK PLATE INCLUDED
VICIS Air Management System – Dual-density foam with soft touch internal quilted lining
Moisture- and sweat-resistant padding
VICIS Varsity Back Plate included
3 Arch styles available:
Also available in an ELITE version with a highly customizable advanced fit system for unparalleled precision.
