Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1372192
Do you think being a woman helps in the business you do in girls' sports? Having played a lot of sports growing up I feel like I bring a certain knowledge set. I don't know that being a woman necessarily helps. I think most customers just want someone that is knowledgeable and will help them get what they need. What advice would you give to other team dealers about selling to female athletes? Female athletes are a big section of customers. Most people will just go to the football teams or the baseball teams, but there are plenty of other sports and organizations that need equipment and uniforms and fan wear. And they usually appreciate that you took the time to talk to them. What advice would you give to any women considering following a similar career path in the team sports business? It's impossible to know everything, so I would say just don't be afraid to ask questions. There are so many knowledgeable reps out there that are willing to help. And don't be afraid to share the knowledge that you do have with the customers. There will always be people that think they know more about something than you and you aren't going to change their mind about something no matter how wrong they are. Most importantly surround yourself with good people. It's easier said than done, but it's important. Finally, what are you expecting for you and your business out of 2021 and what is it going to take to achieve that? Hopefully California will open back up and allow youth sports to happen. That will be the main determining factor I think as to what this year holds for us. That would be nice. Anything else? Last year we did a lot more corporate-type items and our skate shop really took off because it was one of the activities that people were allowed to do here. So if sports do come back I think it will be more of a mix of sports and the stuff that kept us going last year. n BONUS QUESTION How would you describe the advances in products made specifically for female athletes? It has definitely changed from what I have seen over the 10-plus years of doing this. We do a lot on the softball side of things and just seeing Wilson coming out with softball-specific A2000s and Rawlings doing Heart of the Hide gloves. And having different colorways instead of just "here is one glove, hope you like it." For catcher's equipment, Easton and other companies are working with female catchers to come out with product that is more specific to women in terms of fit and function, as well as different colorways. I had a customer ask for a set of maroon catcher's gear and my first thought was, "What is your second choice?" I didn't think there was going to be a stock option, but to my surprise there were multiple vendors that had a stock set of women's maroon catcher's gear. May 2021 • 79 sportstylemag.com • sportstyle A single source to inform the market on the latest trends and newest brands. Published 6X each year: January / March / May / July / September / November The perfect mix of performance, fashion and lifestyle. sportstylemag.com