sportstyle

As a working mom with five kids, I know that flexibility in the workplace is essential for employees with children. (Editor's Note: Five kids!!!) Go on… at's probably the most apparent sensibility I bring to Pro-Am. I also support developing female leaders in our office. If you want to lean into stereotypes, women are better com- municators than men and I think a lot about how we are communicating in the workplace. Do you think being a woman helps in the business your company does in girls' sports? We have a diverse staff, including many women in sales. Indeed, their own experience as players or moms of players helps them understand the needs of female players. Also, as more athletic directors and coaches are women, they like to support women-owned businesses. at's crucial to our company. We're creating our network, which is great provided you meet their needs. How would you describe the advances in prod- ucts made specifically for female athletes in the time you have been in the team sports business? ere are more and more opportunities for female athletes than ever before, and vendors are responding to that growth. Female apparel is no longer an aerthought. ere are more style and color options than ever before. What advice would you give to other team dealers about reaching out and selling to female athletes? You need to listen to your female customers and know what is available to meet their needs. ey have definite opinions on what they want to wear and many times they want different options in apparel or equioment than are cur- rently available. Also, what advice would you give to any young women considering following a similar career path in the team sports business? My advice is not gender-specific. To survive in this business, you have to be an excellent problem-solver and not get flustered when problems arise — because they always do. You also have to be curious and explore areas outside your comfort zone because, at least initially, you won't be able to afford all the experts you need to run a business successfully. Finally, what are you expecting for you and your business out of 2022 and what is it going to take to achieve that? is is going to be a great year. Our focus is on creating production efficiencies, identifying the staff we need and improving our equipment and soware needs. I'm excited to put all these pieces together to reach our goals finally. n It is very important to be a role model for young women and show a "we can do it" attitude. I deal with company issues that everyone faces regardless of gender. sportstylemag.com • sportstyle May/June 2022 • 73 WHAT'S ON YOUR CUSTOMER'S MIND? SEE OUR EXCLUSIVE CONSUMER SURVEYS. POWERED BY MESH01 trendinsightmag.com SEIZE THE TREND

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