Team Insight

68 Team Insight / November 2017 teaminsightmag.com PROFILE / 2017 TEAM DEALER OF THE YEAR A cap for all seasons American made for the American consumer ™ P.O. Box 536 Tualatin, OR 97062-0536 (503) 885-8086 email: thedhwon @ aol.com Available in Size, Adjustable & Stretch Fit. Available in High, Mid & Low Profile. Flat Visors are Available Upon Request. Size Caps Manufactured from Size 6 1/2 up to Size 8 1/4 Available in Size, Adjustable & Stretch Fit. Available in High, Mid & Low Profile. Flat Visors are Available Upon Request. Size Caps Manufactured from Size 6 1/2 up to Size 8 1/4 Design by Leadership Design by Leadership Team Star Classic ™ Team Star Classic ™ Team Star Classic ™ Team Star Classic ™ B rine's Sporting Goods has been a member of the Athletic Dealers of America (ADA) since August, 1999. James Brine, who passed away in August of 2012 at the age of 48, served on its Board of Directors for over a decade. "Jim was a dear friend and an astute businessman, but beyond that he was committed to his family, active in the community and at St. Margaret's Catholic Church," recalls ADA president Pete Schneider. "He was one of the finest men I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with over my 42 years in the industry." Schneider has equal praise for the current owner, Jim's sister Maura Allen. "What an accomplishment it is for Brine's Sporting Goods and Maura, who represents the sixth generation of family ownership, to be celebrating their 150th year in business," Schneider says. "In today's world of big-box stores, Brine's Sporting Goods continues to stand out with a knowledgeable staff, personal attention, select product lines and excellent customer service. "She has done a great job continuing the Brine family tradition," he adds. The Brine's/ADA connection continues beyond mere membership. Starting in 2013 the buying group named the scholarship it provides annually to the NSGA Management Conference the Jim Brine Memorial Scholarship. One ADA member each year receives the scholarship to offset the costs to attend the NSGA conference. The ADA Connection "We were given ownership shares for time served," she jokes. Unfortunately, her brother died of cancer within two months of their final payment and ownership fell squarely on her shoulders. "To know Jim was to love and respect him," Allen says. Her strength, with the help of her extended family and business friends, including the store's membership in the Athletic Dealers of America buying group, allowed the business to continue in tumultuous times. Even now, though, Allen is somewhat amazed the business has been able to survive through five generations. "I didn't think I would make it here after my dad's retirement and my brother's death," Allen admits. "As they say, it takes a village. My five brothers, my in-laws and every employee stepped up to keep things going." Headed into 2018 Brine's is like many other small businesses fighting to be relevant in an age of the Internet. The challenges of running an independent team business and sporting goods store have changed drastically over the years, Allen says. "We have been challenged for a few decades by the growing chains like Sports Authority, Herman's at one time, and Dick's, to name a few," she says, pointing to Brine's role in the community as a major factor in its longevity. "I believe our locations have played a part," Allen adds. "We have become part of the community, a neighbor to visit and support. Plus, I would like to think I am likable." Manufacturers, starting with Nike years ago, have certainly made things more difficult for smaller operations such as Brine's by making opening minimum orders beyond their reach to have full access, she points out. "Being part of a buying group has helped with that." So has utilizing technology offered by Ordermygear.com, which offers Brine's another revenue stream through its online team stores. Another generation of Brine's will hopefully keep the business alive, Allen says. With 19 nieces and nephews, she welcomes anyone who is interested in joining the family business. Just don't ask her to start 19 more stores for each of those family members. Q

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