Interview with Mike Vavra, president
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: It started as a small distributor in food products and grew into sports equipment in the early ’90s, when baseball was on strike. I coached Little League and softball for years. I started selling to local Little League clubs and it grew to high schools and all clubs on all levels, covering all the team sports and their officials. Many contacts were made throughout the years with parents and coaches I had come in contact with.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: We can offer a personal touch of customer service by being able to suggest products that work for each customer, young or old. We don’t have the overhead that the big box stores have, and our customers don’t get caught up in the mass numbers. We properly size each customer in shoes and football helmets, giving the parents and customers a feeling of trust that we are professional at what we do, properly fitting for their sport and at the best price. We carry some unique and hard-to-find items. Some stores don’t have the variety or the room to carry such items as coaches’ equipment, first-aid supplies, parts and replacement hardware pieces.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: We have seen so many good athletes grow from a young age to adults, and we even later supply their kids. Many times, our advice and suggestions have led to their future success. The business is always changing, with new and improved products, innovations and new training techniques. The best of all is when you see the smiles and happiness on the kids faces when they get a new piece of sports equipment that they had their hearts set on.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: Keeping up with the times and innovations; financial and banking changes; increased freight and transportation cost from manufacturers, even though fuel is still less expensive than a year ago; and taxes.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: We are almost always less expensive than other competitors. We stock a lot of stuff and we are willing to order what a customer needs if we don’t carry a particular item. We are local. Most people don’t realize we are here in Aurora.
Profile
Business: Coaches Choice Sports Equipment
Address: 565 Nucla Way, Unit F
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday, call ahead on Sunday
Founded: 1990
Contact: 303-360-7939, ccathletic
Employees: 3
