Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame

Mort Finkelstein (Deceased August 17, 2023 at 93) 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 and was also very involved in a variety of philanthropic efforts throughout his life, especially numerous Jewish organizations and Michigan State University. 

Please note: This biography was produced from the nominating materials in the candidate’s nominating year, so the information may not be current.