Back
to News
CONTACT:
Marty Maciaszek, Director of Communications and Team Dealer Division
mmaciaszek@nsga.org
(847) 296-6742, ext. 1260
DOWNERS GROVE, ILLINOIS (June 1, 2022) – The National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) made two changes to its Board of Directors with the appointments of Troy M. Freeman (Winmark Corporation/Play It Again Sports) and John Scipio (SV Sports). Their three-year terms took effect June 1.
“Troy and John bring tremendous experience and insight from the sporting goods industry to the NSGA Board,” said Matt Carlson, NSGA President & CEO. “Their passion, enthusiasm and desire to help the Association navigate the challenges ahead for our members and everyone in the industry will make them great additions.”
Freeman has been Director of Operations with Play It Again Sports since 2018 and held operations manager and senior operations manager positions since he joined the company in 2004. He has played an integral role in supporting Winmark – the Resale Company® and its focus on sustainability, value and providing Resale for Everyone™, by supporting franchisees in providing quality used and new sporting goods in their local communities.
Freeman’s close work with his team helped develop category strategy with the buyers, establish operational excellence and solicit feedback from franchisees to help Play It Again Sports become the leader as the No. 1 franchise in used sporting goods retail with more than 272 stores open and several in development.
The Minnesota native received his degree from Winona State University and spent 13 years in retail in the drug store industry serving all levels of management. Throughout the early part of his career he touched every aspect of retail management including marketing, brand development, vendor relations, human resources, cash management and promotions.
“I’ve always been a sports and fitness enthusiast with a lifetime love for playing and being involved in sports, in particular a passion for hockey,” Freeman said. “I’ve developed the mindset that sports are more than a ball or a puck! It’s the lives of people that are positively impacted by the joy of playing Little League or establishing a healthy lifestyle through sport through our Play It Again Sports brand, which helps bring ‘Resale for Everyone™.’ I’m excited to bring my professional experience and skill to the NGSA Board.”
Scipio is the CEO of SV Sports (formerly known as Schuylkill Valley Sports), a regional full-line sporting goods and team dealer based in Pennsylvania. When Scipio and his partners acquired SV Sports in August 2021 it made the company the largest African American owned and led sporting goods retailer and team dealer in North America. He is providing the strategic vision and overseeing the organizational restructuring of SV Sports.
Scipio served in various leadership roles during his 25-year career in the sporting goods industry. He led the sales and marketing functions for Nike and the innovative basketball brand AND1 and he is a brand, sales and marketing strategist who clearly understands culture and its fiscal impact. Scipio also moderated a panel on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion on May 23 at the NSGA Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit in Scottsdale, Arizona.
“Sports has been such a major part of my life and I’m thrilled to share my passion and variety of experiences with the NSGA Board of Directors,” Scipio said. “I am looking forward to bringing ideas which will help retailers and dealers succeed in what is an extremely challenging business environment. Their success is vital to one of the best aspects of our industry, which is our ability to help people of all ages and backgrounds participate and have successful experiences through sports.”
Freeman and Scipio replace Jerry Williams (SV Sports) and David Lynn (Dunham’s Sports, Troy, Michigan) on the NSGA Board. Williams and Lynn’s terms expired at the end of May 2022.
“We appreciate the dedication and service to NSGA from Jerry and David to help the Association and the sporting goods industry,” Carlson said. “We are glad to have SV Sports continue to be represented on the Board and look forward to continuing to work with the Dunham’s Sports family.”
About the National Sporting Goods Association
Since 1929, the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) has been the leading voice and go-to resource for the sporting goods industry. NSGA helps the industry grow its businesses through research, advocacy and networking. For more information about membership or NSGA’s products and services, please visit nsga.org.