Celebrating 25 Years
The Sports Link was established in 1992 by founder and President Mario Halapir and his friend Barry MacLean, a successful FIFA Licensed Agent. Halapir’s passion for soccer fueled a vision to open a specialty store surrounding a sport that, 25 years ago, was less familiar in North America. Halapir, a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University, and current Head Coach of the Golden Hawks men’s team, credits his loyal customers for the success of his business. “We have an incredibly unique culture at The Sports Link,” notes Halapir. “Our success is no doubt due to a loyal customer base and our incredible team that is passionate and committed to servicing our customers as family and friends”. Three long-tenured employees have signed on as co-owners of the business and Halapir credits their commitment and loyalty as a key component to the company’s success.
“Whether our client is a small family business or one of our large franchise accounts, we treat them with the same importance and detail to service,” adds Steve Chapman, acting Corporate Sales Manager and employee of 23 years. Richie Antolcic, Operations Manager, looks after large key accounts as well as day-to-day operations. “Longevity is not easy in this business and we are proud to be one of 9 soccer specialty businesses in Canada that have reached the 25-year milestone,” states Antolcic, whose tenure at The Sports Link is an impressive 22 years. Skylarr Rothernel, who started as a co-op student over 15 years ago, manages the Retail Operations and excels in Corporate sales.
The Sports Link is made up of three divisions: retail, institutional and corporate
The retail division is predominantly soccer specialty focused and customers have been known to drive from surrounding areas like London and even Owen Sound to browse the selection of specialized soccer products.
The institutional division has been proudly supplying educational institutions, including elementary, high school, college and universities with spirit wear and equipment as well as team uniforms for all sports.
The Corporate Division provides promotional items and programs for small business and national accounts.
“We are sophisticated enough to handle large corporate accounts and at the same time, our retail staff know most our customers on a first name basis. We know the (soccer) club they support and are always ready to engage in friendly banter about the latest sports news,” adds Rothernel.
Halapir recognizes his full-time staff members, but also the 6 part-time employees who share his passion for a great customer experience. Speak to any member of The Sports Link team and you’ll hear that work doesn’t feel like “work” and that customers have become good friends.
With 25 year under their belt, what’s next? “We look forward to the next 25 years!” exclaims a fiery Halapir. “We are in the process of expanding our corporate sales team and will be unveiling our wholesale division in the next 6 months--giving our customers a continued reason to be with us for the next 25 years”. People tend to ask Halapir, “when do you sleep?” because of his many commitments. When he’s not at the Sports Link, he’s at Elite Athletes International, a soccer development company that has been servicing athletes for over 20 years. He’s also the General Manager of The Core Lifestyle and Recreation Complex and works with The Kitchener Elite Academy for the Kitchener Soccer Club.
Halapir is humbled by his success in business and admits that he couldn’t have done it without those closest to him. “Blessed, is how I describe my last 25 years. Without my parents, sister, wife and my partners, none of this is possible!”
Contact The Sports Link for details about their celebratory open house in October. The whole team is looking forward to sharing this milestone with family, friends and of course, loyal customers.