Filling a need and looking forward
Small businesses have been called the “backbone of the American economy.”
They put money back into the local community through paychecks and taxes which, in turn, help improve local services. Small businesses, like those found in Custer County, also can adapt to their customers needs and wants as they move forward and grow.
One such business is Geared4Sports. When Hogan’s Sporting Goods in Broken Bow closed, Scott Cyboron saw a need that needed to be filled. “I always thought Broken Bow needed a sporting goods store,” he said. “When Hogan’s closed, there was still a need.”
Cyboron and his family opened Geared4Sports in November, 2016. It was a natural fit for Cyboron.
“I’ve always loved sports,” he said. “I played football and basketball at Centura High School.” He and his family moved to Broken Bow when his wife, Amy, a Broken Bow native, took a job at Adams Land & Cattle. Cyboron was working in the insurance business which he left to open the store.
The Cyborons have four children all of whom were and are active in high school activities. The oldest, Josh, is now a teacher, Alyssa and Kassidy are both in college. Evan is in high school. Like his siblings, he’s active is sports.
The store is in line with those activities. “Athletics are an important part of a lot of kids’ lives. It keeps them active,” Cyboron said.
Most anything that’s needed for sports can either be found at Geared4Sports or ordered. There is a variety of clothing, braces, equipment, balls, shoes, running gear, jerseys and fan gear. Colors are chosen with local schools in mind.
“We try to get royal blue for South Loup,” Cyboron said. “Forest green for Sandhills-Thedford. Black works for every school. And of course, red for Broken Bow and Anselmo-Merna.”
A local store has advantages. Customers can try on clothing, touch and compare items before purchasing. There’s no shipping when you shop local and the customer walks out of the store with the item in hand. Cyboron and the store staff are available for any questions and follow up. As for prices, Cyboron said they are in line with what customers will find online and in big box stores.
“You will find the price is the same. Many items are (retail) priced by the vendors,”he said. “We price match. You never have to go somewhere else to get a better price, and if you catch my sales, you get a real good price.”
If you’re looking for something that’s not on the shelf, go ahead and ask. Local businesses have contacts with the vendors and no doubt, if it’s available, Cyboron can find it.
Geared4Sports does have a website, however, online ordering is still being developed. When customers see something they like online, they can give the store a call. Purchases have been shipped across the country, including to New York, California and Florida. They’ve shipped a little bit of everything - shoes, spikes, footballs and clothing.
Cyboron mentioned that recently he had an order from Wayne State College. “They did a google search and found us on the web, They found what they were looking for right here in Broken Bow,” he said.
In the midst of making a living, however, Cyboron and his wife don’t forget to make a life for themselves. They are members of the Broken Bow Elks Lodge and the Optimists; Cyboron belongs to the Knights of Columbus and is vice-president for the Broken Bow Chamber of Commerce. They stay busy, too, keeping up with family and all their activities.
“We always put family first,” Cyboron said.“We’ve been fortunate to have somebody to watch the store so I can go to kids’ activities or take vacation. We have good employees and friends.” That’s one of the things he said he enjoys about running his own business, having employees who can take over when he needs to attend a family event or activity. The store currently employs eight part-time workers. “You have to treat employees right,” Cyboron stated. “Show that you trust them.”
According to entrepreneur.com, small businesses pay more than 44 percent of the nation’s private payroll. They also are integral in keeping their communities moving forward, not only in hiring, but also in support of their communities. They are asked to support many local causes – from school athletics and activities to fund raisers and benefits.
“Our kids have benefited from people donating things. We feel like we should do the same,” Cyboron said. “It’s a great way to help the kids.
It’s appreciated, too, when local organizations and schools turn to local businesses to fill their needs. “It feels really good,” Cyboron said. “It feels like our efforts are recognized. They realize we are local and that we support them when we have the chance to do so.”
For those who are looking forward to opening their own business, Cyboron has some advice. Have patience. “It takes time to develop a business base,” he explained. “Expect it to take three or four years to see the fruits of your labor.” He added, “Don’t be afraid to take risks. And advertise.”
After more than six years in business, Cyboron and Geared4Sports continue to look forward with plans to expand their already wide selection of inventory. “We’re in the process of getting new vendors to offer even more options here in Broken Bow,” he said.
As Geared4Sports moves forward into the future, it will continue to fill the needs of customers near and far.
“Broken Bow and Custer County is a great place,” Cyboron said. “You can realize what we have here and a give local a chance. There are a lot of great things happening here.”