Sqairz has expanded its Board of Directors, appointing three new members—Keith Bank, Bobby Barad and Strider Elass—as the company moves toward becoming a “multi-sport footwear conglomerate.”
Founded as a footwear company for golfers, Sqairz reported in a media release that it has evolved to include all “land-based sports” and “by pioneering a unique design that facilitates ground force production, it is breaking the mold and redefining how athletes interact with the ground, an area that has traditionally been overlooked in footwear design. In sports, where proper movement is the key to success, [Sqairz’s] innovative approach ensures that athletes can perform at their best by optimizing their connection to the ground.
New board members include Keith Bank. Sqairz said that Bank is a valuable asset because he brings “strategic insights and innovative thinking to the role, which will be instrumental as the company continues revolutionizing golf and sports footwear.” The company also noted that Bank “has a wealth of experience in venture capital and entrepreneurship.” As the Founder and CEO of KB Partners since 1996, Bank has an “impressive track record of successful exits, including Club Champion Golf, Golf.com, Buddy Media, and more.” His extensive background in early-stage technology investments across sports and other diverse industries and his deep-rooted involvement in the golf community, notably through founding the Chicago Select Golf Invitational and being a National Trustee of the First Tee.”
Bobby Barad, a seasoned sports industry executive and attorney, brings over 25 years of experience representing Major League Baseball players and negotiating “over $500 million in contracts.” Barad’s expertise extends beyond athlete representation to “pioneering consumer goods and service companies within the sports industry.“ His “profound understanding of the sports footwear landscape and his innovative marketing approach“ will provide Sqairz “with a fresh perspective on expanding its market presence.“
Strider Elass, senior economist and partner at First Trust Portfolios L.P., brings a wealth of analytical expertise to the Board. He has been recognized by Bloomberg, Consensus Economics, and Financial Advisor IQ as a top economic forecaster to interpret and anticipate market trends. and will provide invaluable insights for Sqairz in strategic planning and market positioning.“ His extensive experience as an angel investor and board member further strengthens the Board’s diverse expertise.
“We are thrilled to welcome Keith, Bobby and Strider to our Board of Directors,“ said Robert Winskowicz, CEO and founder of Sqairz. “Their collective experience and visionary leadership will help guide Sqairz to new heights in the sports footwear industry. These appointments mark a significant milestone as we leverage the Sqairz technology globally in our transition from being golf-centric into being a sports performance footwear entity.”
Image courtesy Sqairz
