Contact Sports, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Alfa International Corp., today announced that it has signed a two year consulting agreement with Jack A. Smith, founder and former C.E.O. of The Sports Authority (TSA).
Mr. Smith was Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of TSA since he founded it in 1987 until retiring in April 1999. TSA went public in November 1994 and remains one of the country’s premier sports apparel retailers.
Prior to TSA, Mr. Smith held senior executive management positions at major retailers including: Herman’s Sporting Goods, Sears & Roebuck, Montgomery Ward, Jefferson Stores and Diana Shops.
Under his leadership and guidance, The Sports Authority experienced rapid sales growth and was recognized with numerous industry awards.
Mr. Smith’s wide ranging agreement contemplates his assisting Contact in all areas of its business – from marketing and sales to management, finance and operations. Mr. Smith maintains significant high-level management contacts at most major retailers. In addition, he will participate in creating and executing many of the company’s marketing campaigns and will participate in company-sponsored events.
Jack Smith commented, “Many companies approach me to work with them – but theyre usually the same old me-too products. The quality and design freshness of Contact’s product line is superior to anything Ive seen in a very long time – and I am enormously impressed with Contact’s management team. Also I know what the retailer needs – great design, superior materials, sufficient marketing support and excellent pricing. Contact Sports has it all. Im not easily sold, but Im convinced there’s a niche to be filled by the nationwide roll out of the Contact Sports product line.”
Kye Giscombe, President of Contact Sports said, ” The next few years will be a period of rapid growth for Contact Sports and were delighted to have Jack’s help. His extensive knowledge of the retail sporting goods industry will prove invaluable to Contact’s sales and branding efforts”.
Frank J. Drohan, Alfa’s Chairman continued, “Retail stores – which are impressed by Contact’s compellingly fresh designs and aggressive pricing – will be the source of Contact’s sales growth. With Jack’s help and national visibility – he was Chairman of The National Sporting Goods Association – were confident of rapid sales growth. Jack’s enthusiasm for our products combined with his executive and marketing skills will help us develop and implement the Company’s strategic plans.”
