Andrew George said the family-owned and operated business is fueled by their love of sports and a desire to give back to the community.
“We saw an opportunity with all the great things happening in Hamilton and the excellent support we have been getting from the (Greater Hamilton Chamber of Commerce) as brand new small business owners in the area,” he said.
“We just want to make that, with both of us being in elementary school, we focus on youth and we want to make sure that every kid has every opportunity to have a bat, glove, football, pad or whatever they would need to play a sport and just be active in the community and live a healthy lifestyle.”
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The business offers everything from board games, baseball gloves, hockey equipment and fan gear to swim goggles, fitness equipment and umpire gear
“You name it, we have it,” George said. “We focus on all of the sports that are offered in our schools.”
The business, which takes its name from George’s son, Joseph Andrew George, also sells fishing and hunting licenses and deals in “anything custom” including business promotional items.
“Really, the sky’s the limit,” he said. “You ask us what you need and we can get it for you, even if it’s not really sporting goods-related.”
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The business already has partnered with local YMCAs and youth programs/little leagues. and supports military and first responders with discounts.
It plans to launch support for the local community in August with a “Round-Up for Kids” option when checking out.
“These donations will be collected and distributed to local children who want to play sports, but need assistance with the entry fee,” George said. “We will also make available fundraisers for the schools and youth programs monthly to help support their budgets.”
George said he and his wife grew up in Hamilton’s schools and played in its local youth leagues, hearing “every now and again” about a child who has a baseball glove that is 20 years old and is falling apart.
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“We want to be able to offer that child to come in here and get heavily discounted equipment or, if they’re not playing simply because they can’t pay the sign-up fee, that’s why we’re doing the round-up,” he said.
An ideal candidate for the program will be a student who has a good attendance record, good grades or good behavior, George said.
For more information, call 513-887-1524 or visit www.facebook.com/jagsportinggoods.
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