Scholar Profiles

SCHOLAR

PROFILES Scholars are listed alphabetically by last name.

Five sports and fitness professionals have been named to the class of 2017 Future Industry Leaders Scholarship Program. This competitive, applicationbased scholarship program provides complimentary SFIA Industry Leaders Summit registration and is an unmatched learning and networking opportunity. Eligible applicants were required to be under 40 years old, currently work for an SFIA corporate or non-profit member company and have executive “C” level aspirations. All applicants were asked to provide their vision for the future of the sports and fitness industry and how they intend to contribute to that vision. This year’s class includes:

BEN BLOOMFIELD

Account Manager & Sales Analyst, Akervall Technologies, Inc. (SISU Mouth Guards)

Ben Bloomfield began his career in the sports and fitness industry as an intern with SISU Mouth Guards in late 2014. After graduating in June of 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business and Psychology from Kalamazoo College, Ben went on to advance his role with SISU. After spending one year in a supportive position as an administrative sales assistant, Ben now works as an account manager and sales analyst for Akervall Technologies, parent company for SISU Mouth Guards and SOVA Night Guards. Ben is passionate about new product development, organizational efficiency, and directional growth.

MICHELLE GONZALEZ

Account Executive, Iron Grip Barbell Company

Account Executive at Iron Grip Barbell Co. - Central & Eastern US, Canada, Mexico, Central & South America at Iron Grip Barbell Co. Michelle was born and raised in Orange County, California and attended Washington State University. She was a competitive track and field athlete and worked as an Athletic Trainer for the University while attaining her Kinesiology degree. Upon graduating college she pursued her passion to work in healthcare and served as the Corporate Wellness Consultant for Sunnyside Community Hospital in Washington. After moving back to California she pursued a career in nutraceutical sales for Metagenics where Michelle was awarded the Circle of Excellence. Her love of health

fitness and salesmanship lead her to Iron Grip Barbell Company which she has had the pleasure of working at for 2 ½ years. During her time at Iron Grip she has had the opportunity to work manage several National Accounts including; YMCA’s, Equinox/Blink, Town Sport International, Gold’s Gym, Retro Fitness, YouFit, Midtown Athletic Club, The Edge Fitness, Plus One/Optum, and XSport Fitness. When she is not traveling for business she travels for pleasure primarily to visit her family in Colorado.

COLIN JOHNSON

Test and Certification Program Lead, VICIS, Inc.

Colin has nearly a decade of test and design experience in the aerospace and outdoor sporting goods industries. He is currently leading the VICIS test and certification program, ensuring the helmets meet the highest standards of performance and safety. He is an ambitious learner and an aspiring leader. As an avid hockey player, snowboarder, and mountain biker, he is no stranger to the benefits of leading an active lifestyle. He likes to spend his weekends getting into the mountains with family and friends.

JARRED LAW

Category Manager – Accessories & Apparel, Under Armour

Jarred grew up loving sports and played at least one sport each season. He was fortunate enough to continue his sports career in college playing lacrosse for Ohio Wesleyan University. Once he graduated he knew he wanted to do something in the sports industry. He was lucky enough to land a job with Under Armour and has been working in the sporting goods industry in a number of different roles for the past 10.5 years. When he’s not working on making athletes better he is usually enjoying time with his wife Kara and two sons James and Tommy.

MICHAEL WRIGHT

Community Partnerships Manager, Good Sports, Inc.

Michael Wright joined Good Sports as a Program Assistant in 2011, and is now the team’s Community Partnerships Manager. Michael ensures the consistent progress and growth of all community donations and also focuses on building relationships in the sporting goods industry to encourage future donations of equipment. Prior to his time with Good Sports, Michael worked at the front desk for MLB Network for two years. He graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2009 with a degree in Coaching and Administration. While there he worked for 4 years as a student equipment manager, where he grew his knowledge and awareness of the sports equipment and apparel that he is responsible for donating today. In his free time, Michael enjoys spending time with his wife and 2-year-old son, and is an avid Red Sox and Miami Dolphins fan!