An interview with vendor John Hagan

Patrick: Welcome to this week's edition of SportsWise. Today I sit down with John Hagan. But before we get into it, John, tell the people a little bit about yourself.

John: What do you want to know?

Patrick: Well, to begin with, when did you begin at StreetWise?

John: I began in January 2014. At the time, I chose StreetWise over Temporary Labor Agency Staff Networking because I could work my own hours and be paid every day.

Patrick: How many years into your tenure did you become part of the QAT (quality assurance team)? John: It was about a year later (December 2014) when I became QAT. On the “StreetWise Meet the QAT Team,” it was me, Lawrence Brown, Scott Elders, Russell Adams, A. Allen, Jimmie Beckless, Don Smith, and a guy named Jason.

Patrick: What about SportsWise? How did the role come about?

John: I began SportsWise during Winter 2015. It was a blast, too. It was me, Vince Collaso, Russell Adams, and Bill Coats. Today, Donald’s on board after replacing Vince, and, you, Patrick, after replacing Bill Coats.

Patrick: Interesting. All right, so let's get to what we’re here for then, cool? A hot topic courtesy of SportsWise.

John: Sounds good. Okay, before I go on, I first wanna say that I hope that Russell Adams & Donald Morris are doing okay. I miss seeing those guys regularly.

Patrick: Me, too. And they are well. John: Good. So the question I want to answer is: Should the NHL/NBA/and MLB play games without fans during the COVID-19 outbreak? Speaking only for myself, I believe the answer is Yes, they should play the games without the fans. With the weather getting warmer, I say it's time to get back to work, which is what Phase 1 of starting the economy is all about. I think there'll be nothing better than to have live sports again.

Patrick: Well, I wouldn't be against watching some live sports on TV.

John: I'm sure we aren't the only ones. And even if this means no fans in the stands, just to get away from the daily stress of thinking COVID-19 thoughts and behaving according to the disease's puppeteering, I think it'll be worth it.

Patrick: Interesting. Anything else to add?

John: Yes. Landlords won't be patient, plus we can care for people and reopen the economy at the same time. And, yes, I believe this to be the best solution out there today.

Patrick: Cool. Thanks, John, for your perspective on the relationship between COVID-19 and sporting viewership. You've definitely put something on my mind, and I’m sure on others’ minds. Now, I do have one more question--a quick one—Why do you continue with StreetWise after all these years? Especially with having your hands in various aspects of the business--and that's not even talking about religiously standing at your spot and selling the magazine. So, what is it?

John: Well, first, You’re welcome. Plain and simple, I do this because it gives me an opportunity to remain independent.