It is not often that a team dealer gets to celebrate its 80th year in business – and for that business to remain family-owned and operated is even rarer. But that is exactly the milestone Egelston Maynard Sports marked in 2025. Based in Covington, KY, the team dealer and sporting goods retailer was founded in 1945 and as it enters its ninth decade in business it continues to serve athletes, schools and families across its tri-state area.

Current owner Vance Wiegand has been with the company for 43 years and the business remains unabashedly and proudly local.

“Every purchase supports local families,” he says. “We’re grateful for our community’s loyalty and look forward to serving the area for another 80 years.”

Since this is the Girls’ and Women’s Sports issue of Team Insight we turned to the future of Egelston Maynard Sports, Vance’s daughter Alison Wiegand, who is leading the next generation by expanding online sales and initiating new business partnerships, for insight into the dynamics of working in a family-run business, where the dealer fits into the local sporting goods scene in 2026 and what the future holds.

Team Insight: First off, congratulations on celebrating your 80th year in business. That’s quite an accomplishment. What can you tell us about the unique challenges of operating a family-owned business?

Alison Wiegand: Like any family-owned business, there are definitely challenges — but far more blessings than burdens. One of the biggest challenges is learning how to truly “leave work at work,” especially when conversations about teams, coaches or customers could easily spill into weekends and family time. It also takes extra patience and grace, because it’s often easier to vent frustrations with the people you love most.

Yes, we hear that from a lot of family-owned busineses.

That said, the rewards are incredibly special. As a daughter who has been blessed with the most selfless, kind, humble and genuinely funny father, there is no greater gift than getting to work alongside him every day. Whether it’s walking past my dad’s desk multiple times a day or catching up with my mom during their lunch break, those moments are a constant reminder of how fortunate I am. Running a family business isn’t always easy — but it’s deeply meaningful.

You are a member of Sports, Inc. buying group, where there are a number of family-owned businesses. What are the benefits of that relationship?

We have been a proud member of Sports, Inc. since 2010 and it has been a tremendous experience for our business. Being part of Sports, Inc. allows us to network with some of the top sporting goods retailers and brands in the country, which is invaluable in an ever-changing industry.

How does that networking pay off?

We truly believe in the idea of #BetterTogether. The opportunity to bounce ideas off other sporting goods owners, learn what’s working (and what isn’t) and stay up to date with the latest products and services helps us continue to grow and better serve our customers. The collaboration, shared knowledge and support within the group have played a meaningful role in our long-term success.

How has the team sports business changed in the years you have been involved?

I joined Egelston Maynard Sports in 2020, right in the middle of COVID when schools, clubs and teams were shut down. It was a scary and uncertain time for our industry.

How did you handle that unique challenge?

In order to keep the business moving forward, I focused on identifying industries that were considered “essential.” That led us to serving multiple local fire departments, whose uniforms we now decorate in-house — relationships that remain incredibly meaningful to us.

And you helped Egelson Maynard move into the digital age?

At the same time, I prioritized strengthening our digital presence. I saw a growing need for online shopping and a strong social media strategy and I worked to bring that digital edge to Egelston Maynard Sports. Over the past several years, we’ve continued to expand online stores for teams, clubs, churches and organizations, making it easier than ever for customers to order apparel and gear.

You work with OrderMyGear?

That focus on digital growth was recognized in 2025 when I was honored with the “Miss Spiffy” award by OrderMyGear, which recognizes the top female in online sales using their platform. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to help evolve the business while honoring the strong foundation that has been in place for 80 years.

How do you manage to compete with the national brands selling direct, BSN and internet sellers? To what do you attribute the ability to stay in business for 80 years?

I’m very intentional about thanking our customers every time they choose to shop locally and support our 80-year-old company. I understand there is a lot of competition in today’s marketplace, which is exactly why our customer service has to be exceptional. We’re not just selling products — we’re continuing a legacy built on trust, relationships and reliability.

So what is your technique?

We operate with an “attitude of gratitude” and I truly believe that mindset earns long-term loyalty. When customers feel valued and cared for, they come back — not just for a season, but for years and even decades. There’s also something special about knowing you can walk into a long-standing local store and work with people who genuinely care about your needs.

So it is digital plus that personal touch?

At the end of the day, our strength lies in personal service, competitive solutions and being deeply rooted in the community we serve. That combination continues to set us apart and keeps customers choosing local.

For you personally, what are the challenges – and opportunities – of being a woman in the male-dominated team sports business.

Early on, one of the biggest challenges was being taken seriously. In the beginning, many of the men in the industry – coaches and fellow sporting goods reps – didn’t see me as a major player. I was often underestimated. Rather than letting that discourage me, I chose to let my work speak for itself.

What was your strategy to accomplish that?

Through consistency, grit and providing the best and most responsive customer service possible, I’ve earned trust, respect, repeat business and referrals over time. I’ve also been honored to receive national recognition from OrderMyGear in 2023, 2024, and 2025, which affirmed that hard work and commitment truly matter.

Does being a woman selling team sports provide you any advantages?

The opportunity in being a woman in this industry is bringing a relational, service-first approach. I believe success comes from showing up prepared, staying curious, and never being complacent. I’ve learned that you can’t be lazy in this business — and you should never be “bored” at work. There’s always room to improve, innovate, and reach new customers.

Any final words for our readers before you get back to work?

Living by the Golden Rule – treating people the way you want to be treated – has been foundational to my success. Over time, coaches and customers often become friends and those relationships are what make this career so rewarding.