Louisville Magazine is Louisville's city magazine, covering Louisville people, lifestyles, politics, sports, restaurants, entertainment and homes. Includes a monthly calendar of events.
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ORIGIN STORY SHIVELY SPORTING GOODS M ONE QUESTION ike Flanders has learned two important lessons in 42 years of business: stick to what you're good at and don't be afraid to ask. He now oversees operations at Shively Sporting Goods, the business his parents opened in 1968. He started there in 1972 doing odd jobs after school. Since the beginning, the majority of the store's business has been team sales — customized jerseys, trophies and the like. Flanders says the company has made awards for all the local Catholic high schools, plus Bellarmine and the University of Louisville. One of those awards hangs in Cardinal basketball coach Rick Pitino's ofce. Shively Sporting Goods started with six employees and has grown to 25, including Flanders' mother, sister, three sons and one nephew. He says the way the store looks hasn't changed much since 1968. Shoes, socks, cleats, protective padding — basically anything you'd need to play a team sport — hang on walls and racks. Virginia, Flanders' mother, who still works in accounting at the store, says Converse Chuck Taylors were a big seller when they frst opened. Teir biggest sellers now? Nike Hyperdunk and Adidas Crazyquick basketball shoes. Flanders learned the value of going out and building business relationships early on in his career. "Dad fipped me his car keys and said, 'Go out and try to fnd me some business,'" he says. "So I used to go over to Crawford Gym where U of L used to play pickup ball. Tat's where coach (Denny) Crum's ofce was. So I went in there and just cold-called coach Crum, knocked on his door, introduced myself, and he ordered three dozen socks and three dozen jocks." U of L athletics has been a client ever since. Baxter Avenue Theatres 1250 Bardstown Road Opened in September 1996 SOCKS AND JOCKS All in the family: Virginia Flanders (center) fanked by daughter Trisha Kall and son Mike Flanders. How much is Louisvillian loyalty a factor in your survival? "Our location is a reason why we do so well because we are close to so many of the neighborhoods and are within walking distance for people. It's convenient. It's a diferent vibe than the typical multiplex. It's an aesthetic thing for a lot of people. (We ofer) atmosphere and a deeper consumer connection, an intimate environment." — employee Josh Meador, self-proclaimed "Jack of all trades" because jobs are fuid and everyone does a little of everything 2.14 LOUISVILLE MAGAZINE 37