2. Hamden Sport Center is a sole proprietorship company.
The Bush Family decided to run their business this why because
they wanted to keep it in the family also because they felt that it would be
easier this way.
Owner Dan Bush said that Hamden Sport Center is not like the large
chain stores or warehouse-type hockey stores, Hamden Sport takes the
proper amount of time that needs to be spent to perfectly fit our customers
needs.
How long they have been in business?
The business began in 1971 and began expanding their shops to other
local towns in 2005.
3. How did they get started?
In 1971 Cheshire Sport was created in 2005 the name was changed to Hamden Sport
Center. Sports have always been popular in Hamden and Cheshire and giving athletes a small and
more professional view on what type of equipment to buy.
Why did they start the business?
they started this business so that young children can experience different sports at a
young age. Also because hockey is such a popular sport in the town of Hamden and it was
convenient for Hamden Hockey player to have a shop to go to. Also it is a one stop hockey shop
they you will need.
What is the owner’s training or background in the business?
Dan Bush’s father was the original owner of the small company Dan said that he did not
have much experience running a business.
How does the company today compare to the company when it started?
Hamden Sport is some much more advanced and organized than it was when it started in
1971. There are three locations with a very reliable staff.
4. What have been the successes?
There have been a number of successes from this sport shop. Many
professional athletes such as Jonathan Quick bought their equipment from
here for years. Also Hamden Sport Center to be “Connecticut's Hockey Shop”
What is the most rewarding aspect of running the business?
The most rewarding aspect of running Hamden Sport center is seeing
the joy of young athletes pick out their equipment for the first time and
seeing them come back year after year growing and becoming more
successful in the sport.
What are the critical success factors for this type of business?
Our focus of this hockey shop is for the customers need or desired is
translated through our knowledgeable employees of the sport, and
equipment that we sell. Almost every one of Hamden Sport's employees is or
was high-level ice hockey player
5. What have been the challenges?
Some challenges are that a lot of hockey and lacrosse equipment is very
expansive when a player is first starting so sometimes it can turn a person away
from the sport.
What is the most challenging aspect of running the business?
One of the most challenging aspect of running sport business is that
sometimes the inventory is not in on time and also some of the name brand
products doesn’t not fit all the customers needs
How did they overcome the challenges?
We over came these challenges by working together and not giving up on
6. Competition
Who do you consider two of your closest competitors?
We really on have one other local competitor which is Whitie Bensons.
They are the same type of company and sell almost the same popular name
brand items at Hamden Sport does.
How do you keep your customers satisfied? How do you build customer
loyalty?
Our customers are very loyal to us and came back every year for more
equipment and excitement each season. They are always satisfied with their
purchases.
7. What type of strategies do you employ to market your
business?
When marketing our shop we put little advertisements in
the local news papers and flyers in all the local hockey rinks and
sport complexes.
When considering new employees for your business, what type
of qualities and fit are you looking for?
All of our employees have some time of expectance with
each sport item we sell weather it is ice hockey, field hockey or
lacrosse at least one of out employees has some type of
experience playing or practicing the sport. When considering a
new employee we think about how they can connect with
customers and how much they know about the products.
8. Does the owner plan to stay in business for the extended future and, if
so, what are some of their future plans/goals for the business?
Yes there are more plans to explained our sport shop. In
December of 2011 we made a little shop inside of Hamden ‘s Ice Rink
with all the arsenicals that a hockey player will need. Also in June of 2012
Hamden Sport Center moved to a larger location and expanded the shop.
9. What advice does the business owner have for the members of this class?
The advice that Dan game me was if you are going to open or create your own small
business make sure it is something that you really love and also something that relates closely to
your life style. Also be prepared for all of the hard work that gets put into having your own small
business.
What did you learn?
I’ve learned a lot from what Dan has told me. Although I do shop at Hamden Sport Center
I was amazed to actually know what happened behind the scenes of the shop. And how much
work, time and organization going into running the shop. He has the help from his father and
younger sister who help run the store in Cheshire. It is an eye opening experience to see how
much time and hard work it is to run a business
