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We delivered orders to a bunch of school customers. Helped them haul boxes and set up spirit wear sales. Lots of work. Lots of
volunteers. Lots of order forms. There must be a better way.
The Internet thing really took off. Google became a verb. Gotta get online.
We launched our new site called MyLocker.net. It was much harder than it looked. We built it so everyone could design their own stuff
on-screen. Bought more expensive customizing equipment. Lots of orders started to come in.
Built hundreds of custom online shops for schools and teams. Customers smiled and started asking if we'd build them an online shop. Hired
lots of web developers to create 'shop builder' - so easy that my mom could build an online shop in less than 5 minutes.
As of today, we have:
- Over 110,000 custom online shops for schools, teams, and leagues (mom hasn't built one yet)
- Major partnerships with pretty cool websites and team/league management companies
- Lots of expensive equipment that makes the stuff
- Lots of employees that fix the expensive equipment
It's still a lot harder than it looks, but we keep tryin'...
Management
Robert Hake, Founder & Partner
Rob has over 12 years in the custom apparel and team gear business. He started with the development of a unique blanket designed for
school sporting events. Building on the concept, his company added custom apparel and team gear and expanded its customer base to
include thousands of schools, teams, and leagues.
In 2005, Rob began development of an online marketplace for custom apparel and launched MyLocker.net in 2006. He established
successful partnerships with major school sport sites, including highschoolsports.net and subsequently sold a minority stake of
MyLocker.net to Gannett, Inc. (NYSE: GCI)
Alan Bittker, Partner
Alan joined MyLocker.net as a partner in 2008 following two years as an advisor. He brings 20 years of experience running mid-market
businesses, leading private equity transactions and migrating traditional businesses online.
Alan is CEO of The Bittker Group. Until 2005, he was CEO of Entertainment Publications, Inc., a $225mm marketer of discount
programs and gift wrap. Alan guided EPI through a leveraged buyout with The Caryle Group and initiated a strategy that resulted in
~$100mm of new online sales via company websites, partners, and affiliates. In 2003, he led a second transaction and sold EPI for $360
million to IAC. (Nasdaq: IACI)
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