RI-Based SquadLocker Taps Tech Veteran - Seeks to be “Teespring” of Team Sports
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
SquadLocker, which recently raised $1.75 million in capital towards a seed round of $2.25 million, has tapped a top technologists to advance its model for allowing coaches and organizers to buy team apparel is a seamless online structure.
Keith Roberts joins the Warwick-based SquadLocker as had of Engineering. “We expect that Keith will continue our building of the best possible seamless online experience that eliminate the frustrations of apparel selection and ordering,” said Todd Grant, president of SquadLocker. “Having Keith on our team will help propel SquadLocker to develop the best possible online customer experience and the best platform for shoppers of apparel and gear for their favorite teams.”
SquadLocker is one of the nation’s leading one-stop shop customer athletic apparel dealers. SquadLocker's model has similarities to the highly successful startup Teespring which raised over $40 million, but ultimately left RI for San Francisco and Kentucky for its expansion.
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The company is designed to help provide coaches the easiest online experience possible. According to SquadLocker, Roberts has joined the team because of his extensive background in the design and delivery of cost-effective, high-performance technology solutions for growth businesses. "He is particularly effective at navigating all stages of product life cycle, from initial feasibility analysis and conceptual design through implementation and subsequent enhancements," say the company. Roberts previously was a Vice President at another successful Rhode Island startup - Andera, which was sold in 2014 for $48 million.
SquadLocker believes with its business model, coaches will no longer have to deal with determining what’s the best gear, style selection, which brands to choose, which players will be ordering what, order forms and dealing with names, numbers and sizes and collecting checks. SquadLocker reports, "the improvements we’ve launched and at the end of the day that benefits the kids. Spending less time on gear means volunteer coaches can spend more time with the young athletes doing what they signed up for, mentoring and coaching the athletes."
According to the company, unlike the 15,000 local sporting goods retailers with corner stores across the country, SquadLocker will feature:
· Seamless online experience that is fast, easy and FREE for coaches, youth league administrators and parent volunteers with one source for apparel selection and order management
· Self-managed fund raising and rebate management via the portal
· 3-step process for selecting and making gear available for purchase by parents directly
· Tools for uploading, editing and storing actual team logos as well as FREE design services from a staff of graphic designers standing on the ready to assist
· Top-tier brands, including Under Armour®, Adidas® and Nike®, as well as high-quality value-brand alternatives at the lowest possible cost for teams
· Best-in-Class delivery times
· Accuracy Guard guarantee which states “If it’s not right, we’ll replace the product. No questions asked.”
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