JERRY’S SPORT CENTER NAMED 2011 H&R DISTRIBUTOR OF THE YEAR
Chapin, S.C. – Jerry’s Sport Center was named the 2011 Distributor of the Year by Harrington & Richardson (H&R)
at the Freedom Group booth during the 2012 Shot Show in Las Vegas, NV.
Jerry’s Sport Center was awarded a commemorative plaque for being the leading distributor of H&R
products in 2011.
United Sporting Companies (USC) CEO Brad Johnson stated, "Jerry’s Sport Center and USC are pleased
to accept this award from H&R. The award is a testament to the hard work, determination and progress
Jerry’s has made in improving the bond with our dealers across the country through faster and better
service and a more compelling value proposition. Greatly improved sales efforts, in conjunction with the
new state-of-the-art facility in Pittston, PA have most certainly helped in our progress as we continue to
deliver excellence."
United Sporting Companies (USC) is a leading nationwide distributor of hunting, outdoor, marine and
tackle products. The company operates through two subsidiaries, Ellett Brothers and Jerry’s Sport Center
which were founded in 1933 and 1949, respectively. USC distributes to all 50 states through facilities in
Chapin, SC, Newberry, SC, Pittston, PA, Harrisburg, PA, Newington, CT, Dayton, OH, Spring Hill, KS,
and Reno, NV. With the largest sales force in the industry, USC serves over 30,000 independent retail
customers and maintains the largest product selection in the industry with over 85,000 SKUs.
NASGW HONORS HEWITT GRANT FOR INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP
Chapin, S.C. – Former CEO and current United Sporting Companies Chairman of the Board, Hewitt Grant, was
presented the Chairman’s Award for Industry Leadership by the National Association of Sporting Goods
Wholesalers (NASGW) during the 2011 Industry Awards Ceremony held at the Grand Sierra Resort in
Reno, Nevada on November 1st of this year.
With over 450 NASGW members in attendance, Hewitt Grant was recognized for his distinguished
service to the Shooting Sports Industry. Along with the respected Chairman’s Award, the 2011 Industry
Awards Ceremony also recognizes the top Accessory, Ammunition, Firearms, and Optic Manufacturers in
the Industry whose performances are evaluated on four key criteria by NASGW distribution members to
provide a more balanced appraisal that truly recognizes the best of the best.
United Sporting Companies (USC) is a leading nationwide distributor of hunting, outdoor, marine and
tackle products. The company operates through two subsidiaries, Ellett Brothers and Jerry’s Sport Center
which were founded in 1933 and 1949, respectively. USC distributes to all 50 states through facilities in
Chapin, SC, Newberry, SC, Pittston, PA, Harrisburg, PA, Newington, CT, Dayton, OH, Spring Hill, KS,
and Reno, NV. With the largest sales force in the industry, USC serves over 30,000 independent retail
customers and maintains the largest product selection in the industry with over 85,000 SKUs.
UNITED SPORTING COMPANIES NAMES BRADLEY JOHNSON CEO
Chapin, SC – October 3rd, 2011 – United Sporting Companies (USC) announces that Bradley Johnson, 49,
has been named Chief Executive Officer. Johnson succeeds Hewitt Grant, 65, USC’s chief executive officer
since 2002. Grant will assume the role of Chairman of the USC Board of Directors.
Johnson brings more than 25 years of consumer products and distribution experience to USC.
"Brad is exactly the right leader for USC," said Grant. "His extensive consumer products and distribution
background complement the efforts that USC is making in advancing its leadership position in the hunting,
shooting and marine distribution industry. His strong management experience will help shape USC as we
upgrade our technology platform and continue our nationwide expansion. Most importantly for anyone taking
on the CEO role at USC, Brad is a natural fit with our corporate culture and business principles."
"In his more than 40 years in the industry, Hewitt Grant has always put customers and employees first which
has led to great success at each company that he has led. Hewitt will continue to serve USC and the industry
as our Chairman and as an advocate for the advancement of our sport," Johnson said. "At USC we have a
unique opportunity to build on our tradition of serving our customers with the best assortment of products at
the most competitive prices."
Johnson served as President of Reynolds Consumer Products ("RCP"), a division of Reynolds Packaging
Group from 2008-2011. RCP has more than $950 million in turnover with 1,500 employees and sales in more
than 80 countries. Prior to his appointment at RCP, Johnson was President of the Garden Group of Central
Garden and Pet Company, President of Elmer’s Products, Inc. and CEO of the Hunt Corporation. He has his
BS from North Dakota State University and MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern
University.
United Sporting Companies (USC) is a leading nationwide distributor of hunting, outdoor, marine and tackle
products. The company operates through two subsidiaries, Ellett Brothers and Jerry’s Sport Center which
were founded in 1933 and 1949, respectively. USC distributes to all 50 states through facilities in Chapin,
SC, Newberry, SC, Pittston, PA, Harrisburg, PA, Newington, CT, Dayton, OH, Spring Hill, KS, and Reno,
NV. With the largest sales force in the industry, USC serves over 30,000 independent retail customers and
maintains the largest product selection in the industry with over 85,000 SKUs.
JERRYS SPORT CENTER DELIVERS EXCELLENCE WITH NEW PITTSTON FACILITY
Chapin, SC. – United Sporting Companies (USC) is pleased to announce the opening of a brand new,
modern, distribution center in Pittston, PA. The Grand Opening of this new facility, on August 18, was
attended by dealers, vendors, local officials, and industry professionals from all across the country.
"This state-of-the-art facility which features modern distribution technology will provide all Jerry's
Sport Center customers improved delivery, improved fill rates, and better overall customer service,"
stated Hewitt Grant, USC President and CEO.
As USC's largest distribution center, at 198,000 sq. ft., Pittston, PA will be the centerpiece for delivering
excellence to all of Jerry's Sport Center's loyal customers. Access to quality products at a good price
will allow independent dealers from Main Street America to become more successful and an integral part
of their local business communities.
"Dealers who buy from Jerry's Sport Center will find a broad array of products including hunting,
archery, marine and fishing from the finest vendors around the world. With more than 800 quality
vendors Jerry's Sport Center can support retailers of all sizes with the latest and most demanded
products, stated Chuck Walker, USC Senior VP.
Local officials were quick to point out their appreciation for the newly created jobs and the additional
commerce that such a facility creates. Dealers on hand shared a common appreciation for the competitive
edge that this new distribution center would provide their businesses.
United Sporting Companies (USC) is a leading nationwide distributor of hunting, outdoor, marine and
tackle products. The company operates through two subsidiaries, Ellett Brothers and Jerry's Sport Center
which were founded in 1933 and 1949, respectively. USC distributes to all 50 states through facilities in
Chapin, SC, Newberry, SC, Pittston, PA, Harrisburg, PA, Newington, CT, Dayton, OH, Spring Hill, KS,
and Reno, NV. With the largest sales force in the industry, USC serves over 30,000 independent retail
customers and maintains the largest product selection in the industry with over 85,000 SKUs.
|
|
|
|
|