Member Spotlight: Tri-City Sports, Screen Printing and Design
Owning a business can be both rewarding and challenging. Through the hard work and long hours – and the more
gratifying experiences - Kathy Thomas, owner of Tri-City Sports, Screen Printing, and Design, finds inspiration in her favorite quotes:
“Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed.” – Booker T. Washington
-AND-
“Never Give Up!”
By never giving up, Thomas turned an idea – and a dream - from her soccer-playing family into a business approaching its 20th anniversary in August.
“We were a soccer family and saw the need for a store in Quincy,” said Thomas. “At the time, the nearest soccer store was in Springfield, Ill. We started with a small inventory and focused on soccer and baseball. Over the years, we have increased the inventory by ten times and have found a niche not only as a soccer store, but as a nationwide team uniform dealer.”
Along with sports gear, uniforms, and a large selection of QHS, QND, and QU apparel, Tri-City Sports provides full-service screen printing for schools, churches, organizations and small and large businesses as well.
“Screen printing was added because of the demand – and because it is a good fit with the sports apparel, making it convenient for our customers to be able to get everything done in one place. We have two graphic designers and a screen printer on staff, a large selection of apparel in the store, and access to thousands more products through our screen printing vendors. We can also take care of embroidery needs.”
The location of the business, which has not changed in 20 years, has also proven to be convenient for customers.
“There is plenty of accessible parking and no congestion, no long walk to the car. We also believe it is important to be in the downtown area and appreciate the opportunity to be involved in the Historic Quincy Business District.”
Although the business is based in downtown Quincy and takes pride in serving the Quincy – Hannibal – Keokuk area (hence the Tri-City name), Tri-City Sports has become well-known across the country for providing outstanding service as a team uniform dealer.
“The online portion of the business has grown very quickly,” says Thomas. “We ship as far as Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Canada. When coaches from all over the country call back to order for the 4th or 5th time, you know they have been getting the service they deserve. It is very gratifying.”
According to Thomas, customer service is one of the keys to the 20-year success of the business.
“We meet deadlines,” says Thomas. “I am proud to say we have met every single deadline for our customers since the day we started. What we tell our customers happens – no surprises! Being a family owned small business has its advantages, as we can work late at night if that is what it takes to meet the customer’s deadline.”
“The entire family has worked hard to make the business a success. We are looking forward to our 20-year celebration, which begins Monday, July 18 and runs through the end of August. We are grateful for the loyalty and support of our customers and the community over the past 20 years.”
Looking back on 20 years in business, Thomas has a few words of wisdom to share with new – and potential – business owners:
“I would say ‘hang in there.’ It takes three to five years to get established – and a lot of time and hard work. But if you treat people the way you would like to be treated, you’re on the right path. And, of course, never give up!”
For more information about Tri-City Sports, Screen Printing, and Design, visit www.tricitysports.com, call 224-2489 or stop by the store at 936 Broadway.
