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50th Anniversary for GH Sports

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If you’ve enjoyed a concert at the Kiwanis Bandstand in Atascadero; celebrated the Tugboat Alma’s 15-year restoration and coming-out party in June at the Maritime Museum of Morro Bay’ walked the forevermore preserved coastal acreage between San Luis Obispo and Montaña de Oro Park or Harmony Headlands State Park north of Cayucos; checked a book out at the Cambria Library; or visited the fog signal building at Piedras Blancas Light Station, you’ve witnessed but a smidgen of “pay it forward” community projects supported by the Greg Hind Foundation.

The Hind Family is credited with helping shepherd the creation and oversight of the Performing Arts Center at Cal Poly and a dozen other arts-driven associations.

And then there is GH Sports, a separate Hind company that for 50 years has enabled the family foundation’s community giving. And if you are a swimmer, water polo athlete, runner, cycler, hiker, triathlete, or Junior Guard trainee who has purchased your sports apparel from GH Sports online or at retail center at 3765 S. Higuera or ordered from your school athletic director, you have mindfully or unwittingly contributed to make San Luis Obispo County a better, healthier, more beautiful environment.

By 1967, Greg Hind was a 3-time All-American in water polo for San Jose State and gold medalist at the Pan American Games, where he broke an eardrum.

The injury led him to develop and patent protective earflaps now industry standard on water polo caps. It was the first of many apparel and accessory innovations developed after Hind incorporated his company and ultimately GH Sports — patents like Compy Goggle, Lap Display, Hand Paddles, ST2 Jog pants.

The company introduced a first water polo suit and women’s swimsuit, the polypropylene and dryline Sportight, Sportop and Windjammer suits, the Tailwin Short, Animal Short, manufactured products with Prime inner-Line and the innovative flat seam.

When Willie Gault wore Hind’s Lycra running tights on the cover of Sports Illustrated, Olympians and the world took notice. Hind was American-made manufacturing at its finest, and of a most durable quality. The company grew to 500-plus employees and one of the largest employers in SLO County, and a noteworthy competitor to Nike’s and Rebok’s running shoe sales.

It was said that Hind got married on Sunday and was back to work on Monday — until he decided to spend quality time with wife Jane and daughters, Meegan and Kirsten.

A 2-year cultural adventure in Paris molded the family’s future career decision. Upon their return to San Luis Obispo they sold Hind to the mega shoe company, Saucony, preferring to return to the company’s core values, a customer direct-based company.

Greg and Jane created GH Sports in 1997 and though he passed away in 2012, his family legacy produced a solid family-based company and generous community foundation that continues to thrive, managed by Jane and Greg’s daughters, all innovators.

They are currently developing their grandfather’s perfume formula into a multiple product line labeled, “Circa 23.”

Current GH Sports General Manager, Garrett Long, worked his way up from a retail sales associate and remembers the boss who hired him when he was a Cal Poly student 12-years ago.

“Greg Hind was amazing,” said Long, “down to earth, [and] always walked downstairs to help customers. He was approachable by employees and encouraged us to participate in sports. He was always very generous. Some of our employees have been here 20 years.”

While preparing for GH Sports 50th Anniversary Blow-out Sale (set for Saturday, Oct. 1), Long explained, “Our products are function over fashion…not always the cutest off-the-hanger, but they do what they are suppose to do. And they last.”

Half of the company’s sales come from the customized shoe program Greg Hind created with a podiatrist. Potential customers are offered a free “gait analysis,” which imprints the foot measuring pressure points and arch.

Customers’ training goals and past injuries are logged. A videotaped treadmill test demonstrates wear and comfort, showing what customers need in a shoe for running, gym training, or hiking. Ample shoe size stock is maintained at GH Sports’ Higuera Street retail center and an around-the-block test walk is encouraged before a purchase.

Long is inviting the public to celebrate their 50th Anniversary at the Higuera retail center offering at least 20-percent off, lots of free stuff with a purchase, manufacturers on hand to demonstrate products and GH Sports as always gives back to a nonprofit like Bone Marrow Match or guide dogs for the blind.

Freelance writer, columnist and author, Judy Salamacha’s Then & Now column is a regular feature of Tolosa Press. Contact her at: [email protected] or (805) 801-1422 with story ideas.

Upcoming Events

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