For the Love of the Game: Teammate’s Passion for Sports Lives on and off the Field

Rhea-AI Summary

On May 14, 2024, DICK'S Sporting Goods shared the inspiring journey of Ruperto Rojas, a former Minor League Baseball player who transitioned to a successful career at DICK'S. Drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2017, Rojas began working part-time at DICK'S in Lakewood, Colorado, during the offseason. Mentored by Store Manager John Varner, Rojas climbed the ranks to become a store manager and, eventually, the community and experience director at DICK'S House of Sport in Katy, Texas, by April 2023. In his new role, Rojas combines his passion for sports and community engagement, overseeing events and developing partnerships. He credits his success to the support and mentorship received at DICK'S, emphasizing the company's team spirit and commitment to helping athletes achieve their dreams.

Positive

• Ruperto Rojas' successful transition from part-time associate to community and experience director showcases DICK'S career growth opportunities.
• Strong mentorship culture at DICK'S, as demonstrated by the support provided by Store Manager John Varner.
• Rojas' role emphasizes DICK'S commitment to community engagement and developing local partnerships.
• Positive employee experiences and testimonies highlight DICK'S supportive and team-oriented work environment.
• The story enhances DICK'S brand image, emphasizing dedication to both sports and community involvement.

Negative

• The press release lacks concrete financial data or performance metrics, making it difficult to assess the overall business impact.
• No mention of specific community or event outcomes under Rojas' leadership, leaving the effectiveness of his role unclear.
• Potential overemphasis on individual employee experiences, which may not reflect broader company performance or challenges.

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / May 14, 2024 / DICK'S Sporting Goods:

Written by Hilary Totin

Originally published on DICK'S Sporting Goods Sideline Report

From working as a part-time teammate to being the community and experience director at DICK'S House of Sport in Katy, Texas. Former Minor League Baseball player Ruperto Rojas called his journey with DICK'S Sporting Goods an incredible ride.

Rojas was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2017 MLB June Amateur Draft. That same year, he started working as a part-time operations associate at DICK'S Sporting Goods near his home in Lakewood, Colorado.

"My wife told me I had to go out and make a little extra money during the offseason," Rojas said. "There was a DICK'S right across the street, so I went over and applied."

He immediately hit it off with Store Manager John Varner. "He became my mentor, and he continues to impact me to this day," said Rojas.

Rojas worked at DICK'S every offseason. When his playing days ended in 2021, Rojas said Varner encouraged him to stick with it.

"Working with him, you could just see his passion for both his teammates and the athletes," said Varner.

Rojas discovered he had a real passion for helping athletes chase their dreams, and likened working for DICK'S to playing baseball. "It's all about the team," Rojas said.

Within a year and a half, Rojas worked his way up from part-time operations associate to store manager. Then in April 2023, Rojas got the chance to move back to his hometown of Houston. He was offered the role of community and experience director at the DICK'S House of Sport in nearby Katy.

"He leads people the way he would like to be led," Varner said of Rojas. "He is a true people first leader who has the common purpose at the center of what he does every day."

As community and experience director, Rojas is responsible for integrating DICK'S House of Sport into the community and overseeing internal and external events. He also works to develop and maintain partnerships in the community.

"This role allowed me to combine my two passions: giving back to the community and sports," Rojas said.

A few years ago, Rojas said when he thought about what he'd do with his life, retail was never in the picture. "Now?" Rojas said, "I can't see a future without DICK'S Sporting Goods."

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View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from DICK'S Sporting Goods on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: DICK'S Sporting Goods
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/dicks-sporting-goods
Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: DICK'S Sporting Goods

View the original press release on accesswire.com

FAQ

What is Ruperto Rojas’ role at DICK'S Sporting Goods?

Ruperto Rojas is the community and experience director at DICK'S House of Sport in Katy, Texas.

When did Ruperto Rojas join DICK'S Sporting Goods?

Ruperto Rojas started working part-time at DICK'S Sporting Goods in 2017.

What position did Ruperto Rojas hold before becoming the community and experience director?

Before becoming the community and experience director, Ruperto Rojas was a store manager at DICK'S.

What is DICK'S House of Sport?

DICK'S House of Sport is an initiative aimed at integrating sporting goods retail with community engagement and event management.

How did Ruperto Rojas' career progress at DICK'S Sporting Goods?

Ruperto Rojas progressed from a part-time operations associate to store manager and then to community and experience director within a year and a half.

What motivated Ruperto Rojas to stay with DICK'S Sporting Goods after his playing career?

Ruperto Rojas was encouraged by his mentor, Store Manager John Varner, and discovered his passion for helping athletes and being part of a team.