By Paige Powers, Marketing Coordinator |
Now's your chance to put a face to the name! You may have spoke to him on the phone if you called into the GAMMA Sports office. Mike has been with GAMMA for almost one year, and now is expecting his first baby! To learn more about him, read the interview below.
What is your current position here and how long have you been part of the team?
Inside Sales Representative. I started July of 2019, so about 10 months now.
You started the week of the 2019 GAMMA Pickleball Classic. What was it like diving right into the heat of everything?
I had never worked somewhere that had put on such a large-scale event, so it was very interesting to be a part of. I personally witnessed a lot of the team members working together to make the event successful, so it was reassuring to me that I made the right decision coming on with GAMMA. It was also very eye-opening for me into how popular Pickleball has become since this was my first large scale Pickleball event.
Do you have a favorite part of working here?
I truly enjoy the interactions I have with all my fellow team members at GAMMA. I have never been a part of a work environment where everyone is working hand in hand together like I have seen at here. I really feel like I get along with everyone as well.
Where did you work before GAMMA?
My background is largely in retail, more specifically Golf retail.
Where did you grow up? How did you end up in the Pittsburgh area?
I grew up in Altoona, Pennsylvania. I decided to attend Slippery Rock University, and when I graduated, I found a job in the Pittsburgh area. Fast forward 5 years and I love living in the Pittsburgh area now.
Where did you go to college and what was your major?
Slippery Rock University. I majored in Sport Management.
Have you ever played pickleball or tennis?
Yes, since I have started working at GAMMA I have been able to learn and play Pickleball, which has lead to me enjoying the game. My wife and I will casually play Tennis when the weather is nice. We are by no means very good Tennis players.
I see that you are an avid sports fan, what are some of your favorite sports to play? How about to watch?
Mostly I play Golf, but I am always up for participating in any sport activities. I watch Baseball, Football, Basketball, and Golf primarily. I do enjoy watching Olympic sports as well.
Do you have a favorite sports memory from your childhood?
I have a lot of sports memories growing up playing 3 different sports, but my favorite memory is going to my 1st professional baseball game with my mom. It was an Altoona Curve game.
Speaking of childhood, you and your wife, Abby, are about to become first-time parents! When is the due date? Are you expecting a boy or a girl? Do you have a name picked out?
My wife is due May 29th. We are expecting a boy, and naming him Lucas.
What are you most excited about becoming a first-time parent? Are there any activities you’re excited to do with Lucas that you did as a kid?
I’m most excited to take the next step in growing my family with my Wife. I would love if Lucas were to take an interest in sports like I have, but I will look forward to taking him to his first baseball game.
What’s one thing that people at work may not know about you?
I enjoy cooking a lot. I was taught how to cook by my mom growing up, and now it is something my wife and I do together.
Surprising when I think I’ve only ever seen you eat peanut butter sandwiches at work (jokes, of course)! What’s your favorite meal to cook?
Yes, I do not take the time to make myself a lunch for work very often haha. I enjoy grilling a lot, so a steak dinner is my favorite meal to make.
You also love watching movies, too. What are your top 3 all-time favorite movies?
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- The Departed
- Saving Private Ryan
- The Dark Knight
What’s one piece of advice you wish someone had shared with you when you were younger?
Everything happens for a reason
RAPID FIRE ROUND
Summer or Winter: Summer
Chocolate or Vanilla: Vanilla
Beach or Mountains: Mountains
Cats or Dogs: Cats
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Cookie Dough
Favorite Food: Philly Cheese Steaks
Favorite Band/Singer: Steve Miller Band