Kindersley Chamber Feature Supreme Source for Sports
By Kevin Martin
Joel McDonald, owner of the Kindersley Supreme Source for Sports, is a hard guy to nail down for an interview! He is constantly on the move talking to buyers, helping customers or fixing displays around the store.
First came school though and Lethbridge Agricultural College brought about a General Studies degree followed by a 4 year posting as an assistant manager for G-Macs in Plenty. After that, he knew he wanted to move on and (purchased Supreme Source for Sports) open his own retail sporting goods store.
Supreme Sports opened in Kindersley in 1993 and became Supreme Source for Sports in 2003. This change brought about better buying power and bigger selections of sports equipment. Joel bought the old store when it was still located on Main Street on March 1st, 2015. But he had grander plans……….
He wanted and needed a bigger store to contain the vision he had in mind. He wanted his customers to have a positive experience every time they visited. With that in mind, land was purchased at the East Crossing and the building built. Joel believes in the value of creating positive relationships with his customers and their loyalty shows. Want to buy a baseball bat? Pick one out and head to the batting cage to try it out. Buying a bike? Take it out on the parking lot to see if it’s a good for you. Looking for a hockey stick or skates? Try one out on their “rink”! Joel thinks all of these “little extras” help create a positive and unmatched customer experience that can’t be found anywhere else.
Supreme Source for Sports offers many many products; from hockey equipment to clothing, baseball equipment to running/training shoes, bike repairs to golf clubs/balls and all manner of clothing!
Upstairs is a fully equipped embroidery shop where they can personalize almost anything; uniforms, hats, hoodies, etc. As well, Joel has displays set up and the Kindersley Golf Course if you can’t make it down to the store. He says that the golf course displays are a natural extension of the store; at least for the summer months.
Hockey season is almost here and so hockey camps and skate sharpening go hand in hand. This keeps the staff of 13 very busy! Their collective knowledge is impressive and it shows. Joel’s believes in empowering his staff to do what they need to do. Even if he’s not around! And 2 trips per year to buying shows prove his methods work and work well.
COVID took its toll on many businesses and Supreme Source for Sports was no exception. They are still having issues sourcing bikes and parts to do any repairs but they are making do the best they can.
Joel is a huge community supporter and helps many organizations. Supreme Sports spends $50 – $75,000 annually on sponsorships in monetary and product donations, all directed at supporting causes in the local area. Supreme Source for Sports are Chamber of Commerce members and also members of the shopkindersley.ca program which allows them to accept the gift cards.
Anything sports related can be found at Supreme Source for Sports!