Rhea Landholm, brand marketing and communications manager, rheal@cfra.org or 402.687.2100 ext. 1025
Lyons, NE – Greg and Kristy Parr of Norfolk, NE have been chosen as the Entrepreneur of the Year Award recipients by the Center for Rural Affairs. The couple were honored for their efforts to establish and grow their business Custom Sports, as well as their integrity and leadership. They were recognized at a special awards banquet held on Friday, March 11 in Columbus, Nebraska.
The Entrepreneur Award is presented annually to an individual or individuals who best exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit that defines and is so crucial to the future prosperity of Nebraska’s rural communities.
“Growth is the name of the game for Greg and Kristy Parr,” stated Gene Rahn, Senior Loan Specialist. “They started Custom Sports in the small rural community of Neligh, Nebraska, in 2004 and have been hitting home runs ever since.”
Custom Sports provides custom T-shirt and other sports apparel. The business offers custom embroidery in addition to screen printing.
By 2011, business was booming. Greg and Kristy decided to relocate to Battle Creek, Nebraska, where a larger building was available. The Center for Rural Affairs was able to assist with this relocation through a Center loan.
In less than a year, Custom Sports had outgrown their new location. “The Center was on hand again, and this time the move was to Norfolk, a shopping hub for northeast Nebraska. The new building was situated right next door to the USPS office and warehouse, which made it much easier to ship products,” continued Rahn.
In early 2014 the Parr’s and Custom Sports were rewarded for their excellent work and quality products by a 5-year contract extension from the Nebraska School Activities Association. In addition, they provide T-shirts and sports apparel for individual schools and other sporting events.
Including family members Custom Sports has nine employees. Working at the Norfolk facility in addition to Greg and Kristy are sons Richard and Matt. A third son Justin attends the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and assists with the marketing at high school tournaments in Lincoln. Additional teachers and friends assist in sales at all the NSAA events.
For more information about this and other Center for Rural Affairs awards please visit: www.cfra.org.
