|
 W. R. “Sandy”
Fortin is the Chief Executive Officer of S&J Sports. He is a 1966
graduate of Polk Community College, known then as Polk Junior
College.
His company is the
largest franchise holder in the Minneapolis-based Play It Again
Sports chain, and has the exclusive license to open all new stores
in the state of Florida. To date, the company has over 31 stores
throughout Florida and generates over $24 million in annual revenue.
Future plans call for a total of 60 stores with $50 million in
revenue. Sandy was awarded the High Chairman’s award from Play It
Again Sports and the Fast Start Award for the most sales in the
first month opened and most sales in first year opened. Several of
S&J Sports have received the “Million Dollar Award” every year.
Prior to opening
his first Play It Again Sports store in Lakeland, Sandy worked for
Belk-Lindsey for 30 years.
Sandy is past
president of the Lakeland YMCA, LRMC Foundation, Lakeland Downtown
Kiwanis, and the Learning Resource Center, along with service to
numerous Lakeland-area organizations. He also is also on the
Executive Board for the Florida Retail Federation, and was
recognized as the 2005 Outstanding Retail Leader by the
organization.
Sandy is part of a
group of businessmen from Lakeland who founded Community Southern
Bank. The bank is modeled after the old People’s Bank, which was
known for personal service and local decision-making. He serves on
the Board of Directors. |