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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Marty Maciaszek, NSGA Director of Communications
mmaciaszek@nsga.org
(847) 296-NSGA (6742), ext. 1260
DOWNERS GROVE, ILLINOIS (March 31, 2022) – Lt. Col. Waldo Waldman understands conquering obstacles and performing under pressure as he overcame a fear of heights and claustrophobia to become a decorated F-16 fighter pilot who flew 65 combat missions.
Waldman, also known as “The Wingman,” has taken his experiences in the military to success in corporate sales and management. Waldman will share his stories, and the importance of having “wingmen” as trusted partners to succeed, as the opening speaker of the NSGA Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit on Monday, May 23 in Scottsdale, Arizona.
“Having Waldo Waldman speak on Monday morning is an excellent way to start the Management Conference,” said Matt Carlson, NSGA President & CEO. “Waldo brings a tremendous amount of energy and enthusiasm with his messages on the importance of having trusted and motivated members of your teams to achieve success. His messages will truly resonate with the challenges our attendees are facing every day in their businesses.”
Waldman is a Hall of Fame leadership speaker, executive coach and author of the New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller “Never Fly Solo®.” He is an expert on change management, peak performance and resilience. A key message in his keynotes is people can’t reach their highest potential alone and they need wingmen to help win in times of adversity.
His compelling stories and strategies on overcoming obstacles, performing under pressure and servant-based leadership are very relevant to organizations looking to create a courageous “One Team, One Mission” performance-focused culture of collaboration and trust.
Waldman graduated from the Air Force Academy and founded The Wingman Foundation, a 501(c)(3) with a mission of building funds and awareness for those in need. He is an inductee into the Professional Speakers Hall of Fame, an award bestowed to less than 200 speakers worldwide. He also speaks internationally for clients such as Marriott, American Express, AT&T, Procter & Gamble, the Denver Broncos and Home Depot. You can learn more about Waldo Waldman at www.yourwingman.com.
Football legend Herm Edwards will also be a keynote speaker on Tuesday, May 24, and there will be more announcements coming about the rest of the speaker lineup and education sessions for the Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit. Speed Networking, one of the most popular features of the event, returns in the afternoon of Monday, May 23 as retailers and team dealers have the opportunity to talk with manufacturers in a series of short, structured meetings.
The Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony will cap off the event on Tuesday evening with the induction of Eric Bezanson (Cleve’s Source For Sports), Michael Gotfredson (Road Runner Sports) and Bill Sorenson (American Sports Products Group). For more information on the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame, please visit nsga.org/hall-of-fame/.
About NSGA
The National Sporting Goods Association has served as the leading voice for the sporting goods industry since 1929. NSGA is devoted to providing a competitive edge to sporting goods retailers and team dealers through industry leading research, networking, advocacy, and unmatched customer support. For more information about membership or NSGA’s products and services, please visit nsga.org.
About the NSGA Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit
The NSGA Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit is the longest-running and most successful leadership event in the sporting goods industry. Top executives and decision-makers from sporting goods retailers, team dealers, manufacturers, sales agencies and industry supporting vendor companies gather for education, best-in-class networking, dynamic speakers and industry recognition at the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame induction. For more information, visit https://nsga.org/events/2022-management-conference–team-dealer-summit/.