1. Jake, thanks for taking time out of your day for a quick interview. Starting on your 12th year at Burghardt Sporting Goods is quite the accomplishment. How did you get your start at Burghardt's and how has the team culture kept you coming back year after year?

I started at Burghardt Sporting Goods in the warehouse and receiving department. This has taught me a ton about how the business works from start to finish. Every department in this building is equally as important as the next to ensure that the customer is happy at all times. BSG is a wonderful place to work because of the culture that has been created. It allows us to navigate the tough times that this business throws at you because of the team that we have surrounding us.

2. In your original interview, you said that your favorite sports moment was winning a National Championship as a coach with the West Allis Lightning U18 Volleyball Team. Is this still the favorite years later, and what made the moment special?

That is still really hard to top. Knowing that to this point there still have only been two U18 National Champions from the Midwest is pretty amazing.

3. While you have coached for multiple programs in the past, you were also a collegiate athlete at Cardinal Stritch University, playing for 4 years, and being the captain of the team for 3 of those years. 2009 looked like a hot year for Cardinal Stritch where you put up 15 Team Assists, 3 Service Aces, and 2 blocks in a 4-1 win over Carthage, and then another 16 Team Assist, 1 Service Ace, and 6 kills, in a 0-3 loss to Lindenwood. The last record I could find was that you were 22-6 after the Lindenwood game. How was that final senior season, and what do you remember the most from your college athlete years?

I can’t believe you found stats going all the way back then! My senior year was amazing. We had a really talented team that I felt could compete for a national championship. We ran into Lindenwood (the eventual champion) in the semi finals and nationals and they were too much for us to handle. My time at Stritch brought me so many friends that I still stay in contact with today.

4. In 2008, before Vladimir Frenc joined the team, the offense often ran through you. In a 3-1 win over Warner Southern you posted 12 kills, 18 team assists, and 3 digs. What offense did Stritch run, and does that influence coaching preferences today?

We ran a traditional 5-1 offense in which I was one of our two starting middles. I prefer to run a 5-1 because it allows the setter to be offensive when front row. It also allows for consistency with the setter and hitters. They have the same setter setting them across all 6 rotations.

5. Your original bio mentioned a wish for Patagonia and excitement about everyone being under one roof in New Berlin. What brands are exciting on the Team Sales side now, and how has the New Berlin store kept that excitement?

Being in New Berlin has taken our business to a new level. This building shows that we are no longer a mom and pop business, but that we are a major player in the sporting goods world. This building has vendors taking notice and we have brought on major brands like Prolook, Legends, Kuhl, Unrl and many others.

6. Final question: your original bio says that your favorite TV show was Dexter. I feel like I always overhear you talking about a new show with your fellow Cardinal Stritch Alumni (Kevin and Clint). Does Dexter still hold your top spot, or is there a new show that has taken over?

I have to say that Dexter has been replaced now by Game of Thrones. I was late to the game in starting to watch it, but it is by far the best show that I have watched.

7. Thank you for your time, Jake! Anything else you want to share with the BSG Blog Readers?

Burghardt Sporting Goods is unlike any other business in the sporting goods world. If you are using a different vendor and feel that dealing with problems of poor customer service, long lead times, orders being wrong, and other various headaches is the norm, I can assure you it is not. I would urge you to give us a shot for your corporate apparel, equipment, and athletic apparel needs. You will not be disappointed.