News

Boulder, Colorado – Babolat, leading manufacturer of tennis equipment, congratulates this year’s Babolat Sales Awards winners—accolades presented annually to retail partners and company representatives. Selected for its superior performance in sales and customer experience, The Tennis Professionals in New York has earned the Retailer of the Year title for 2013-2014. Internally, the Sales Representative of the Year recognition goes to Adrian Bolton of Southern California, and the “Tennis Runs in Our Blood” award will be dedicated to Jonathan Albrecht, Babolat employee and friend who passed away in early 2014.

Retailer of the Year: The Tennis Professionals

Babolat’s partnership with The Tennis Professionals dates back to 1984 when the New York company first opened its doors. Over the past 28 years, the team has established itself as experts in the industry and its partner store, Sportech, has become the go-to tennis shop in the area. Employees at both locations can speak to a wide range of Babolat products including strings, rackets, shoes and accessories that allow the team to cater to their customers’ individual needs as tennis players.

“I can sell Babolat products to a 10-year-old or an 80-year-old,” said Marc Kessler, co-owner of the company and an official Babolat stringer. “When you sell a product you really believe in, it’s like you’re a member of the family, so we’re proud that family is Babolat.” His business partner, Mel Siegel, added to the company’s excitement by saying, “It’s nice to have the recognition because we work hard for them and they work hard for us in return.”

When asked what made The Tennis Professionals stand out among the rest, Babolat USA Regional Sales Manager JD Coleman replied, “The award was created to honor and show that we appreciate the partnership with dealers-especially the ones that support us. Not only have they supported us for many years, but they’ve gone above and beyond to play an active role in the partnership.”

Sales Representative the Year: Adrian Bolton, Southern California

Factors such as brand growth in all categories, feedback from various departments within Babolat, brand management and teamwork are all considered when selecting the Sales Representatives of the Year. This year’s award goes to Adrian Bolton who transitioned into a new sales territory last year. Feedback from co-workers, dealers and other professionals note him as a great ambassador who is excelling in all areas of the business.

“Adrian continues to pursue unexplored opportunities in front of him and really capitalize on those ventures,” said Rich Francey, Babolat USA National Key Accounts Manager. “Beyond his excellent work in sales, he does a wonderful job of adding value to the territory whenever he can.”

Tennis Runs in Our Blood Award: Jonathan Albrecht

The “Tennis Runs in Our Blood” award is given to the individual or business that stands out in promoting, supporting and elevating the Babolat brand in an unparalleled and passionate way. Jonathan Albrecht, a valued Babolat team member who passed away this year, embodied all these skills and more.

“Jonathan was a great co-worker, teammate, friend and person,” said David Dwelle, Babolat USA Regional Sales Manager. “His energy and passion for the game of tennis and Babolat will never be matched. We miss him every day, but the stories and memories he left with us will keep his spirit around our team and our accounts.”

ABOUT BABOLAT

Created in 1875, in Lyon, France, Babolat is the longest-running international company specializing in tennis. Today, Babolat is #1* in racket sales in the U.S., Japan and France. Family-run for five generations, Babolat is an innovative brand in the tennis sector providing a complete array of technical equipment for tennis players: rackets, strings, shoes, balls, bags, apparel and accessories. Babolat equips numerous players with rackets and strings including Rafael Nadal (ESP), Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA), Li Na (CHN), Sam Stosur (AUS), Agniezska Radwanska (POL), Nadia Petrova (RUS) and Alizé Cornet (FRA) (these last two also wear Babolat tennis shoes).

*(Sources: #1 in value in the U.S., in tennis specialty stores, TIA/SMS, January – December 2013 / #1 in value Japan: Yano Research Institute, January – December 2013 / #1 in value in Europe: SMS, year 2013)