GARED: Century of Sport
NOBLESVILLE, Ind., March 12, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Inspired by his passion for boxing, A. E. (Alvie) Sandeberg launched Nonpareil Manufacturing Company (GARED) in 1922 in St. Louis, MO. By 1940, he developed five patents, changing manufacturing standards in basketball rims and boxing equipment. A century later, Mr. Sandeberg's basketball innovations have led to the rise in participation for today's most accessible and watched game in modern times - basketball. There would be no madness in March without GARED's hoop innovations. As games have quickened and athletes strengthened, GARED continues to lead the industry in activating play spaces, elevating athletic experiences, and celebrating communities through sports and recreation. In celebration of 100 years, GARED has minted a commemorative lapel pin, launched the redesigned Outer Limit® Pro backstops and renamed the 39WO as the "Alvie Hoop."
GARED: A Century of Sport
"Tracing the legacy has been an extraordinary journey. After 100 years, Alvie's innovation remains," said VP Laura St. George.
Evolution of the 39WO
During the 1920s and 30s, Alvie Sandeberg delivered twine bundles to local women to weave basketball nets which were knotted to rim rings. Inspired by a binder clip, Alvie transformed the metal into spiraled loops named "No Tie" attachment. Additionally, his patent highlighted bracing component increased the hoop's longevity. Storage constraints of his St. Louis riverfront factory inspired a collapsible rim design with a top guard piece to prevent balls from getting stuck.
By 1936, Mr. Sandeberg's patents created the anatomy of the modern 39WO rim, cementing the Midwest as the home of basketball.
In the 1950s, Sandeberg sold to Nixdorff Krein Company, led by Ellis Littmann. Using an anagram, Ellis renamed it to Gared Company. In the 1980s, Gared Company became a female-owned sports company under Susie Schulte. She oversaw the acquisition of Toss Back and rebranded as Gared Sports.
By the 1970s, GARED owned 65% of the glass backboard market. Prior to the influx of sponsorships, athletic equipment was chosen on quality rather than fiscal contribution. Athletes required premium equipment to ensure safety and game integrity. GARED's equipment quality, popularity with elite athletes and a handshake led to a relationship with the NBA. GARED's combination of the Snap Back rim and Outer Limit® backboard created an unbreakable configuration leading to being named official supplier of the NBA in 1989. GARED will launch the new hybrid Outer Limit Pro Basketball Backstop in 2022.