The District Chronicles

Issue date: 12/7/08 Section: Business

Media Credit: Robert Eubanks/Staff Photographer

Take a step inside G & T Sports Center, and you're immediately transported into another world. G & T has all the energy of a high school locker room before the championship trapped in its walls. The next home run, the next slam dunk, or the next ace lurks right around the corner. JA Gentry never set out to command a vast sporting good empire; he just wanted to be like his father.

For over twenty years JA's father distributed a wonder rub cream all across the country. The younger Gentry couldn't remember his father doing anything else.

"I saw my father selling his goods to the stores and individuals. I guess I always admired what he did."

Striving to be like his father JA Gentry knew that a path to entrepreneurship was inevitable. Scoring points in football, basketball, and running track since junior, Gentry became adept at rules, play, and equipment associated with a various sports. This knowledge would eventually develop into a passion for sports that would fuel his future business venture.

Gentry advises those seeking to get their feet wet in business to stick with an industry that their familiar with. "Do something you know," said Gentry.

Gentry's path to ownership was anything, but straight and narrow. After graduating from the University of Arkansas and a stint in the U.S. Army, the Kansas City native followed friends to the Chocolate City. Gentry quickly found work as a school teacher. Never losing sight of his dream, Gentry took out a loan in 1976 to buy property to house G & T Sports Center.

After 30 years in the public school system, Gentry retired to work on his dream full time.

Soccer balls, hockey sticks, basketballs, and assorted jerseys stretch floor to ceiling. Gentry supplies local clubs and organizations with top of line equipment year in and year out.

"I supply for those people who love sports, who love to get in shape," Gentry said.

Gentry recognized early on that financial health is just as important has physical health to a business owner. Gentry added that after thirty years, G & T is completely debt free.

"It felt great, it was a load off my back; I didn't have to put any more money out which freed me up to consider purchasing properties for investment purposes," said Gentry.

Gentry finds motivation in satisfying his customers needs. "I love to come here and be with the people, it's a big adventure." Also his father being an entrepreneur as well has been a factor.

By providing his clients excellent customer service for over three decades, Gentry's vision of the small community sporting goods store spread worldwide.

Although Gentry has achieved incredible success, he admits that it has come with sacrifices. Gentry said, "Sometimes there are long hours and you can't take vacations when you want to."

Through the good and the bad Gentry said he loves being his own boss, being able to travel, making his own schedule and most of all he loves having the freedom to run his business the way he chooses.

"[The business] can sometimes affect your personal life, but you just have to do what you have to do because a business will not run itself."

Address: 3913 14th Street NW District of Columbia 20011
Phone: (202) 726-1477

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