Innovation

One of the most important innovations is ensuring that all community members live healthy lives and have positive well-being. This is achieved through the accessibility of outdoor and sports materials and necessities that promote personal wellness. These items are available for leisure and commercial use, most times at a discount, benefiting consumers and business owners in the community. There is also an option for local sports teams to become sponsored by Academy. This will help fund those teams that are less fortunate and are unable to afford the equipment needed. Though there are a couple of requirements that must be met for Academy to become a sponsor, this shows that the company wants to promote healthy lives, especially to the youth.

Our interviewee benefited most from the tuition reimbursement program innovation which ensures that employees can continue in higher education while advancing their position within the company. She was able to take advantage of a special course in management with the company that shortened the time she would’ve needed in school to earn her position in management. Also, through the multiple growth opportunities with Academy, she can better apply the skills learned in school to the real world with a management position.

She also mentions being most proud of the diversity program and the efforts Academy Sports and Outdoors makes to ensure that all types of people are hired. In a male-dominated field of sales in sports and outdoor equipment, Victoria was proud to point out that three out of the four managers, including herself, at her location are women. In a world that is only becoming more diverse, Academy is taking greater strides to offer job opportunities to anyone willing to work well.

Inspiration

One unique thing about Academy Sports and Outdoors is that they refer to their team members as “Enthusiasts” because they all use and know the product in their lifestyles. Whether it’s hunting, going to the gym, or playing a sport, nearly every employee is well-versed in the products they sell. Victoria Becnel was compelled to stay with Academy due to their dedication to her growth within the company. They gave her a flexible schedule with school and rewarded her with opportunities for advancement. Another way that Academy has helped her is through tuition reimbursement, she stated that  “Tuition reimbursement from Academy helped me to earn my Master’s degree,l without a scholarship, while working for them. I’ve been with them throughout all of my schooling." As of now, she sees a foreseeable future with Academy Sports and Outdoors.

Overall impact

Academy offers tuition reimbursement for employees which allows them to gain knowledge, skills, and abilities while also working for them. Multiple growth opportunities within the company are available, such as lower-level employees gaining leadership opportunities. Diversity is highly appreciated within the company as each month, a new group of employees is highlighted to celebrate a specific group. The community is offered many coupons and discounts every week to encourage health to those who may not be motivated by it. Gender equality is a major innovation in the company. Women occupy three out of the four spots they have at the Thibodaux location. 

Short-term effects would be an enhanced brand image and a competitive edge over other stores that are similar such as Dicks Sporting Goods. Since gender equality is important to the company, customers may see this and would rather shop here instead of somewhere else. The company may also attract better employees since they are offering tuition reimbursement. The innovations can also boost employee morale which can lead to more productivity. This is through the diversity that is greatly appreciated in the store.

Long-term effects would be increased profitability and employees’ ability to enter new markets. The profitability can be increased from constant discounts that are offered. The employees can enter new markets since there are multiple growing opportunities for leadership.

Business benefit

The team-lead development training helps with retaining employees because they can get this help to move up and provide more opportunities for growth within the company; this is favorable for new employees in the hiring process. This innovation creates a plethora of opportunities both at the store and corporate level. Tuition reimbursement allows employees to pursue higher education in any major while working there; this helps with retention because this help is available even if the employee is not in a business-related major. This also allows employees to receive required certifications for upper-level management or corporate positions.

Increased effort to provide equality in the workplace helps with hiring because there is a diverse group of people that can help different ideas form. Since the majority of managers are women, it is evident that there are opportunities for women to have positions in management across the company. The community organization coupons they provide open new markets for people who might not shop at Academy regularly.

Social and environmental benefit

Academy’s innovation benefits society by encouraging health and wellness. Many people do not have the motivation to improve their health since gym products or clothing may be too expensive. Academy offers many discounts every week on a variety of items. They also make sure that potential customers know this through their advertisements. Their well known slogan is, “Low prices every day! Academy!”.

Another way that their innovation benefits society is through recycling. At stores in bigger locations, the cardboard that is used gets recycled. These stores have separate dumpsters for the cardboard for this reason. The stores that participate in this are caring for and giving back to the community. Some of the products that are Academy branded, are made from recycled materials.

Interview

Victoria Becnel, Sales Manager