New Episode of One on One with Alex Ruggieri featuring David Hodge

When I first met David I had invited him to come on my radio show Central Illinois Business to talk about his recent acquisition of Porter Athletic. It was then that I got the opportunity to learn about him and his personal story. I was particularly impressed with his sincerity, his humility and his disarming charm. He started working for Gill Sports in accounting at a very tumultuous time. The company was struggling and even though Gill had a long and storied history in the industry, during that period, it looked like the entire enterprise might not even make it. One day the owner (Vince Atkins) called him into his office. David was sure he would be fired but that's not what happened. Instead Vince made David the president of the company! And he also made him a promise. He told him that if he would do all in his power to make the company work, to turn things around successfully, then at the end of ten years he would sell the company to him. Well it wasn't as easy as it sounds. Those ten years were sometimes harrowing and difficult but this quiet unassuming man exercised all his faculties and his faith and did turn the company around. Today David Hodge with his holding group Litiana Sports, Inc. is a major force in the industry and a significant employer in our community. Take the time to watch his interview I promise if nothing else it will leave you inspired! Watch Now!!