Chief Executive Officer – Modell’s Sporting Goods

Mitchell Modell was born in a stockroom. Or so they say.

He is the Chief Executive Officer of Modell’s Sporting Goods. Founded in 1889 by Mitchell’s great grandfather, Morris A. Modell, Modell’s Sporting Goods is America’s oldest and largest family-owned and operated sporting goods company. The company is headquartered in Manhattan and has over 4,000 associates and 155 stores throughout New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C.

Mitchell’s retail leadership is second to none. His ability to navigate Modell’s Sporting Goods’ response to ever-changing customer needs, and both identify and optimize opportunity is legendary. Mitchell has been instrumental in taking Modell’s from a small New York retailer, to a growing Sporting Goods powerhouse with a national brand and expanding footprint. Mitchell’s strategic maneuvers, overtaking Polly Brothers in 1987 and Herman’s in 1996, more than doubled the number of stores, the company’s net worth, and expanded the retail chain to include Philadelphia, the DC/Baltimore area, and New England. Mitchell’s incredible leadership and commitment to listening, respecting and responding to the customers are defining traits that have allowed for Modell’s to flourish in its amazing 125 years of business.

In addition to successfully leading Modell’s Sporting Goods into a new era, Mitchell is an illustrious and influential leader in the local and business communities. His commitment to the sustained health of youth sports has not only been exemplified in his personal life, but also in how he has led Modell’s Sporting Goods. As a company, part of Modell’s mission is to make local athletics and healthy living more affordable and accessible. Last year, Modell’s gave 1.5 million dollars to local youth athletics, and over a million dollars in sporting goods equipment to organizations in need. Out of the office, Mitchell is deeply involved in The Crohns & Colitis Foundation (CCFA). Mitchell’s devotion to fighting such an awful disease has led him to being the Chairman of the annual CCFA Sports Dinner, an event that has raised over one million dollars annually. Mitchell also founded the Boston Chapter of CCFA in 1972.

In addition to Mitchell’s community involvement, he also serves on the Board of Directors of NYC & Company (Conventions & Visitors Bureau), the Police Athletic League (PAL), the National Retail Federation (NRF), the Jay Baker Retail Advisory Board at the Wharton School of Business, and is a member of the World President’s Organization (WPO), Chief Executive’s Organization (CEO), Friar’s Club, Association for a Better New York (ABNY), and NYC Partnership. In 2007 Mitchell received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. On November 2nd, 2012 Mitchell appeared in the T.V. show Undercover Boss as the seasons premiere.

Mitchell grew up in Hewlett, Long Island and graduated cum laude from Boston University School of Management. Mitchell is married to his beautiful wife Robin and has 5 wonderful children. In his spare time, you can find Mitchell either attending a sports game or watching a sports game. You could say that he is quite the sports fan.