From his corner office towering 20 floors above midtown Manhattan, Mitchell Modell had a phone conversation that would forever change his life.
Executives from CBS’s Emmy award-winning show reached out wanting Mr. Modell to be the next “Undercover Boss”. He initially refused, assuming there was no way he could work in his 150-store chain without being recognized.
After being assured that the “Undercover Boss” makeup team was among the best in the business, he agreed…
… a monumental decision that changed the course of his life, and the direction of Modell’s Sporting Goods forever.
Employees featured on the show were generously rewarded in life-altering ways, but we won’t give away the details in case you haven’t seen the original episode yet.
Mitchell himself has lost nearly 70 lbs after struggling to perform the rigorous duties required in the warehouses during the July 2012 filming. And several improvements were made to the company’s business practices allowing them to prevent burnout, increase employee recognition and achieve a more balanced workload.
Are you wondering how a reality TV show can have such a cathartic effect? Grab some tissue and find out for yourself.
Organization Name: Long Island Junior Soccer League Inc.
Hometown: Serving 101 member community clubs from Bayside to Sag Harbor
Sport: Youth Soccer
Organization Colors: Red, White and Blue
Organization Motto: “Building Character through Soccer”
Years with Modell’s: Over twenty years
Favorite Modell’s store to shop at & why: Farmingdale, terrific selection
Our favorite athletic brand: adidas
Our most meMO’rable achievement: Watching over 165 teams of smiling players each season accept the Modell’s Sportsmanship Award for their division and proudly wearing their Modell’s Sportsmanship patch on their uniforms.
Why we team up with Modell’s: Modell’s is a family run company and they treat all the organizations they team up with as family. Service, dedication to youth, community involvement.
Modell’s is always about a good deal and so is our Merchandise Analyst, Derek! Read how he thinks exercise can now be a bargain for you and how he stays fit:
Who would choose to pay for something when they could get it for free? Not many people, I’m guessing! Do you do this when it comes to exercise: Would you rather take a jog outside so you don’t have to pay to go running on a treadmill in a gym? Do you get your work-out advice from videos on YouTube as opposed to hiring a personal trainer? I don’t blame you! If money is what is keeping you back from joining a gym, taking exercise classes, working with a trainer, participating in sports leagues, and buying fitness and sports equipment – you may have some help coming your way!
Congress is currently in talks about the passing of the PHIT Act and the PEP program. The PHIT Act is an incentive to get Americans more healthy and fit by compensating us for the expenses that come with taking up certain physical activities. And to ensure that the youth of America is also staying active, the PEP program would fund vital Physical Education programs throughout the country. Modell’s is supporting this legislation that will motivate people to live a healthier lifestyle. So for all of you who would appreciate more physical activities but don’t want to reach too deep into your pocket for it, here is chance to make a difference in your lives!
1) How do you stay fit?
I lift weights and love playing basketball and flag football.
2) What’s your fitness goal?
My ultimate fitness goal is to just stay in shape and be as healthy as I can.
3) What is your favorite healthy meal?
A Buffalo Chicken Salad from “Just Salad” (located in NYC). They know how to make a salad taste great!
4) How do you manage to squeeze exercising into your busy schedule?
My gym is literally a block from my house so I have no excuses.
5) What fitness gear from Modell’s can you not live without?
I would have to say either compression shorts or a good pair of sneakers – can’t go wrong with any of those.
Staying active is important to your physical health and even your personal self-esteem. With all the benefits of exercise, who wouldn’t want to stay fit, especially when the price can be so little?! Support the PHIT Act and PEP program today!
Let me introduce you to another Modell’s associate who balances a normal, yet healthy and fit, lifestyle. Wendell has been a great asset to our Modell’s family for almost six years now, in his role as a Desktop Support Manager. Read a little more about him!
These days, it seems like everything has a price and when it comes to staying fit and active, that statement couldn’t be truer. Ever since I began my dedication to a life of exercise and healthy eating, I found myself spending more time in the gym, shelling out more money for healthier food, and always being in and out of Modell’s stores in search of different fitness equipment. So I understand that sometimes, trying to live a healthier lifestyle isn’t exactly the easiest thing on your pockets. But we have the power to change that. By supporting THE PHIT Act & PEP Program that is being discussed in Congress right now, we are backing the movement for a fit and healthy America while reducing the cost of all sorts of different physical activity expenses that you may be currently paying for. It’s a win-win situation!
1. How do you stay fit?
I work out 4-5 days a week. I lift weights, Box and Plyometric, and cardio circuits.
2. What’s your fitness goal?
To look and feel healthy.
3. What is your favorite healthy meal?
Salmon with mixed vegetables.
4. How do you manage to squeeze exercising into your busy schedule?
I go after work Monday-Thursday and sometimes Saturdays .
5. What fitness gear from Modell’s can you not live without?
I use the Power balance wrist band and Titanium Necklace.
Join Wendell and the rest of our Modell’s in our goal to promote a healthier lifestyle in order to live a longer and fuller life. Support the PHIT Act & PEP program today! And don’t forget to keep checking back on our blog for more personal stories of fitness and health!
