All Sports Trader has just launched its website, becoming the first online platform in Southern California for buying and selling sports equipment and sharing local sports information. As a gathering place for sports lovers from 8 to 80, Founder & CEO Pat Bockenstette believes that this type of online center is long overdue. “I wanted to provide a way to help kids, parents and sports-playing adults get the most of the sporting activities available to them in the local community,” says Mr. Bockenstette.
It all started in a garage, as many companies do. Mr. Bockenstette decided to do something about the vast accumulation of sporting goods in his garage from the multiple sports that he and his family had engaged in over the years. After trying to sell or give away the excess, he decided there had to be an easier way, and so the idea for All Sports Trader was born. He wanted to not only have an auction site where people could buy and sell their used (or new) sports equipment, but he also wanted a community information platform. The site’s community pages have links to tournaments, leagues, coaching, lessons, and ticket sources. “The Locker Room” is a social networking section, with a forum and blogs to discuss sports and current topics such as the Olympics. All Sports Trader constantly adds new content to the site on nearly every sport: baseball, football, basketball, soccer, tennis, golf, and even fishing and camping.
Why Southern California? “The local area is very rich in talented players in all major sports, and the wonderful climate allows all sports to be played year round,” says Mr. Bockenstette. “Entire families seem to be involved in sports here: kids, parents, and multiple generations — everything from Little League to senior leagues. This is the perfect place for an online resource like this.”
All Sports Trader’s mission is to provide new and unique services that will add value to the local sports community and fuel people’s passion for sports–at any age. The company is headquartered in Trabuco Canyon, CA, and is privately held.