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Meet Jon, Founder and President
In 2011, Jon made the most significant decision of his life by joining the United States military, marking the beginning of his commitment to selfless service. He served for over a decade, dedicated to his country, state, and community, ultimately exiting the military as a disabled combat Veteran. Despite this setback, he continued to broaden his career in the civilian world.
Jon has always been passionate about giving back to his community, specifically by donating to local Veteran non-profit organizations and animal rescues. He also dedicates his time to youth sports because selfless service is a core value he holds dearly. The softest parts of Jon's heart are reserved for kids and veterans; he believes that the latter are America's true heroes while our former represents the key to unlocking future success.
Jon's passion for collecting sneakers was only rivaled by his love for youth sports. So, when he had the idea to bring these two worlds together in Dec of 2023, he knew it would be something special. Thus, 716SNKRS was born - a unique platform that combines Jon's vast knowledge of sneaker culture with his dedication to inspiring young athletes.
As the founder and president of 716SNKRS, Jon has shifted his focus from coaching youth sports to empowering underprivileged young individuals by providing them with performance-oriented footwear and athletic scholarships. He is also a local business owner, father, husband, and mentor in his community.
Meet Kate, Secretary
For Kate, being a native of Buffalo means upholding the values of kindness and compassion that define the City of Good Neighbors. Her dedication to making a difference in the world finds expression in her efforts to improve the lives of animals, veterans, and children.
Her lifelong passion for animals sparked her first non-profit endeavor in 2013, where she diligently served as a fundraiser and manager of a national dog rescue organization. Following her husband Jon's enlistment in the military, they dedicated their time to volunteering with local veteran non-profits, actively engaging their children in giving back to the community through various initiatives.
As a parent herself, she recognized the importance of supporting local families by helping to provide a financial solution for sports equipment. She noticed that many parents in her community struggled to cover the costs associated with their children's extracurricular activities and realized this was partly due to the constant need for new gear as kids quickly outgrow their current sizes.
Through her own experiences, Kate has seen the positive impact that voluntary service and philanthropy can have on people's lives. She is convinced that if more individuals get involved in these activities, our neighborhoods will become safer, healthier, and happier places to live in.
Meet Ashley, Director
I grew up in the inner city of Cincinnati, playing multiple sports, primarily baseball and basketball, often times back-to-back. I started training in early fall and often times did not stop until mid summer. I eventually earned a partial scholarship to a private school for high school. My parents and I decided it would be best for me to leave the public school system and enter the private school sector, which we would later regret. In the public school sector, I found myself as the athlete who was provided for above and beyond, while my teammates often went without. I shared what I could and let my teammates borrow what I was not using in the moment. From bats, gloves, helmet, balls and jerseys, I shared because I cared. Not realizing what I was doing then, I found an understanding in the mission of 716SNKRS. Moving to the private school sector, I was on the other side. I did not have practice gear and game day gear. My gear was both practice and game day gear. I was slightly embarrassed. My parents made sure I had what I needed to play the games I loved. I had basketball shoes and baseball cleats. They were not the latest shoes on the market nor did I match my team. But I was proud of what I had. Seeing both sides and being a part of either side, I have always had a passion for sports and adversity! There is comfort and confidence in matching your teammates. There is pride and determination when facing an opponent.
My heart and deepest passions are in the non-profit world. The soft spots of my heart are for under served children and foster children, especially after being a foster parent. I believe we can help kids step into their future, if only, for a fresh pair of kicks!
Much like Kate and Jon, my family is heavily involved in giving back to our community. My wife and I are teaching our young children how important it is to help, share, and to serve others through community engagement.
Meet Jane, Director
Coming Soon
Meet Walt, Director
My name is Walt Williams. I am a personal trainer and the owner of Flash Athletics, where I help people achieve their athletic and/or their body goals in person or online. As a football coach, I specialize in training Defensive Backs where I started "The DB Academy" which helps the athletes that I train get into the college of their choice. Recently I started a mental health support group for adolescents and teens ages 12-18.
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