Academy Sports + Outdoors

In 1938, Max Gochman opened a small tire shop in San Antonio, Texas with a simple but ambitious vision. What started as Academy Tire Shop soon evolved beyond automotive services when Gochman began selling military surplus goods in 1939, recognizing an opportunity to provide quality products at accessible prices. Over the decades, the business transformed from a surplus store into a full-line sporting goods and outdoor recreation retailer, driven by the founder's instinct for meeting customers' changing needs. The company became Academy Super Surplus, then Academy Corp., before adopting the name Academy Sports + Outdoors in 1995, reflecting its expanding mission to serve outdoor enthusiasts and athletes across America.

Today, Academy operates 301 stores across 21 states with more than 22,000 Team Members, headquartered in Katy, Texas. The company's remarkable growth - from $1 billion in sales in 2003 to $6.4 billion in fiscal 2022 - stems from a commitment to localized merchandising and a value proposition that resonates with a broad range of consumers. Academy's mission to provide "Fun for All" guides everything they do, whether helping families prepare for their next camping adventure or outfitting athletes for game day. Through strong product assortments in hunting, fishing, camping, sports, apparel, and footwear, Academy continues to fulfill its vision of being the BEST sports + outdoors retailer in the country.