April 2024 NOVUS Newsletter
Welcome to the April 2024 Newsletter, where we bring you exciting updates from the NOVUS community! As spring blooms into full swing, we're thrilled to share highlights of our recent endeavors, partnerships, and inspiring stories. From gearing up for the CAT14 Volleyball Fundraiser to welcoming new athletes to our roster, this edition is packed with news that embodies our commitment to excellence both on and off the field.
CAT14 Volleyball Tournament
The CAT is back! And, dare we say, it’s better than ever. As our company aspirations have grown, so has our desire to effect change by contributing to non-profit organizations doing great work in our communities. After raising over $30,000 for the American Cancer Society last summer, we’re aiming even higher this year on Thursday, July 11 while expanding our philanthropic reach. Help us achieve a goal of $40,000 to benefit three incredibly worthy causes: the American Cancer Society, Double H Ranch and 1:12 Project.
What started as a backyard volleyball “tournament” with some buddies has grown into an annual can’t-miss event in our home area of Albany, NY. Every year, the CAT Volleyball Tournament has gotten bigger and better and CAT14 is sure to deliver again, but only with your help!
The competition is intense, the food trucks get 5 stars, the music is loud and the generosity of people is on full display. Get a team together and sign up to play, become one of our sponsors and get your company recognized or come support the players and great causes as a spectator!
The CrownCast featuring Brian Scalabrine
The White Mamba himself was at NOVUS HQ in late April as his AAU team competed in the annual GymRat LIVE! NOVUS has teamed up with Brian Scalabrine to outfit Team White Mamba with jerseys and shorts as they play on the AAU circuit.
The 2008 NBA champion with the Boston Celtics stopped by for an epic episode of the CrownCast, in which he shares how he stays competitive and motivated every day even after his 11-year NBA career. Scalabrine also details one moment on the court that changed his life forever and helps us build the Mount Rushmore of redheaded athletes. You can watch the Crown Cast on the NOVUS YouTube channel and listen to it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Podcasts.
NOVUS Sponsors GymRat LIVE
NOVUS was once again proud to sponsor GymRat LIVE, outfitting the staff of the greatest show in grassroots basketball and awarding each player of the game with a NOVUS GymRat LIVE lounger to remember their Claim Your Crown moment! The field of elite talent that comes to New York’s Capital Region every spring is impressive and a testament to the hard work put in by John Kmack, GymRat founder and CEO.
Thanks to partnerships with Maine United and Team White Mamba, NOVUS is becoming a player in AAU basketball!
New NOVUS Athlete: David Mershon
NOVUS adds David Mershon to the athlete roster! David Mershon is the starting shortstop and hits towards the top of the order for SEC power Mississippi State. The philosophy major joined the NOVUS team because of our shared values in life and sport. There isn’t much David can’t do; from playing the guitar and piano to rock climbing, he lives by the best advice he’s received: do everything, even the smallest things, with excellence.
Customer Spotlight: NEAAU Champions League
Participation in NEAAU events has exploded in recent years, thanks to their staff's tremendous efforts to create a competitive and accessible environment for athletes in the rapidly growing sport of volleyball. NOVUS was proud to outfit the NEAAU staff and league referees this season and to attend the two-day Champions League Final, where 'Crown Claimed' tees were awarded to the league champs!
Employee Spotlight: Jason Bernardo
Where are you from?
I was born and raised just north of here in Clifton Park, NY
What do you do at NOVUS?
I head up the fulfillment team in the back as the Internal Operations Specialist. We handle all the incoming shipping, inventory, and outgoing shipping everyday.
What do you love about what you do?
It's fast-paced but we'll bump some tunes and have fun with it. We have a great squad and they also let me bust out some moves in the cat suit for our CAT volleyball tournament every summer.
How do you Claim Your Crown?
My aim is to exhibit excellence in how we send out every order. I also work with a ministry that travels the country and I love seeing people set free to be all God has called them to be.
Why NOVUS?
Well, it's not a stretch to say that these guys are my family, and I feel that way about everyone that works here. After moving back to the area from FL in 2020, they offered me a job packing boxes part-time and the rest is history. It's been a great fit for me and I'm truly blessed to work with this crew everyday.
