TOM ROGGE RETIRES AFTER 23 YEARS AT CRAMER’S HELM
All of us at Cramer bid a fond farewell to Tom Rogge, who retired on Sept. 30 after 23 years as the company’s president and CEO. Rob Mogolov is Cramer’s new leader, and has been appointed to the newly created position of general manager.
As president, Tom successfully led the company out of a five-year sales slump, and in 1995 received the Ernst & Young Turnaround Entrepreneur of the Year Award for the Kansas and Western Missouri region. That same year, Cramer received the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Blue Chip Enterprise Award, recognizing small businesses for their dedication, resourcefulness, and perseverance. Rogge is former board member and chairman of the Sports and Fitness Industry Association. Under his leadership, Cramer acquired Cosom Sporting Goods in 2004, Active Ankle in 2008, and Stromgren Athletics in 2011. In 2013 the company merged with Performance Health.
“This is a time for everyone within Cramer and Performance Health, and even across the entire athletic training and sports medicine universe, to pause, honor, and express gratitude to Tom Rogge for more than two decades of dedicated service to his company, to the Cramer brand and to the profession,” said Marshall Dahneke, chief executive officer of Performance Health. “Since Cramer’s founding more than 95 years ago, Tom is only the company’s sixth president and he has had the longest tenure of anyone outside the Cramer family. Tom and his team have accomplished great things during his years of leadership.”
Rex Sharp, head athletic trainer at the University of Missouri, and a former member of Cramer’s advisory board, said, “The leadership and vision that Tom Rogge has provided at the helm of Cramer Products has been an invaluable resource to the profession of athletic training. Tom has dedicated the better part of his professional career to continuing the mission of Cramer Products, a company that embodies the founding fathers of the profession of Athletic Training, and which has always made a commitment to excellence and provided resources toward the education and development of the athletic training student. Tom is a team player, and a natural motivator. The example he provides sets the tone for the expectations Tom has of himself and those that work around him. Tom is uncompromising in his professional values and work ethic. His unique leadership style both mobilizes and embraces those who work for and support him. On behalf of the entire Athletic Training Staff at MIZZOU, and athletic trainers everywhere, I wish Tom Rogge a well-deserved and blissful retirement.”
Rob Hunt, another former member of Cramer’s advisory board and head athletic trainer at the University of Notre Dame, said, “I have enjoyed getting to know Tom through the company’s advisory board. Tom is wonderful leader who listens more than he speaks. His attention to the concerns and ideas of athletic trainers served not only Cramer, but each of us working in the field. Congratulations on your retirement and thank you for your leadership and service to athletic trainers.”
Kim Terrell, who also has served on Cramer’s advisory board, said, “Tom is a strong, effective leader who takes personal interest in those he comes in contact with, always demonstrating sincere concern, respect, and caring for others. He will be missed!”
Before leaving the company, Tom said, “It has been a tremendous experience, personally and professionally, to continue the legacy that the Cramer brothers started 95 years ago. Throughout my 23 years with the company, I woke up every morning and thanked my lucky stars that we represented a brand with such a stellar reputation. The team I’ve worked with at Cramer is outstanding from top to bottom. There is a company-wide commitment to quality and service, and that employee dedication was the cornerstone of our growth over the last 20 years. It is difficult to say good-bye, but I am leaving the company in very good hands. From the day Rob walked through our door nine years ago, we knew he was a super star. I’m very proud of Rob and happy for him. He’s got a terrific team to work with and will do a great job.”
Tom and his wife, Kim plan to spend as much time as possible with their adult children and their spouses, and three beautiful grandchildren. Congratulations on a stellar career, Tom! Good luck, best wishes, and have fun!