Jay's Sporting Goods Podcast

It's a special edition of the Jay's Sporting Goods Podcast as we celebrate their 50th anniversary.   This is the story of Jay Poet.  A man who loved the outdoors and turned that passion into a thriving business. Jay's wife Arlene, and sons Jeff and JJ talk about the challenges, and rewards, of their journey.  They describe how Jay started by selling guns and gear from the trunk of his car, the move to their garage, the famous "blue building"...and eventually a new building north of Clare. It's a fascinating look behind the scenes at Michigan's "Original Outdoor Superstore".          

9/16/21 • 35:05

Saddle hunting is one of the hottest topics in the outdoors today...and it's the subject this month on the Jay's Sporting Goods podcast as we talk with Alex Chopp of Latitude Outdoors. Alex explains the basic of saddle hunting and how to get started. He talks about the advantages including mobility, increased visibility and safety. Chopp also describes an event at Jay's designed to give potential saddle hunters the chance to try a system before buying.    

8/12/21 • 27:31

It's time to get ready for bow season, and that's exactly what we're doing this time on the Jay's Sporting Goods podcast. Sam Austin is an expert bowhunter who works in Jay's archery department in Clare. He has great advice on choosing a new compound or crossbow, setting that bow up and getting dialed in for the season. Sam also has tips for bowhunters looking to save a few dollars, while still getting top quality gear. Finally, Austin stresses the importance of not waiting till the last minute to visit the store.  He says traffic has already picked up and it's going to get even busier as the season gets closer.

7/15/21 • 29:59

We're talking with a Michigan whitetail hunting icon this time on the Jay's Sporting Goods Podcast. John Eberhart, the man who pioneered saddle hunting and hunting pressured whitetail tactics, talks about his relationship with Jay's, including a story about being hired by Jay Poet. John describes the evolution of saddle hunting and why he believes many so called "experts" have it wrong. He also talks about post season scouting and the importance of prepping a set up. Eberhart also has details on an upcoming event at Jay's to educate interested hunters about his saddle hunting technique.

6/10/21 • 33:55

Michigan's original family owned outdoor superstore is celebrating their 50th anniversary this year...and that's the topic this time on the Jay's Sporting Goods Podcast. We're talking with Marketing Director Matt Poet about the history of Jay's and what they have planned for the milestone event. Matt also describes how covid has affected the outdoor industry, what sets Jay's apart from the competition and why customer service is always a top priority. Poet also talks about the limited supply of some outdoor gear, but he says their inventory is growing every day. Finally, he looks ahead to the future and the possible addition of more stores in the future.

5/12/21 • 30:11

We're talkin turkey this month on the Jay's Sporting Goods Podcast with Jeff Poet. Jeff talks about what it takes to be a successful turkey hunter, and how he took the "World Slam" of birds. Jeff also reminisces about the early days of Jay's and why he's proud to celebrate their 50th anniversary.

4/16/21 • 31:24

We're talkin turkey this month on the Jay's Sporting Goods podcast with Kenny Slavens, manager of the hunting department at Jay's in Gaylord. Kenny is an avid turkey hunter, with many years of experience in chasing longbeards. He has great advice on choosing the right calls, decoys, blinds and shotguns. Slavens also discusses the importance of patterning your gun and explains why bowhunting for birds is especially challenging.

3/11/21 • 31:31

We're talking with long time Jay's employee and avid big game hunter Bill Hahn. The hunting department buyer recently returned from an adventure in Texas where he was able to take a beautiful aoudad. Bill talks about that hunt, as well as the challenge of getting gear and equipment into their stores during the pandemic. Hahn also discusses the process of choosing the right product for Jay's customers and he previews some exciting new gear on the market.  

2/11/21 • 34:27

Getting families outdoors in the wintertime...that's the topic this time on the Jay's Sporting Goods podcast. Jay's Project Manager Tina Colosky says it's hard to have in-person activities because of Covid, but they've come up with an innovative idea using technology. Tina, along with MSU 4H Program Coordinator Alex Schunk, are using the GooseChase App to encourage families to get outdoors and complete a series of "missions" including ice fishing, skiing, snowshoeing or even making a snowman. The Winter Outdoor Family Adventure is scheduled for February 19-21 and you can sign up here. It's a great way to capitalize on the renewed interest in outdoor activities during the pandemic, maintain social distancing....and have great wintertime fun in the outdoors!      

2/5/21 • 22:36

We're talking with Tim Roller of Whitetail Journey this month on the Jay's Sporting Goods Podcast. Tim has worked with Jay's for many years in his roles as a fishing guide, video producer and hard core whitetail hunter. Tim and host Mike Avery talk about a variety of topics, including the finer points of late season hunting, the importance of food sources for the late season and choosing the right gear for cold weather hunting. Then the conversation turns to post season scouting and the best way to use trail cameras. Finally, Tim describes what he means by the statement "Deer do deer things". It's an interesting conversation with a very interesting guy, this month on the Jay's Sporting Goods Podcast.

12/18/20 • 28:49

We're talking about getting kids involved in the outdoors this month on the Jay's Sporting Goods Podcast. Jason Koch and Dave Gould are teachers at the Clare Middle School who love the outdoors...and they want to pass that passion along to their students. They've come up with a "4th Grade Deer Camp" to expose kids to hunting and the concept of wildlife stewardship. The teachers describe their program and how it's been expanded to other districts across Michigan. They also talk about their partnerships with the Michigan DNR, and especially the folks at Jay's.

11/12/20 • 24:27

Long time Jay's employee Jeania Canel is the guest this month.  She's the manager of the Gun Department at the Clare store, as well as an avid hunter and gun enthusiast. Jeania discusses the challenges of doing business in the world of covid.  That includes limited supplies of guns and ammo, restrictions on the number of customers and the safety of those customers and staff members. She says manufacturers had to shut down for several weeks and that's limited the supply of all types of guns, including handguns, rifles and shotguns. The only exception seems to be muzzleloaders, but those sales are soft because in Michigan, many hunters can now use rifles in the muzzleloading season. Jeania says that even in these challenging times, the staff and management at Jay's continues to be dedicated to providing the best experience possible for their customers.  

10/15/20 • 26:23

The experts at Jay's Sporting Goods are getting ready for bow season, but this year, things are different. Archery Department Manager and lifelong archer Paul Penix says he's never seen the interest as high as it is this fall. Paul's passion for the sport is evident as he discusses the possible reasons for the renewed interest in bowhunting. He also says for the first time in memory, Jay's is actually running low on some inventory...and he explains why all archery shops are seeing the same problem. Penix describes the new system Jay's has put in place to deal with the rush of customers and why his people are committed to providing the best customer service possible in these challenging times. Paul also says there are some great bows still on the racks at Jay's, and why customers might want to consider some of the lesser known brands.  

9/11/20 • 32:03

We're talking with a long time partner of Jay's Sporting Goods....Kris Duerson of Rapid River Knifeworks. Kris started the company back in 2002 and Jay's was his first customer.  Since then, Rapid River has become known as a maker of top quality custom knives. Duerson talks about what goes into a good knife, the different styles available and how to maintain a knife. He also describes the proper sharpening technique, the importance of choosing the right size and why his knives are guaranteed for life.

8/20/20 • 31:40

This month on the Jay's Sporting Goods Podcast, we're talking with Marketing Director Matt Poet. Matt is an avid outdoorsman and devoted family man...and he's a third generation Jay's employee.  In fact, it was Matt's grandpa Jay, who started the company. Matt talks about growing up in the outdoor retail business and the state of the industry today...including the challenges of operating in a pandemic. He also talks about the connection Jay's customers have to the outdoor lifestyle and why Jay's staff members are perfectly suited to help their customers get the most from those outdoor passions. It's an interesting look behind the scenes this month on the Jay's Sporting Goods Podcast.    

7/14/20 • 27:01

It's summertime, and the folks at Jay's Sporting Goods are ready for warm weather! Jimmy Olsen of Jay's Camping Department brings us up to speed on the latest kayak and camping gear this month on the podcast. Jimmy has great advice on what to look for in a kayak and talks about why they've replaced canoes for many outdoor enthusiasts. He also describes the finer points of grills and camp stoves for your next outdoor adventure.

6/11/20 • 28:03

We're talking fishing this time on the Jay's Sporting Goods Podcast with Bryan Darland. Bryan is the buyer for the fishing department, and an avid angler. We talk about gearing up for warm weather fishing action, choosing the right equipment, learning new techniques and much more. Bryan also describes the plan for opening Jay's back up to the public after being closed down for several weeks because of the pandemic.    

5/14/20 • 23:24

We're talkin' turkey this month with Jay's President Jeff Poet. Jeff is a hard core turkey hunter who has completed the "World Grand Slam" by taking every species of turkey in North America. Jeff has great advice on how to be successful in the turkey woods, including the use of call, decoys and portable blinds. He also talks about the appeal of turkey hunting and why it's changed the spring season for many hunters.

3/12/20 • 30:57

We're talking wintertime outdoor fun this month on the Jay's Sporting Goods Podcast. Jay's Manager Tina Droomer talks about snowshoeing as a wonderful option to enjoy the snow covered landscape. Tina has great advice on choosing the right snowshoes and how to use them. She also tells us about the new Poet Family Outdoor Education Center and previews some upcoming projects the staff at Jay's will be involved in.

2/13/20 • 18:11

We're talking trade shows this month on the Jay's Sporting Goods Podcast. First, Paul Penix of the archery department at the Clare store talks about the Archery Trade Association show in Indianapolis. Then, Adele Horrigan from the Gaylord store gun department has a report from the big SHOT (shooting, hunting and outdoor trade) show in Las Vegas. Those trade shows are where manufacturers show their wares and unveil new products for the upcoming seasons. Paul and Adele explain how they work those shows and help decide what products will be on the shelves for customers. It's an interesting look behind the scenes this time on the Jay's Sporting Goods Podcast.    

2/2/20 • 29:34

It's a predator hunting seminar this month on the Jay's Sporting Goods Podcast as Dave Legmkuhle of DL Calls joins the conversation. Dave is an expert predator hunter who makes high quality mouth calls. Dave demonstrates his calls and how to use them, then has great advice on where to find coyotes, how to set up on them and what gear to use. He also talks about the upcoming coyote breeding season and why that's a great time to hunt them.  

12/13/19 • 31:37

We're getting ready for wintertime fishing on this edition of the Jay's Sporting Goods with fishing buyer Bryan Darland. Bryan talks about the early ice fishing season and why it can be so productive for hard water anglers. He also discusses some of the new ice fishing gear, including electric augers and flotation garments that could save your life if you go through the ice. Bryan also talks about a recent steelhead fishing trip on the Manistee River and says that fishery could continue on through much of the winter season.

11/18/19 • 25:30

We're talking venison processing with Mike Horswill on this edition of the Jay's Sporting Goods Podcast. Mike is an avid hunter who has become an expert when it comes to butchering and processing whitetails. He has great advice on field prep, aging and quartering deer.  Horswill also talks about the different cuts of meat, as well as the best way to make jerky, salami and more.

10/11/19 • 35:02

We're talking archery and bowhunting on this edition of the Jay's Sporting Goods Podcast. Archery department manager, and lifelong archer, Paul Penix talks about his love for the sport and his career in the industry. Paul discusses the effectiveness of archery tackle for a quick, humane kills well as his thoughts on today's high tech equipment and the future of archery. It's an interesting discussion with an archery industry veteran on this edition of the podcast.  

9/23/19 • 29:08

This month, a whitetail hunting icon on the Jay's Sporting Goods Podcast....Barry Wensel. Barry has been chasing mature bucks with traditional gear for more than fifty years. He has great advice on targeting trophy bucks and says hunting them is different than other deer. Wensel talks about patterning big bucks and has tips on where to find them.    

8/13/19 • 33:08

We're talking food plots on this edition of the Jay's Sporting Goods Podcast with Nick Percy of Killer Food Plots.  Many Michigan deer hunters are turning to food plots as an alternative to bait and Nick is extremely busy helping those hunters. In the podcast Nick describes what's needed for a good plot, how to get started and what to expect. He also talks about his partnership with Jays and their commitment to helping hunters.

7/11/19 • 32:37

Longe range shooting is the topic this month on the Jay's Sporting Goods Podcast as we talk with Jason Couturier of Jay's Gaylord store. Jason is an expert shooter who spent 18 years in the military learning the basics of the sport.  These days he trains with an elite group of shooters who routinely shoot at distances of more than a thousand yards. First, Couturier explains the basics of long range shooting, including the equipment and gear needed. Then, he delves into the finer points of long range accuracy including breathing techniques how weather conditions affect ballistics. It's a very interesting look into the rapidly growing world of long range shooting, this month on the Jay's Sporting Goods Podcast.

6/13/19 • 27:25

This month, a very special edition of the Jay's Sporting Goods Podcast, as we talk with Arlene Yost. Arlene was married to Jay's founder, Jay Poet.   She tells the story of how the business started in the family garage, and became the biggest, family owned outdoor retailer in Michigan. Arlene talks about the vision Jay had for the business, and how his death impacted the family. She describes how the outdoor retail industry has changed and why Jay's has been so successful over the years. It's a unique look behind the scenes at Jay's, and the Poet family, on this edition of the Jay's Sporting Goods Podcast.

5/14/19 • 27:33

We're getting ready for camping season this time on the Jay's Sporting Goods Podcast. Jimmy Jenks from Jay's camping department in the Clare store joins host Mike Avery to talk about the latest gear and equipment. The conversation includes tents, sleeping bags, cook stoves, grill kayaks and more. Jimmy says one key to buying the right gear is to know how you'll use it...and what to expect from the equipment. The folks at Jay's can help with those decisions.

4/12/19 • 24:50

Chad Stearns joins us this month on the Jay's Sporting Goods Podcast.  Chad is an avid outdoorsman who has is also Jay's Vice President of Operations. He talks about his passion for adventure and how working at Jay's helps him prepare for those trips, including an upcoming Alaskan brown bear hunt. The conversation then turns to recent renovations at Jay's Clare story.  Chad says visitors will be slightly inconvenienced for a short time, but the result will be a much better shopping experience.

3/15/19 • 24:05