Games People Play opened in Oak Park Mall in Austin on July 17, 1983. The business was started by Lance and Snow Pogones, Ron and Nadine Pogones, Jon Olson and LuAnn Rypka. Games People Play focused on sporting goods initially, then in 1985, screen printing services were added along with a new partner, Steve Pfiefer. Games People Play expanded again in 1994 with the addition of on site embroidery services. Then, on a cold day in January 1996, a move was made to 701 18th Ave NW in Austin to a newly remodeled building just east of HyVee which remains the headquarters of Games People Play today. We invest in our employees, many have been with us for 20+ years which makes us more of a "family" than just a group of people working together. Because for us, business is personal - from the people we employ, to the shirts we print, every decision is made with you, our customer in mind.
We’re a team of decorating and marketing experts who are here not just to give you the product you need, but to give you support and help to find the perfect product that matches your goals and your budget. We create the shirt you wear to cheer on your favorite team, recognize the business you own, or show support for a worthy cause. Whether you’re looking for marketing tools to promote your business, gifts for employees or clients, or planning a special event, we’re here with a voice of experience to help you every step along the way for your complete satisfaction. We want our customers 100% satisfied with every purchase!
We do that with a large selection of quality products, competitive prices, and extremely dedicated customer service. In fact, we offer everything from basic polos and tees to high-tech performance products and designer corporate apparel. All that plus everything in between!
Games People Play offers you the resources you need to market your company, team or school effectively without breaking the bank.
For starters, our in house graphic artist will create the perfect design to be used on promotional products or apparel to help you generate a buzz around your company. But more importantly, we work with you to find out exactly what the most effective and cost-effective marketing will be for your company.
Take advantage of our extensive experience in specialty marketing to ensure you get the best value and return on every marketing effort.
You can place your order with confidence knowing that our sales staff will be sure every order is completed on time, accurately and with the same high standards for quality we’re known for.
Games People Play is here to help you grow your business, showcase your team and create spirit wear for all your fans. We hope you’ll let us show you what we can do for you.
Games People Play’s founder and President, Lance Pogones only had two jobs where he didn’t work for himself – and was fired from both. The dream of owning his own business led Lance and his partners to start Games People Play in 1983. Lance strives to create a memorable experience for GPP’s customers and employees.
Lance’s father and his favorite college instructor encouraged him to be an entrepreneur – create a job you love and make it yours. Work has always been a passion and the belief that Christ was leading him made work seem to fall into place for Lance.
Traveling is one of Lance’s passions – mostly Paris 😊 but will go anywhere with his wife of over 35 years, Snowell Pogones. A fear of flying led him to get his pilots license over twenty years ago and he’s been flying ever since. When he’s not in the woods with a chainsaw he loves spending time with his grand-daughters and his family. If Lance’s kids or other family members aren’t around – he enjoys his friends and co-workers immensely. If he’s in Austin on Friday afternoon he’ll be at Dusty’s!
Creating lasting relationships with co-workers and customers keeps Lance coming to work. Looking back on the hundreds of teenagers who worked at GPP and keeping in touch with them as adults is akin to having a lot of kids – happy stories and tragedies make for a full lifetime of beautiful memories.
Corey Anderson started with Games People Play in 1993 as a full time retail clerk, he quickly worked his way into the store manager position and continues to take on more responsibilities. Corey’s main focus is on invoicing and ordering for all screen printed and embroidered orders, customer service issues, and overseeing our sales team. Corey continues to utilize his years of experience as part of our sales team, servicing his longtime customers as well as new customers.
Corey has been on the Austin Youth Soccer board for the past 12 years, 10 of those years as President. He takes pride in his three wonderful children who have all been part of the “GPP work family” at some point. Corey’s passion is coaching soccer, both summer leagues and as a high school coach for the Austin Packers. Corey strives to do his best in everything he does and will always put the customer first in every aspect of the business.
Jackie Bumgardner is our operations manager. Jackie has been with Games People Play for over 28 years, in 1998 Jackie launched our embroidery department which now operates 18 embroidery heads. She keeps the embroidery department running smooth while scheduling orders, making sure supplies are in stock, designs are digitized, machines are maintained and staff is trained. Jackie also hires and helps manage our retail staff along with managing our fulfillment programs.
Jackie has also been involved with the Austin Chamber of Commerce for over 15 years most recently served on their Executive Board of Directors. Most of Jackie’s spare time is spent with her family, attending her grandchildren’s activities or traveling with her husband via plane, convertible or motorcycle.
Jackie’s priority is that our customers and her coworkers are always happy.
Tim Duren is a sales rep for Games People Play and handles outside sales. He has been with the company for 8 years. He enjoys the customer service aspect of his work, getting to know his clients and helping them promote their business.
Before coming to Games, Tim worked in the outdoor advertising business for 25 years. In his spare time, he enjoys playing golf, working in the yard, spending time at lake resorts with family and friends and loves the outdoors. He and his wife also own and operate a concession food trailer and merchandise business at the Minnesota State Fair.
John prospects and sells decorated corporate apparel and promotional products to local, regional and national customers. John has been with GPP since 2014, and in the promotional industry for 14 years. Prior to working in promotional products, John spent over 20 years in the printing industry as both an Administrative Manager and Account Representative, with several of those years being in Fort Lauderdale, FL and Mount Holly, NJ. John’s primary passion is riding his motorcycle and recording videos for his YouTube channel.
John’s wife and three children are also a source of joy. John is a past board member for Austin Youth Basketball, and currently serves on the Austin High Athletic Hall of Fame Selection Committee and Riverland College’s Alumni Committee.
John’s customer service background makes it natural to focus on taking good care of his excellent customer base while employing a more natural & relaxed style of selling. John enjoys the challenge of helping his customers find the right promotional product at the right price.
Bryant Olsen is one of our Sales & Marketing Reps. Bryant has been with Games People Play for 8 years and has been in the industry for the last 12 years. Bryant works with Schools, Businesses, and walk in customers.
Bryant’s passion outside of work has always been sports. He has spent the last 25 years involved in Austin baseball. Whether it be with the Austin Greyhounds team or coaching for the Austin High School baseball team. Bryant brings a sense of humor to the office every day whether it’s with the best co-workers or making sure his customers walk out the door with a smile on their face.
Penny Tupy is a member of our sales team. Penny has been with Games People Play since 2015, prior to working here she was a stay at home mom and worked as a paraprofessional in our Austin school district.
In Penny’s spare time she enjoys being at the lake, boating, biking, watching sports, walking her dog and most of all spending time with her family. She is happily married and has 3 wonderful children.
Penny enjoys the atmosphere at GPP, the friendships and work relationships she has and her job flexibility. She enjoys seeing the familiar faces that shop locally and wear their school spirit gear with pride and confidence out in our community. She always has a smile and is quick to help in any area at GPP. Her kind and fun personality make her a great asset to our company.
Kyle has been part of our sales staff since 2019 specializing in boots and safety workwear.
Terry has been with Games People Play since 2014. Terry works directly with area schools and their coach’s. He also works with team boosters, parents, and players directly. Before joining Games People Play, Terry worked at First Alliance Credit Union in Rochester as the Collection Manager. After working for First Alliance for 11 years, Terry decided to make a move so he would be able to see more of his children’s school activities.
Terry loves working with the coaches and players, making sure they are happy with their order is his priority. In his spare time, he golfs, hunts, loves to spend time with friends.
Andrew has been with us since 2019 when we purchased the inventory to open our Red Wing Boot Store. He’s very knowledgeable about all the different brands of boots we sell and will be sure you’re getting the right boot for your needs.
Laura works part time as our retail manager keeping the store staffed and merchandise in stock. In her spare time she & her husband are busy with their 4 kids & 4 grandkids.
Tom has been part of the GPP family for over 30 years and finally came on board as a full time employee a few years ago. Tom makes sure all merchandise gets checked in and all fulfillment packages go out on time. Tom keeps all of us smiling with his great sense of humor!
Shane started working for us when he was very young as both his parents worked in our screen printing department at that time. Shane started working full time for us in 2000.
Shane keeps busy raising his son & daughter.
Dave has a good 15 years of experience screen printing, most of those with Games People Play. He makes sure the department runs as efficiently as posssible.
Dave & his wife keep busy with their 3 kids.
Hannah has been with GPP since 2021, she works in our embroidery department.
Ashley has been working part time at GPP since 2020. Ashley & her husband stay very busy with their 3 young kids.
Updated Store Hours
Mon: 9:00AM – 7:00PM
Tue: 8:00AM – 7:00PM
Wed: 10:00AM – 7:00PM
Thur: 10:00AM – 7:00PM
Fri: 10:00AM – 7:00PM
Sat: 10:00AM – 5:00PM
Sun: Closed
Office Hours
Mon – Thurs: 8:00AM – 5:00PM
Friday: 8:00AM – 3:00PM
