The Statement: "More Than A Game: Sports Memorabilia Is Alumnus’ Specialty"

The article below appeared in the Fall edition of Worcester State University Alumni Magazine - The Statement - On Page 16.

Kevin Gniadek is pictured above with Green Bay Packers Quarterback Aaron Rogers

Kevin Gniadek '02 routinely deals with some of the biggest names in sports, including Tom Brady, Larry Bird, and Tiger Woods.  But his specialized line of work is anything but routine.

Gniadek is founder and CEO of Authenticated, LLC, a sports marketing firm that has become a leader in the niche market of autographed memorabilia and licensed collectibles. The California-based company represents athletes and agencies in autograph and trading card deals, game-used equipment marketing, product design and distribution, and product authentication.  

One deal currently in the works involves Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. "They'll be signing pairs of the Converse Weapons shoe, which first came out in 1986," Gniadek says. "We'll have 33 pairs signed by Larry, 32 signed by Magic. Then, we'll do one more limited edition, when we have one Magic Johnson shoe paired with one Larry Bird shoe. No one has ever done that before in the memorabilia industry."

Although Gniadek always loved sports, he got into the sports memorabilia business almost by chance. He played baseball and football at Worcester State – where he was captain of the football team for two years – and rugby for the Worcester Rugby Football Club. But as a communication major, his career goal was to go into advertising.

"I wanted to work for an advertising agency," he recalls. "I tried to get into all the big advertising agencies in Boston, but I couldn't get in the door."

He eventually approached Richard Rotman, co-founder of Paid Inc., a company that provides brand-related services to businesses, celebrities, and charitable organizations. At the time, the company had a small memorabilia department.

"Rich said that unfortunately he couldn't bring me on," says Gniadek. "I said, 'I will work here for two months for nothing, and at the end of two months, if you like what you see, make me an offer.' At the end of two months, I had a full-time job. I was there for five years."

When he decided that  it was time to move on, Gniadek approached Upper Deck, a leading producer of trading cards and other collectibles for the sports and entertainment industries. "I pounded their doors," he recalls. "It took six months just to get an interview." He was hired as a sales rep and moved up to product management and development, working on deals involving Michael Jordan, Rory McIlroy, LeBron James, Cam Newton, Tiger Woods, and Kobe Bryant.  Six years after joining the company, he was ready to strike out on his own.

Today, Authenticated, LLC has a staff of four, says Gniadek. He signed a deal with San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick shortly before the team played in the Super Bowl this year. "We're now working with a bunch of the 49ers," he says, "and are heavy into the endorsement side of the business. We're negotiating deals all day long."

He attributes much of his success to persistence and willingness to try new things. He also credits some lessons he learned at Worcester State, citing three specific mentors: Baseball Coach Dirk Baker, Ed.D., Football Coach Brien Cullen '77, M.Ed. '85, and Board of Trustees Chair John Brissette '88.

"Coach Baker and Cullen taught us the importance of giving our maximum effort both on and off the field," he says. "And John Brissette, who's a lifelong family friend, was always supportive. He chose me to carry the American flag onto the field the week after September 11th. That was an honor and a privilege that I will always appreciate."

Gniadek adds, "I'll never forget my roots.  I love Worcester State."

Gniadek is a 2008 Lancer Hall of Famer who led Division III in kickoff return yards in 2001 (31.3 YPG) and he is ranked in the top four in career receptions (142), receiving yards (2,365) and receiving touchdowns (19).

Article and Photos Courtesy of Worcester State Office Of Public Relations And Marketing and Rachel Faugno

The Statement - 2013 Fall Edition

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