Corporate Overview

HoopFX is the software for basketball's hardware. We make changeable applications and accessories to customize, personalize and upgrade the basketball experience. HoopFX works with major colleges, NBA teams, corporate sponsors and leading ad agencies to bring innovative products to fans and families.

Company History

HoopFX LLC was founded in Menlo Park, California in 2005 with the simple aim of adding to the enjoyment of basketball - making it even more fun, appealing, engaging, and culturally relevant. Our research discovered an installed base of more than 30 million hoops in the U.S. alone, and that's just counting home and portable backboards. After developing our first backboard cover, we soon realized this was a chance to deliver products that offer value not only to fans and consumers, but also to organizations and enterprises seeking fresh yet relevant ways to communicate with their target audience.

We started with our entry into the collegiate market, becoming an official licensee of the Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC), the largest consortium representing over 200 major universities and conferences. In 2007, we added a licensing agreement with the Licensing Resource Group (LRG), the nation's second largest consortium. HoopFX now holds licenses for 18 schools including several top 20 programs like Kansas, Oklahoma, Louisville, and Memphis.

In 2008, HoopFX began working with NBA teams such as the Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, and Utah Jazz, corporate sponsors like Qwest and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida, and ad agencies such as Interpublic Group. We were also invited by the ESPY's to provide customized backboard covers commemorating the Awards and personalized products for the VIP celebrity/athletes. Other recent events for HoopFX include the 2008 Reggie Bush/Shaquille O'Neal NBA All-Star event and the Alonzo Mourning Charity Event at the 2009 NBA All-Star Weekend.

While we are proud of these top-tier partners and customers, we also consider it a privilege to work with many smaller organizations including local charity events, basketball camps, and high school athletic programs. We even provided customized backboard covers for a local middle school graduation held on the blacktop last year.

HoopFX expanded its production capabilities in 2007 and is doing so again in 2009. We now can offer cost-effective solutions ranging from personalized one-of-a-kind products and small-run specialty orders on up to large-scale orders by the tens of thousands.

We are now proud to offer great consumer products and great opportunities for enterprises to connect with their customers. Whether it's NBA teams building enthusiasm for their franchise or corporate sponsors extending their brand into the driveways and neighborhoods to connect with their customers in truly relevant ways, HoopFX has innovative solutions to provide win-win solutions for fans, families, and organizations.

As a licensee for Officially Licensed Collegiate Products, we are committed to upholding the high standards of quality associated with the institutions we represent. HoopFX is also a member of the Fair Labor Association (FLA).

Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is backed by our 30-day product guarantee, premium materials, and quality workmanship. HoopFX products are made in the U.S.A.

HoopFX Management

James C. Hale, Founder and CEO

James brings a diverse professional background ranging from Wall Street to online media and, of course, sports. His business career began with seven years at Standard & Poors MMS as a bond market strategist and product manager. James dedicated the next ten years to building and managing The Online Investor, a successful financial media business and AOL content partner. James has also served in corporate development roles for two other innovation-driven companies, Reel Two and Econoday.

Mr. Hale was inspired to start HoopFX by his love of sports, enthusiasm for innovation, and passion for new product development. James was a five sport athlete in high school. He played intercollegiate soccer and lacrosse at the University of Denver while earning a double-major degree in Mathematics and Economics. James has coached basketball, soccer, and lacrosse on five different continents. His community involvement includes serving on the Finance and Missions Executive Committees at Peninsula Covenant Church, supporting a number of African aid and development programs, and coaching youth sports.

Rometra Craig, VP of Sales and Business Development

Rometra brings not only a background in sales but an impressive list of accomplishments and contacts in the world of sports. After leading her high school basketball team to a state championship and earning a state title in track in the same year, Rometra was named California female athlete of the year as well as basketball player of the year. She went on to play collegiate hoop at Duke and USC. Rometra is no stranger to an atmosphere of success, seeing her father win three Superbowls as an NFL All-Pro running back for the San Francisco 49ers.

Andrew Wright, Director of Marketing and Operations

Andrew has nearly two decades of consumer marketing and advertising experience. A creative all star, Andrew has developed numerous award winning commercial and print campaigns. Previously with Quiznos, where he was Creative Director, he produced the most noteworthy and effective advertising the company has ever done introducing the world to the likes of Spongmonkeys and Baby Bob.

During his seven year tenure with Quiznos he has been responsible for everything from production of Superbowl commercials to brand management. No stranger to growth companies, he helped Quiznos experience unprecedented growth from 600 stores to over 5000. He is specialized in new product development, branding, packaging and merchandising, and consumer research. His experience in the consumer product arena and his enthusiasm to build a remarkable company reflect the HoopFX mission to deliver innovative products and quality basketball gear.

Peter Markatos, Creative Director

Peter has been a multimedia designer for 5 years and is a founding partner of the SF design firm markatos | moore, focusing on Brand Identity, Print, Interactive, and Motion graphic design. He has worked within a number of different industries, crafting comprehensive design solutions for all types of media. Clients have included Discovery Channel, X Winery, Coleman, Facebook, and GAP. Peter has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Graphic design from the University of Kansas. He graduated with distinction, Phi Beta Kappa, and Magna Cum Laude.