Handmade tribute, inspired by Tom Brady’s GOAT nickname, honors people helping grow the Gettysburg business community
Gettysburg, PA – Growth Team Strategies (GTS) has announced the GTSburg GOAT, a new recognition honoring local businesses and individuals who help drive growth and collaboration in the Adams County business community. The name plays on GTS’s own initials paired with “burg,” echoing Gettysburg itself.
The idea started with a family story. Doug Howard, founder of GTS, has an 84-year-old mother in Massachusetts who started her own small business a couple of years ago: an Etsy shop called “WHO Is Your GOAT?” that makes custom knitted and sewn outfits for stuffed goats, each one dressed to represent the “Greatest Of All Time” in a given category, from sports to hobbies. The name was inspired by Tom Brady’s GOAT nickname during his years with the New England Patriots.
Howard later asked his mother if she could put a company logo on one of her goats. Her answer: “I can do anything.” GTS began giving custom-logo goats to clients, and the idea grew into something bigger: a recurring way to spotlight the people and businesses that help make a difference in their communities or industries.
“We would like to start a tradition, a monthly tradition, of recognizing a local business or a local person that’s been really helpful in driving our process, or just the whole process for business in the community, with a GTSburg GOAT,” said Howard.
For Howard, the commitment to Gettysburg is personal as well as professional. He recently purchased a home in Gettysburg, and GTS operates from an office in the House of Bender building on Lincoln Square, a three-story landmark that housed a general store at the time of the Battle of Gettysburg, served as a Union hospital, and had its third floor used by Union sharpshooters.
GTS has already presented two GTSburg GOATs. The first went to Jill Sellers of Main Street Gettysburg, recognized as one of the first people who helped GTS gain traction in the community. The second was presented to Judy Morely at the ribbon cutting of the Gettysburg Cookie Company in Gettysburg.
Going forward, GTS will present the GTSburg GOAT regularly. Community members are encouraged to suggest a local business or individuals they believe deserves recognition; GTS will select each recipient from community suggestions and its own nominations. To suggest a recipient, visit bit.ly/GTSburg_GOAT.
About Growth Team Strategies
Growth Team Strategies helps small business owners overcome the challenges of growth by surrounding them with a talented, committed, and experienced team. Founded by Doug Howard, a Wharton School of Business graduate with more than 30 years of experience leading organizations and starting new companies, GTS works one- on-one with owners to build strategic plans, streamline processes, and improve profitability. Its services include growth planning, succession planning, peer groups, speaking and facilitation, and lead generation. GTS is a national coaching partner to JobTread, Remodelers Advantage, and the National Wood Flooring Association. GTS serves clients nationwide, with deep roots in the remodeling, flooring, and construction industries.