Patrick J. Griffin Takes the Helm as CEO and President of Escalade, Inc.

Escalade, Inc. Welcomes Patrick J. Griffin as New CEO and President

On March 5, 2026, Escalade, Incorporated made an important announcement that Patrick J. Griffin has been appointed as the full-time Chief Executive Officer and President. This decision comes after Mr. Griffin's dedicated service as interim CEO since October 2025, showcasing the Board of Directors' confidence in his leadership skills and strategic planning.

Walter P. Glazer Jr., Chairman of the Board at Escalade, expressed the Board's gratitude towards Mr. Griffin for stepping up during a critical transitional phase. He praised Griffin as a strategic leader with deep care for the organization and its culture, emphasizing that such traits will be crucial as the company aims for growth and expanded success.

In his own words, Patrick stated, "It is an honor to serve as CEO and President of Escalade, a company my family and I care deeply about. I believe that we are in a strong position for future success, backed by a talented team, solid financial health, and a vibrant culture."

Mr. Griffin’s career with Escalade dates back to 2002 when he took on various roles in sales, marketing, and product management. Before taking his current position, he served as Vice President, Corporate Development and Investor Relations since 2012, demonstrating his long-standing commitment to the company. His previous experience includes a leadership position as President of Martin Yale Group, which was a former subsidiary of Escalade.

Education-wise, Griffin holds an MBA and an MA in Southeast Asian Studies from the University of Michigan, and also possesses Bachelor's degrees in history and economics from Trinity University, Texas. His diverse educational background has uniquely positioned him to understand market dynamics and consumer needs effectively.

Before joining Escalade, he had already established himself in the corporate world with roles in business development and strategic planning at various prominent companies.

Under Griffin’s leadership, Escalade faces exciting prospects for enhancing its offerings and market presence. The company, renowned for its exceptional branding in sporting goods and recreational equipment, has grown significantly since its inception in 1922. Steadily increasing its portfolio, Escalade designs and manufactures products under well-recognized labels such as Goalrilla™, STIGA®, Bear® Archery, and Brunswick Billiards®, among others. These brands resonate with consumers and are synonymous with quality and performance.

With Griffin firmly at the helm now, all eyes are on how Escalade will steer forward in the coming years. His commitment to maintaining the high standards synonymous with Escalade while pushing the company towards new strategic goals is expected to translate into positive outcomes for customers, employees, and shareholders alike.

Moving forward, it will be fascinating to observe how Patrick J. Griffin empowers the Escalade team to build upon their strong foundations. His leadership style, focusing on integrity, clarity, and the desire to win, will play a critical role in the coming developments of both personnel and organizational strategies, ensuring Escalade upholds its vision while navigating future challenges in the competitive landscape.

In summary, Patrick J. Griffin’s appointment as CEO signifies a pivotal moment for Escalade, Inc. His experienced background and strategic outlook are viewed as essential assets as the company seeks to build lasting connections through its products, promoting quality experiences for families, friends, and sports enthusiasts across the nation.