MVP Monday: Mike Frys

The sun is being shy, but it’s certainly beginning to make its presence known here in Buffalo, NY! Welcome back to yet another installment of MVP Monday! When you carry as much product as we do, it is imperative that our inventory remains safe and untouched until the moment it is ordered to be shipped or ripped live. That’s where this week’s MVP comes in! Meet Mike Frys, our Loss Prevention and Inventory Manager! As always, we sit down to talk and learn more about our MVP!

What are you most looking forward to this Summer? 

This would be the 1st year in 29 years that I have a weekend off. I owned a Lawn service and decided to retire from it. Looking forward to relaxing on the weekends and taking some motorcycle rides in the country.

Relaxation is always a plus! They actually made a movie on Mike’s motorcycle gang; It was called ‘Wild Hogs’ and John Travolta played Mike. You should check it out!

What are your interests outside of work? 

I like playing basketball, floor hockey, and spending time with my family and friends.

Do you have any hobbies? rec leagues, art, music, etc. 

I like to bowl, play floor hockey, and basketball. Basically I enjoy all sports and staying busy.

And what better way to stay busy than to stay active! Kudos to you!

What’s your favorite movie and why? 

Step Brothers is probably my favorite movie because it is hilarious and I always laugh even though I’ve seen it countless times. You can never go wrong with a Will Ferrell movie.

Will Ferrell movies seem to be a popular answer around the office, and rightfully so! “You keep your liver spotted hands off my beautiful mother! She’s a saint!”

Do you have any pets?

Our family has three cats. I don’t really care for them though. They don’t listen. 

Welp, sounds like we got a dog guy on our hands, but that’s okay! The independent nature of felines is not for everyone!

What are your favorite sports teams and why? 

The Buffalo Bills would be my favorite sports team followed by the Buffalo Sabres. I had season tickets for the Bills in the late 80’s and early 90’s when I was in high school and I just love watching the sport. Also, I grew up playing floor hockey and going to Sabres games.

I’m sure you have some awesome memories from the Bills’ Super Bowl runs back in the day!

Are you a former/current athlete? What sports did you play? What was your favorite?

I played baseball, bowling, and tennis in high school. I currently play basketball in an adult pickup league I’m in charge of. Also, I still play floor hockey when I get a chance and still bowl in a mixed couples league that my wife and I are presidents of.

Mike is a busy man! Not only does he ball on everyone, but they can’t even argue with him because he runs the league! It’s a win/win situation, and I smell some MVP honors coming for Mike!

What’s your favorite product that we sell? 

I love sports memorabilia. Hit Parade products. I love the concept of trying to chase a big hit.

And you’re not alone! Our customers share the same love for our Hit Parade division! Shop these products here!

Do you have any collections of your own? 

Before working at Dave & Adams I would have said sports trading cards, but it turns out all of the cards I have were mass produced and don’t have any significant value.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder! Not every collection needs to be super valuable, as long as the collector is happy! This is coming from a guy who collects shoes that are worth $50 max!

What’s an interesting fact about you? 

I’ve owned 52 cars. You might be thinking: “Why have I owned this many cars?” To answer your question, I always look for cars, and if I happen to see something I like, I buy it and fix it up if needed and when I get bored I sell it and buy a new one.

So, in a sense, you also collect cars! Now we’re talking about a valuable collection! If I had an ounce of mechanical skill, I would probably do the same! Maybe I’ll learn a thing or two from you, Mike! 😉

Tell me about your background with DA/HP? What attracted you to work for us?

At this time of my life I was looking for a career change. I always heard good things about the company and how they treat their employees.

We’re happy to hear that we have that reputation in the area! Dave and Adam’s is consistently voted one of the best places to work in Buffalo, so we must be doing something right!

What was your career before DA/HP?

My past employment was at a company called Litelab Corp. It is an Architectural lighting company that designs and manufactures lighting fixtures like track lighting and recessed lighting fixtures for high end fashion stores and museums. I worked there for 27 years. I worked in the Engineering department for most of my years there, as well as a production supervisor for some time.

What an interesting transition for your career! We hope that the move into the trading card industry was a smooth one!

Is there a particular moment or time that sticks out about your experience here?

When I went to work at the National card show in Chicago. It was a great experience and you really have to hustle. We were told to make sure you have a good pair of sneakers because you’re constantly moving and on your feet all day. I’m glad I brought two pairs. It was the biggest event that I’ve ever seen. 

Don’t worry folks, Mike is a high-powered athletic machine from all of the leagues that he competes in. Being on his feet all day is no bother! We’re glad that you enjoyed the convention!

Is there an achievement or contribution that you are most proud of?

At my past employment it was a great feeling to help design and build lighting fixtures. Getting to see them in Museums and high end fashion stores such as Louis Vuitton and Gucci was a great feeling.

Gucci and Louis Vuitton would be nothing if it wasn’t for Mike’s contributions. You can actually see Mike in the background with Lady Gaga in ‘House of Gucci’.  

What inspires you to be the best at your job?

I’m a competitive person. I alway strive to do my best at everything I do.

I love what I do, who I work with, and who I work for. I like thinking outside the box. I like solving or coming up with solutions to problems.

Luckily for us, all of our employees share the same attitude as Mike. Problem solving is a huge part of most jobs, so we’re glad to have such an awesome team that is willing to take any issue head on. 

What makes you love your job?

You feel like you’re a part of a family working here at Dave & Adam’s. Everyone there is always willing to help each other.

The term ‘Family’ gets tossed around a lot around the office; It feels like we’re working in a ‘Fast and Furious’ remake. However, the Dave and Adam’s family definitely feels like one!

What has been your biggest challenge here, and what did you do to solve it on your own?

My biggest challenge was getting to know all of the different types of products that are sold at DA and the terminology that is used. I’m still working on that and luckily there are great employees that are helping me along the way.

We all start somewhere! Luckily for you, there are tons of knowledgeable co-workers here that are always willing to lend a helping hand! Thanks for everything Mike, we wouldn’t be the same without you!

Thank you for once again tuning into our MVP Monday spotlight! Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates on all things Dave and Adam’s!