The Gold Athletics Advantage: Real Ownership, Real Support, Real Results

Gold Athletics
Oct 16
7 min read

Updated: Oct 16

Eric Hiller, Brian Ludwig, Matt Ross, and Alex Ryan at the National Athletic Directors Convention 2024

Change is the only constant in today’s fast-moving fundraising landscape. Tech platforms promise quick wins, teams go through leadership changes, and expectations from schools, teams, and communities shift rapidly. Coaches and leaders deserve more than just another fundraiser — one with reliability, results, and real relationships.

That’s where Gold Athletics stands apart. At a time when the industry is flooded with short-term fixes, GA offers something increasingly rare: long-term stability, real ownership, and a mission rooted in purpose-driven growth. It’s not just about raising money — it’s about building something that lasts over time.

What truly makes Gold Athletics different? It’s the balance of independence with structure. The blend of innovative technology and personal, boots-on-the-ground support is a legacy model designed not just for today’s success, but for sustained impact year after year.

The Gold Standard: Build a Business with Long-Term Value

At Gold Athletics, you're not just getting a fundraiser — you're getting a partner who’s personally invested. Unlike companies that send in a revolving door of reps, Gold Athletics empowers its team to build long-term equity through real relationships.

Each GA representative develops their own book of business — a dedicated network of schools, athletes, and coaches they work with year after year. That means the person showing up to run your fundraiser isn’t here for a quick commission; they’re here to earn your trust, understand your program’s goals, and grow with you season after season.

As that rep’s book of business grows, so does their commitment to delivering better results, smoother execution, and a deeper understanding of your team’s dynamic. You're not starting from scratch every year — you're building on a foundation of experience and shared success.

Gold Athletics reps also have the option to sell their book of business back to the company when they step away, meaning those relationships never disappear. They’re preserved, passed on, and protected — ensuring your program never loses the support it depends on. With Gold Athletics, you get consistency, accountability, and a partner with real skin in the game.

What to Do If You’re a Veteran Fundraising Coach Looking to Retire

For coaches who’ve spent years building winning programs and trusted fundraising systems, the idea of retirement can come with a big question mark: What happens to everything I’ve built? With Gold Athletics, there’s a clear answer — and a thoughtful exit strategy.

Because GA reps build long-term relationships with their programs, those connections don’t disappear when a coach retires. In fact, GA honors veteran coaches and the impact they’ve had by reinvesting in those relationships — ensuring your teams continue to be supported at the same high level, even after you’ve hung up the whistle.

Whether you’re handing off your team to a new head coach or stepping away from fundraising entirely, Gold Athletics makes the transition smooth. The systems are already in place. The rep knows your goals. And the support doesn’t miss a beat.

It’s more than peace of mind — it’s knowing that what you’ve built will keep growing. You’ve laid the foundation. Gold Athletics helps carry it forward.

New England Gold Athletics Fundraising Reps at a clinic.

Stability in a Changing Market

In an unpredictable industry, Gold Athletics is a constant you can count on. Over the past few years, the fundraising space has exploded with a new generation of athletes. Flashy startups, app-only platforms, and one-size-fits-all solutions promising instant results are all new and exciting. But behind the hype, many lack staying power. Coaches are left dealing with turnover, tech issues, and a revolving door of reps who vanish after the season ends.

Gold Athletics is different. With nearly two decades of proven performance, GA has built a rock-solid foundation — one grounded in trusted systems, financial stability, and a reputation that speaks for itself. Coaches know what they’re getting when they partner with Gold Athletics: reliable support, efficient execution, a long-lasting relationship, and a team that understands how to get results without cutting corners.

Robby Muniak, our Territory Fundraising Manager in Ohio, spoke on why he joined GA: “I was sold on GA because of the vision that Matt presented for the long-term success of the company. I felt that this would be a good opportunity to get into something that I would enjoy long term.”

Behind every fundraiser is a deeply supported infrastructure. From logistics and product delivery to app support and back-end coordination, GA’s network allows reps to focus on what really matters — building relationships and helping your team win on and off the field. “We innovated during COVID when others took a break,” recalls our CEO and National Sales Director, Matt Ross. “And that hard work has paid off.”

Tech That Works for You: The GA App Advantage

The Gold Athletics App is a rep-first, team-friendly tool that makes fundraising simple, efficient, and effective. From real-time tracking to instant communication, it supports coaches, athletes, and reps every step of the way.

Matt Curtis, our Connecticut Territory Manager, explains: “No need to knock on doors, make deliveries, or count cash — it can all be done through the GA App.”

With digital tracking, automated reporting, and quick updates, the app keeps teams organized and focused. No paperwork, no guesswork — just results.

What sets Gold Athletics apart is how we use technology to enhance human connection. Our reps still show up, lead meetings, and build relationships — the app just makes it all smoother.

As Eric Hiller, Director of Sales in Western New England, puts it: “Providing results is so important so we stay on top of our game. We will continue to be the first company to deliver and make changes that improve our App and overall experience for our teams and new relationships.”

Boots on the Ground: Experience You Can’t Replicate

At Gold Athletics, boots on the ground isn’t just a saying — it’s our standard. While other fundraising companies rely on remote support or app-only systems, GA continues to show up in person. Our reps are in your schools, on your fields, and in your locker rooms — leading Blitz events, rallying athletes, and standing alongside coaches every step of the way.

This face-to-face approach builds trust faster, motivates athletes more effectively, and delivers results technology alone can’t replicate.

One of our veteran reps, Steve Ash, who is our Director of Sales in Eastern New England, said of the combination of in-person and digital fundraising, “Technology is making it easier for teams to raise money, it is making it easier to send emails and texts. We're trying to combine a little bit of both, in-person and online fundraising sales, to make it easy to fundraise but also challenge players.”

Gold Athletics invests in people — and that human connection is what keeps teams coming back season after season.

Equipping the Next Generation

At Gold Athletics, we’re developing future leaders — not just fundraisers. Every campaign is a hands-on leadership experience for student-athletes, guided by reps who serve as mentors, not just managers. Through every Blitz and kickoff, GA teaches confidence, communication, and accountability — skills that last far beyond the field.

Matt Curtis and one of his coaches at a clinic.

That’s how Ross got this vision, from his own experience: “I started in the fundraising industry at the end of 2006 as an intern. I drove around Connecticut working on connecting with merchants and got a lot of experience in the industry. I ended up winning Rookie of the Year with the first company I was with, and then they went bankrupt. We all picked up the pieces and were able to start something special.”

Just as GA builds strong relationships with teams, it invests in its own people — onboarding and training the next wave of reps with mentorship and personal growth at the core. Curtis, a former college baseball player, shared, “GA did nothing but guide me in the right direction in becoming a fundraising coach.”

Mark “Sharky” Chatalian echoed that same energy: “I was recruited based on my participation on a Youth board... I was hired by Steve Ash, who is a great mentor.” He adds, “I’m the old guy on the team, but I’m just a boy in a man’s body. I want to keep helping programs raise money and instill confidence in student-athletes.” That’s the Gold Athletics way–reps from all different backgrounds and personalities motivating you in every step of the process.

Partnerships and Opportunities That Expand Your Reach

At Gold Athletics, our partnerships multiply your potential. From statewide athletic associations to strategic partners like Rocket Alumni Solutions, MSSADA, and NHADA, GA has built a network that extends far beyond the fundraiser itself. These partnerships open doors — giving your program more visibility, more credibility, and more opportunities to connect with proven support systems.

For teams, these relationships mean access to trusted resources and exposure to best-in-class tools. For reps, they create stronger regional ties, shared expertise, and new ways to serve communities. It’s a model rooted in collaboration — not competition — where cross-promotion strengthens every fundraiser.

Your team doesn’t fundraise alone. With Gold Athletics, you’re backed by a team that knows how to win — and a network that knows how to grow.

Gold Athletics employees at the MSSADA clinic.

Why It All Matters: Freedom + Support + Legacy

The Gold Athletics model is built on a powerful blend: independence with support, ownership with stability, personal growth with purpose.

When your program partners with GA, you’re not just choosing a fundraiser — you’re aligning with a system built to last. Every rep is personally invested, and every campaign is an opportunity to build something bigger.

It’s about more than raising money — it’s about raising the standard for what’s possible. You get the freedom to lead your team your way, the support to succeed year after year, and the confidence that your hard work is building a legacy that will outlast the scoreboard.