Major League Fishing

Wrangler®, a global icon in jeanswear and casual apparel, announced on May 18 the expansion of its successful All Terrain Gear by Wrangler™ line of outdoor and athleisure apparel to include high-performance fishing styles with the launch of the ATG Wrangler Angler™ Collection. Designed for functionality, comfort and durability, the collection meets the unique needs of anglers everywhere, incorporating key features including increased ventilation, stretch and range of motion.

The collection is a direct response to increased interest in recreational fishing over the past few years, specifically among casual fisherman. According to data collected from the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation’s 2021 Special Report on Fishing, 18% of the U.S. population ages six and up went fishing at least one time in 2020, making it an ideal time for new and returning anglers to explore new fishing gear as the sport’s popularity continues to grow.

“Wrangler was born as an outdoor brand. With the launch of the ATG Wrangler Angler Collection, we are harnessing our unique understanding of the importance of durability and versatility for outdoor apparel, to bring style and comfort to the sportfishing space,” said Tom Waldron, EVP, Co-Chief Operating Officer, Global Brand President – Wrangler. “At Wrangler we are committed to strategic growth that is true to our roots. We are excited to continue to grow our outdoor collection to meet the dynamic needs of outdoor enthusiasts.”

Building off features and attributes of the men’s and women’s ATG by Wrangler line, the dual-gender Wrangler Angler™ Collection couples performance with effortless style to take consumers from the office to the outdoors. Key products available in the ATG Wrangler Angler Collection include:

• The Men’s LS Sun Performance Sun Shirt, Hike-to-Fish SS Shirt, and LS Angler Shirt and Women’s Hooded Sun Tee and LS Angler Shirt, all of which feature moisture-wicking fabric and UPF protection.
• The Men’s Angler Short and Angler Utility Short, which feature increased stretch and range of motion.
• The Women’s SS Angler Dress, which offers lightweight material that provides breathability and comfort, as well as increased ventilation for warm days on the water.

Aligning with the launch of the ATG Wrangler Angler™ Collection, Wrangler has aligned itself as a sponsor of Major League Fishing, the world’s largest tournament fishing organization and premier outdoor entertainment brand. Wrangler will serve as the Official Sponsor of the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour.

“We’re thrilled to be working with Wrangler this year and are proud to associate with a brand that’s helping to address some of the biggest issues that anglers face when shopping for typical fishing attire,” said Jim Wilburn, President and CEO of Major League Fishing. “The collaboration was a natural fit for Major League Fishing, as the Wrangler brand feels synonymous with what we and the sport are all about – hard work, an adventurous spirit and courageous individuality.”

Apparel from the ATG Wrangler Angler™ Collection is available on Wrangler.com and at retailers nationwide, including Amazon. Retail prices range from $28.99-$55.99. To learn more about the ATG Wrangler Angler™ Collection, visit www.wrangler.com.

Taylor Swift

For the 2018 US Leg of the Taylor Swift Reputation Tour Trenches partnered with Biore and Spark Foundry to bring a unique traveling digital activation to life.  Huge video screens welcomed Taylor Swift fans to the different stadiums as the tour travelled the country.  The Screens were strategically placed at Stadium entrances and around Stadium concourses to catch fans attention.  In between Behind the Scenes Taylor Swift concert video Biore ran short fun video ads.  Biore reached thousands of fans authentically across major US markets.

Harlem Globetrotters

The Harlem Globetrotters, Heelys and Trenches teamed up for a match made in heaven.  Heelys was looking to share the fun worldwide and the Globetrotters were looking for a new element in the show.  The results speak for themselves! The relationship includes experiential activations of the Heelys brand at Harlem Globetrotters games both in the U.S. and abroad, a special shoe collaboration, the creation of an exclusive online content series and a unique school curriculum integration. 

As part of the partnership, Heelys will receive traditional in-game assets and out-of-home marketing assets advertising. Heelys will also have the ability to develop and rollout “pop up” activation areas at key games and provide fans with special offers on Heelys.  

In addition to the in-game integrations, Heelys and the Harlem Globetrotters will created a narrative of content starting with the Harlem Globetrotters practicing and continuing throughout the game. The content was distributed through social media networks and media partners.

As part of the campaign, in Fall 2019, Heely’s and Harlem Globetrotters through a unique partnership worked together to distribute Heely’s “How I Roll” self-esteem platform initiative into middle schools across the country. The program will reach approximately 700,000 teachers and 20,000 schools across the nation.

Spark

The Inspire Brands Foundation, the charitable arm of Inspire Brands, along with corporate partners, will provide millions of dollars in grants to support youth-focused workforce readiness initiatives across the nation. The companies shared the commitment thru an idea created by Trenches and the Inspire Brands Foundation to create an event called Spark.  Spark brings together nonprofits, local and state leaders, and voices from across the hospitality and entertainment industries to discuss the importance of providing the next generation of workers with critical job skills needed to lay the foundation for a strong future.

SPARK was created by Inspire and Trenches to UNITE: Industry Leaders, IGNITE: Tomorrow’s Workforce and INSPIRE: Thru Story

Hosted by Inspire Co-Founder and CEO, Paul Brown, and GRAMMY winning artist, actor, and philanthropist, Ludacris, the 2023 event included a nonprofit summit, and a series of keynote talks and panels featuring EMMY winning sportscaster Ernie Johnson Jr., educator Ron Clark, music executive Phylicia Fant, GRAMMY winning songwriter, music executive and producer Kawan “KP” Prather, Metro Atlanta Chamber CEO Katie Kirkpatrick, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta Kwame Johnson, and Focus Brands CEO Jim Holthouser.

The event culminated in the announcement of the one-million-dollar commitment, benefiting more than 30 local and national nonprofit organizations focused on empowering youth and workforce readiness, including 3DE, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta, City of Refuge, and the Ron Clark Academy.  Save the date for our 2024 Spark where we hope to increase our grants by double!

Chevron Showdown

The PBR Chevron Showdown was an idea sparked by Trenches to pair a property that we represent, the 2023 PBR (Professional Bull Riding) Championship Team – The Ariat Texas Rattlers, with a brand compelled to create positive and lasting impacts on the Permian Basin.  Chevron was a dream brand partner and inventing the Chevron Showdown was a huge success by creating memorable, family-friendly experiences for Chevron employees and West Texas residents, celebrating West Texas culture, and supporting organizations that play pivotal roles in the Permian Communities. Chevron showed the world what happens when the spirit of West Texas meets the power of partnership. 

The PBR Challenger Series first event at the Permian Basin in June 2024 initiative benefited the community with 100% of the profits from ticket sales going straight to the Odessa College Wranglers rodeo team who joined the Rattlers in a team shakeup for the showdown.

This was the start of a season-long charitable initiative between Chevron and the Texas Rattlers.  For every qualified ride logged by one of the team’s riders at both the PBR Chevron Showdown and during their entire 2024 regular season for the PBR Camping World Team Series, Chevron is donating $800 to nonprofits in the Permian Basin, including the Midland Children’s Rehabilitation Center Hippotherapy Program, FFA programs in MISD and ECISD, and the Reeves County Junior Livestock Show.

Emory Healthcare Partners with the Atlanta Vibe

The Pro Volleyball Federation’s Atlanta Vibe has announced a multi-year partnership with Emory Healthcare, making Emory Healthcare the official team health care provider of the Atlanta Vibe and the first ever jersey patch sponsor for the city’s newest professional sports team.  This deal was brokered by Brad Olecki, Founder of Trenches.

As a part of the relationship, Emory Healthcare is providing sports medicine physicians and athletic trainers for all games and health and wellness services across the health system to players. Emory Healthcare’s logo is displayed prominently on the Vibe’s uniforms for the rest of the season and on the team’s home court at Gas South Arena in Duluth, Georgia.

Kobie Lane

Sales Executive

Kobie Lain is a dynamic Sales Executive with Trenches Sports & Entertainment, bringing a wealth of experience and a visionary approach to business development. With a proven track record in connecting companies and fostering valuable relationships through his sales efforts with Circular Edge, Kobie excels at creating impactful marketing and event planning strategies.

As a former college quarterback at Southern University and Delaware State University, and with experience in LSU’s Player Personnel Department during its 2019 National Championship run, Kobie combines his athletic background with sharp business acumen. His genuine passion for sports and supporting athletes shines through in all his endeavors.

Renowned for his infectious energy and genuine demeanor, Kobie has a natural ability to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression. Outside of work, he enjoys exploring new cultures through travel and finding inspiration in the great outdoors.

Brad Olecki

Founder & CEO

Olecki uses the lessons he learned as a former student-athlete playing offensive line at Morehead State University in his professional career. The genesis of Trenches, Olecki brings those traits to the workplace every day by not being afraid to do the dirty work while making sure his clients and partners are the all-stars, in the spotlight, getting all the accolades.
Before starting Trenches Sports and Entertainment, Brad was part of the founding leadership team that developed, designed, funded, built and managed the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, GA. As the Chief Revenue Officer, Olecki lead the efforts to raise the funds to build and operate the College Football Hall of Fame and Chick-fil-A Fan Experience. A true public/private partnership, the Hall was almost entirely funded by corporate sponsorships, foundation gifts, and individual donors. He was responsible for developing corporate partnerships for the Hall, strategizing and implementing the philanthropic, grassroots and membership strategy as well as unique marketing programs and special event strategy, while managing group ticket and event sales.

Prior to joining the Hall and Trenches, Olecki worked in managerial roles for ISP Sports (now IMG College), the Atlanta Spirit and Action Sports Media. He specializes in strategic sales planning and team leading, relationship building, philanthropic fundraising, creative partnership development and execution along with partnership negotiation. Managing strong relationships with a wide range of premier corporations, foundations, and individuals, Brad has been instrumental in creating and implementing sports, entertainment and cause marketing programs on their behalf. These experiences have allowed him to develop a unique skill set having been a full-time employee at the property level and worked with several outsourced consultants and sales agents. It was this experience that gave him the idea to start Trenches and fill a specific need for similar properties.

A long time Atlanta resident, Olecki attended Morehead State University where he received his bachelor’s in Business Administration and was the Team Captain and All-American on the Eagles’ football team. He sits on the Board of Directors for Curing Kids Cancer and Silverton Foundation as well as assisting with several Metro Atlanta Boy Scouts’ initiatives including the Peach of an Athlete Role Model Banquet and Sporting Clays event. Olecki lives in Smyrna with his wife, Margaret Anne and two boys Benjamin (5) and Andrew (4).

Hannah Shinafelt

Marketing & Sales Manager

Hannah is a graduate of Kennesaw State University with a bachelor’s in Business Administration. She brings   experience in customer service, event planning, activation and working with high profile clients from her work at The Hawks Ridge Golf Club and a Sports Advertising Representative sales position.

Hannah leads our office in the creative design, fulfillment and activation for all partnerships, as well as, runs the day to day office keeping the rest of us in line!

Her enthusiasm and drive to find the best for everyone with whom she works, just adds to the many reasons she is a great addition to the Trenches Sports & Entertainment team! She resides in Jasper, Georgia where she enjoys her family and friends, staying active and enjoying as much time outdoors.

Heidi Sandate

VP Of Operations & Brand Fulfillment

Heidi comes to Trenches with a background in sales, marketing, event planning and operations.  She worked for 15 years for the critically acclaimed Buckhead Life Restaurant Group as the Director of Sales and Events.  She was able to combine her love of details with her ability to develop and maintain relationships.  While there, Heidi had the opportunity to create and plan events for Presidents, Fortune 500 companies, Professional Sports Teams and celebrities.  She was most known for her ability to take care of the countless details behind the scenes to execute a success event.   Heidi ability to multi-task allowed her and her staff to deliver over 1,500 events a year.

Heidi brings her love of details, problem solving and strategy to the VP of Operations role at Trenches.  Align company strategy with execution and brand fulfillment.  Heidi is also using her event expertise to lead Trenches and Inspire Brands Foundation partnership in their creation of the SPARK event – which raises over $2,000,000 in grants to promote career and workforce readiness for the next generation.

Heidi graduated with a Bachelors in Business Administration in Marketing from the University of Iowa (Go Hawkeyes!) and minored in Spanish.  She currently lives in Smyrna, Georgia with her husband and 3 school aged kids.   When not working you can find her at the baseball fields where she is on the Little League Board as the Chair of Sponsorship. She also volunteers as a fundraiser for the local schools where she was awarded volunteer of the year by the City of Smyrna in 2020.

Larry Jones

SVP Global Partnerships

Larry Jones is an accomplished marketing and sales management professional with a 20 year track record of success in sales and activation related to the Athletic, Entertainment and Technology industries.

Larry has proven to be a strong leader and team member with experience across live event/sports marketing, including generating revenue for NBA, NHL, NCAA Properties, MLS, High School sports, concerts & festivals, special events, multi-purpose venues and Immersive Media.  Larry currently lives in Atlanta with his wife and two sons.