Something at the core of every successful sports program, yet rarely recognized, is locker room supplies. Duffy’s Tri-C Club Supply is one of few suppliers that keeps a stocked inventory of ready-to-ship essential items for every program. We spoke with Dan Linsell, the Sales Team Lead at Duffy’s, who has been instrumental in driving Duffy’s growth into the sports market. Through dedication, family values, and a relentless focus on customer service, what started 47 years ago as a side business in the Linsell family garage has blossomed into a nationwide supplier, servicing everything from country clubs to professional sports teams.
A Family Legacy Rooted in Hard Work
Dan’s parents created Duffy’s Tri-C Club Supply in 1978 while working other full-time jobs. The business has remained a tight-knit family operation, with his father still helping out with orders and taking customer calls. When Dan joined the company full-time in 2002, the focus was primarily on country clubs. However, Dan saw potential in the sports market—a niche that had been largely untapped by the company. in 2003, he made the decision to dive into this new market, a move that would ultimately lead to significant growth. Today, the sports division accounts for 25% of their business.
“We have about a 60 page catalog,” Dan says. “We house 95% of what we do here. We have hundreds and hundreds of bottles of deodorant, to razors, to Q-tips, to band aids, whatever it is. Basically, all of it comes out of here. We do drop-ship a few things, all our Royal Basket laundry carts being one of them.”
Innovative Partnership with Royal Basket Trucks
A significant part of Duffy’s success in the sports market can be attributed to their partnership with Royal Basket Trucks. This relationship, which began in 2008, has allowed Duffy’s to offer specialized products like the Heavy-Duty Travel Cart, designed specifically to withstand the needs of sports teams. This product has become a best-seller among colleges and professional sports teams alike.
“We are the only ones who sell this cart through Royal,” Dan says. “It’s a base laundry cart with a cage in the outside. It’s got reinforced hinges. It’s just an awesome travel cart.”
National Reach with a Personal Touch
One of the cornerstones of Duffy’s success has been their unwavering commitment to customer service, with most shipments going out within 24 hours. Whether it’s a small order from a college or a large shipment for a professional team, the focus is always on meeting the customer’s needs quickly and efficiently.
“I tell everybody there’s no minimum,” Dan says. “You can call me up and get one can of deodorant. You’re thinking of us. That’s huge. And hopefully, if you come around the next time, you might say, ‘You know what, we really need some gum today. What’s my best option? I’ll give Dan a call.'”
Despite their growth, Duffy’s Tri-C Club Supply has maintained the personal touch that only a family-run business can offer. With a warehouse in Garden City, Michigan, they ship products nationwide, from California to New York. This approach has helped them build long-lasting relationships with clients all across the country.
“We’re not helmets, we’re not pads, we’re not gonna change the world here,” Dan says. “But at the same time, some of it is, ‘Oh, my gosh! I can’t believe I’m out of shampoo. I need it tomorrow. What can you do?’ No problem. It’ll be there. We’ll take care of it.”
Duffy’s Tri-C Club Supply is more than just a supplier, they’re a reflection of the power of hard work, family values, and a customer-first mentality. Under Dan Linsell’s leadership, the company has not only expanded into new markets but also maintained the high standards of service that have been their hallmark for nearly five decades. As Dan looks to the future, with hopes that his own children might one day join the business, it’s clear that the legacy of Duffy’s Tri-C Club Supply is in good hands.
Learn More About Royal Basket Trucks:
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Founded in 1982, Royal Basket Trucks, Inc. began manufacturing basket trucks with the idea of providing quality products coupled with outstanding customer service.
Our product offerings have grown but the core ideals remain the same. We use the feedback we receive from customers and distributors in our design evolution process to continually strive to meet the material handling needs of many business markets.
