Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Treacy.
Hi Michael, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
From the moment I laced up my first pair of skates at age five, I have been passionate about hockey. After years of playing the game, I transitioned to officiating in 2012, driven by a commitment to fairness and a desire to educate players of all ages on the rules of the sport.
As a lifelong hockey enthusiast, I recognized a gap in the market and founded Official’s Equipment, LLC in 2015 in Memphis, Tennessee—where no retail store specialized in hockey gear, let alone equipment for officials. What started as a vision quickly became a family-run business (thanks to my wife Malerie) dedicated to providing high-quality products tailored specifically to the needs of various officials.
At Official’s Equipment, LLC, our vision is to provide, play, and perform with passion. Our mission is to offer quality products, play the game to promote healthy competition, perform at a high level of professional customer service, and share a deep passion for the sport. We strive to exceed the expectations of fellow players and officials to build lasting relationships and lifelong customers.
With a deep understanding of the game, extensive merchandising expertise, and a commitment to excellence, Official’s Equipment is more than just a retailer—we are a trusted partner in the player and officiating community. Our goal is not just to meet expectations but to exceed them, ensuring that every official has the tools they need to uphold the integrity of the game.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but it’s been worth every challenge. Running a hockey pro shop in Olive Branch, MS, while working a full-time job overseas in Shanghai, China, has tested our limits in every way—time zones, logistics, and communication being some of the biggest hurdles.
There were days when I’d finish a long workday in Shanghai and immediately hop on late-night calls with employees or deal with inventory issues back in Mississippi. Managing staff remotely was another major challenge—finding reliable people and making sure they understood the level of service I wanted to maintain, even when I wasn’t physically there. Shipping delays, equipment shortages, and rising costs post-COVID added to the strain, especially when trying to meet customer expectations in a niche market like hockey gear in the South.
Over time, I learned to build systems, trust the team I trained, and rely heavily on clear communication and technology to keep things running smoothly. It’s been tough, but seeing the shop thrive and serve a passionate sports community back home while I expand my own horizons abroad has made it all worth it. My wife Malerie has also stepped-up and helped run the business while we were abroad. Her savvy business knowledge and organizational skills helped keep us organized and gain momentum in the market.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Running a hockey pro shop in the South—specifically in Olive Branch, Mississippi—is a unique experience in itself. We specialize in hockey gear, catering to a very specific but passionate segment of the sports world.
What I’m most proud of is building a trusted, go-to resource for players in an area where ice sports aren’t front and center. We’ve filled a real gap—not just with gear, but with knowledge and support. Our customers know that when they come to us, they’re not just getting equipment; they’re getting expert advice from people who truly understand the game.
What sets us apart is our deep focus the personal connection we build with our customers. Despite being in a non-traditional market, we’ve gained a reputation that stretches far beyond our local rink.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to us is taking care of our customers—plain and simple. Whether someone’s walking into the shop for the first time or placing a repeat order, I want every customer to feel like they’re being heard, respected, and supported. That’s especially important in a niche like hockey, where gear isn’t always easy to find and advice can be even harder to come by.
I know what it’s like to need something specific and not know where to turn. That’s why we go out of our way to answer questions quickly, make thoughtful recommendations, and follow through—every time. It’s not just about selling gear; it’s about building trust and relationships with the customers who rely on us. That level of personal service is what keeps people coming back, and it’s what drives everything we do.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialsequipmentproshop/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OEProShop
