Balancing Act
Published on September 21, 2006 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Arizona Rattlers News Release
One would think the AFL's "Ironman of the Year" would be relaxing on a beach or working on his golf game after a long and trying season, but that has hardly been the case for Rattler wide receiver/defensive back Randy Gatewood, an arena star turned entrepreneur.
Walking into 'Moody Blues' is like walking into a trendy club with clothes. Its interior is filled with medieval art and low-lit lamps, far from the standard fluorescents found in your local mall. It is a one-stop shop for all casual clothing needs. Whether you are looking for a pair of designer jeans or a diamond-studded accessory to go with it, 'Moody Blues' has it all.
When Randy Gatewood and his wife, Shannon, started their business venture early this year, the two-way superstar was already living his life-long dream of playing football, but had yet to accomplish the feat of owning his own business.
"Being a business owner was always one of my goals in life. My wife and I have always talked about owning our own one day but never knew what kind," said Gatewood. "We've had some other ideas that we could never agree upon and finally agreed on a clothing store."
Gatewood, who has always had a love for fashion, can recall a trip to Atlanta for an AFL game that helped him conceptualize what kind of business he would soon own.
"Two years ago we were in Atlanta for a game. I was shopping at the mall and couldn't find anything fashionable enough," Gatewood said. "A lady referred me to a boutique that was adjacent to the mall. It was a phenomenal store that had everything. I started thinking about how we need something like this in the East Valley - a high-end designer boutique."
Two years later, a similar shop sits in the desert of Chandler. "A Denim Society," a sign in the window reads. When you enter 'Moody Blues' you enter more than a designer boutique; you enter a new world.
"We are not that much different from any other boutiques from a clothing standpoint, but from a design standpoint, that's what sets us apart." Gatewood added. "We didn't want a store that looked like any of the other stores we were aware of."
While Gatewood offers ideas for the store, he has been able to get most of his business advice from his wife, creating a good combination.
"Shannon is involved in a lot more from a business standpoint of the company. She understands what it takes to run a business," Gatewood said. "I, on the other hand, consider myself to be more of the people person, the guy who goes out and gets certain lines or clothing. I also set up a lot of the advertising and negotiate deals. Together, we are a good mix."
As Gatewood learns the art of running a business, he realizes it is much different than football, something he has excelled in all of his life.
"I don't know if football has taught me a whole lot about running a business," he said. "I can say it has taught me character, discipline, and accountability. All of those elements can help in the business world."
Whether it's scoring a touchdown or making a sale, it seems that Gatewood has one common wish when it comes to his professions. "I want my customers, just like my fans, to say that they'll come back for more."
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from September 21, 2006
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