Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Vogelaar.
Hi Mike, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
As a Baylor University graduate and someone who moved from Dallas, my return to Waco wasn’t driven by job opportunities but by a strong belief in the city’s potential and community spirit. My family and I moved here without guaranteed employment, drawn by Waco’s growth and its strong sense of community that doesn’t exist in other places.
Since arriving, my appreciation for Waco’s community has only deepened. The city’s history, shaped by dedicated individuals, inspires its residents to continuously work towards its improvement, creating a unified and purposeful community atmosphere.
My involvement with the Greater Waco Sports Commission (GWSC) represents my personal commitment to Waco. Over the past two years, in partnership with the City of Waco, McLennan County, and local businesses, GWSC has organized numerous events downtown, including five IRONMAN competitions, three open water swims, promoted countless runs, two rowing regattas in the Brazos, and volleyball tournaments. These events have highlighted our city’s excellent facilities and natural scenery and contributed to the local economy.
The success of these sporting events illustrates Waco’s dedication to progress and community collaboration, bringing both economic and social benefits and establishing the city as a prime location for sports and recreation.
Beyond my role with GWSC, my life is deeply integrated into the city. I work, dine, shop, and celebrate life’s accomplishments in downtown, a vibrant area reflecting the city’s transformation and the efforts that have shaped it over decades. Supporting local businesses and participating in downtown events is what makes Waco unique and appeal to all of us.
Waco truly is “a city to believe in.” Its embrace of change, commitment to hard work, and celebration of achievements is contagious. My family and I are proud to contribute to its growth. The city is poised for a vibrant and thriving future, and I am excited about participating in its continued development.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Just like everyone else, life presents its share of challenges and obstacles, yet it is these very experiences that mold and define us. Confronting personal adversities, such as past struggles with depression or professional hurdles like transitioning from a 13-year tenure in a company to a new, unfamiliar career path, tests our resilience, hope, and faith in the future.
My European upbringing, followed by relocation to the United States at a young age, has ingrained in me a desire to integrate my global perspectives into the American communities I have been part of. My move to Waco marked a significant career shift from a stable leadership position in the private sector to an uncertain role in a non-profit organization in a new city. This transition provided me with an opportunity to understand the dynamics of this unique community, especially in the wake of a pandemic, and explore ways in which I could contribute to its shaping.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Greater Waco Sports Commission?
The Greater Waco Sports Commission is a pivotal nonprofit organization dedicated to unifying and energizing the unique community in Central Texas. Our approach centers on crafting local events that offer residents the chance to compete in their own area while also welcoming visitors to experience the distinct hospitality of Central Texas. Our most notable event is the IRONMAN 70.3 Waco race, held in the fall, alongside various other competitive and high school state championships.
A key focus for us is leveraging the vibrant downtown area along the Brazos River, a goal furthered by our collaboration with the Waco Rowing Center. Over the past 18 months, Waco has successfully hosted three premier regatta races, not only for Texas athletes but also for those from neighboring states. This initiative has significantly aided the Waco Rowing Center in extending the sport of rowing and its educational opportunities to underrepresented local communities.
What truly sets Waco apart is our commitment to building relationships that transcend our objectives. We aim to foster a cooperative atmosphere, partnering with local businesses and organizations to help them achieve their goals. We firmly believe in the principle that “a rising tide lifts all boats,” emphasizing the power of collaboration over competition.
What does success mean to you?
The definition of success goes beyond the metrics and measurements of one’s Return on Investments (ROI). It is truly realized through the growth of significant relationships within the community. This involves collaborating with local businesses to enhance events for marketing and sales purposes, establishing scholarships to engage the community actively (ex. TEAM Waco), and enlisting volunteers for a wide variety of events. The real measure of success lies in the lasting impact and meaningful presence we create in the community.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wacosports.org
- Instagram: @wacosports
- Facebook: GreaterWacoSportsCommission
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/greater-waco-sports-commission
Image Credits
Greater Waco Sports Commission
