Executive Management

Keith Gracey, CEO – As President and Director of Jump Capital Corp, Keith has been involved in financings, structuring, due diligence, packaging, syndication coordination of financings in public and private companies. Keith has over 20 years of experience in Financings, IPO, RTO, M&A work.

As graduate of the Dale Carnegie Institute, Keith was the President and Director of The Davis Group, a management consulting firm responsible for strategic management, customer service training, sales training and management training to wide industry client base.

Keith is a current member of the Entrepreneur Organization (EO) member, Victoria and Vancouver 2008 - Present.

Keith was a sponsored ambassador for the Nike brand for 10 years as a professional handball player.

Ric Redekop, President & GM – Ric joins the Firstar Sports team from Graf Canada Ltd. bringing with him an extensive background in wholesale, manufacturing and distribution of sporting goods. Leaning on his Junior hockey background, Ric has owned and managed sport- specific retail stores for 12 years before accepting a position as Western Sales Manager for Progress Sports, a manufacturer and distributor of Eddy and Edge goal equipment. The past 15 years Ric has been with Graf Canada Ltd. based in Calgary, Alberta where for the last 6 years in his position as North American Sales Manager he has overseen 18 sales reps in Canada and the United States, as well as the Graf customer service team, warranty department and day to day operations. Ric is a well-respected figure in the industry with a proven track record and a common sense approach to business.

Doug Thom, Senior Vice President – Doug brings his considerable talent and extensive experience in all aspects of product development, manufacturing and marketing to the Company. He has been involved in the retail sporting goods industry for more than 20 years, with special emphasis on creating MST performance clothing. He has used his vast knowledge, design skills and industry connections to develop an innovative performance line of micro-fiber products and other technological products that far exceed industry standards.

Prior to founding FIRSTAR, Doug served as the National Sales Manager for Victoriaville Hockey, Progress Sports and Eddy Goal Masks, creating and implementing sales programs and managing a national team of salesmen. He was also a Chief Product Designer involved with Victoriaville, Nike, Rawlings and Graf, bringing his passion for product design to bear on the creation and successful market launches of many new and innovative sports products.

Hank Wang, Director – A seasoned athlete and highly skilled businessman, well-versed in the Asian business landscape and co-founder of FIRSTAR, Hank has been involved in the design, manufacturing, and procurement of sporting goods for over 15 years. Based in Asia, he sources the highest quality, technically advanced micro-fiber material used in FIRSTAR’s performance apparel and manages Winwave, the Company’s main supplier.

Bob Mayhew, Controller – Bob's accounting career spans over 22 years in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, construction, warehousing and distribution, and apparel. With over 8 years as Controller for Helly Hansen, Bob oversaw explosive growth that required the relocation of the operation to a larger office/distribution facility, and all corresponding computer, communication and office/warehouse related equipment acquisitions. Bob has vast experience in the day to day accounting and operations of businesses, and has implemented and trained staff on new accounting and WMS systems throughout his various postings.

James Harper, VP Training & Development – James' role in the training and development of FIRSTAR's human resources is well supported by his distinguished 36-year career with the McDonald's Restaurant organization, including Head of Worldwide Training, Learning and Development. Currently, James owns and manages seven McDonald's locations throughout British Columbia.

Ray Ferraro, VP Hockey Relations – Vancouver based, 18-year NHL veteran and TSN Commentator, Ray joined FIRSTAR after using a COOLSKIN® golf shirt during two different golf games, two days in a row in 100+ degree California heat and found that the technology was the best moisture and odour control garment he had ever seen. Ray is instrumental at introducing the FIRSTAR brand to his many hockey connections across North America.

Russ Courtnall, VP Corporate Development – Former right-winger, Russ played for 16 seasons in the NHL with a variety of teams – including the Vancouver Canucks. After retiring from professional hockey in 1999, he focused his efforts on raising his family in Los Angeles and organizing the Courtnall Celebrity Golf Classic, supporting mental health programs. Russ exercises his considerable connections in professional sports to create awareness of the FIRSTAR brand, promoting the superior performance qualities demanded by top level athletes.

Mike Thompson, VP Pro Player Relations – Mike's background as trainer of amateur and pro hockey players has served as an active channel for bringing the FIRSTAR brand to market. In additional to his appointment as Strength & Conditioning Coach for the AHL Abbotsford Heat (the NHL Calgary Flames' affiliate team), Mike owns and operates multiple performance training companies in BC and has served as the Strength & Conditioning Coach for junior franchises in BC's lower mainland and interior. Mike is a past evaluator with BC Hockey's Best Ever program and recruiter and scout for local sport management companies.