Games People Play is 25 years old… and gold in Austin.

The actual anniversary date was Thursday, July 17 — a day filled with storm clouds, thunder, lightning and rain.

Not to worry.

The glass is always half-full, the sky is always partly-sunny and the business is, literally, growing.

“We’ve enjoyed good growth through the years and our employees are largely responsible for that,” said Lance Pogones, general manager. “We have many workers who have been with us for a long time and we appreciate their loyalty.”

Games People Play located at 701 18th Ave. N.W. started in OakPark Mall 25 years ago.

“We were successful from Day One,” recalled Pogones. “Business was good from the start.

“Of course, there were some nervous times later, but we survived and, in fact, we had to move because we out-grew our location in Oak Park Mall,” he said.

The family-owned business — Lance’s parents, Ron and Nadine, are among the owners — had conceived a formula for success that the owners never deviated.

Sportswear, athlete gear, outerwear, everything the consumer wanted or needed.

So solid was the formula, plus a strong adherence to customer service, that the move from the shopping center was accomplished without impediment.

Leaving the mall during some of its best times with few empty storefronts might have been a risky decision.

No problem. The Austin Moose Lodge wanted to sell the building it occupied and move to another location.

Enter Games People Play.

The new location offered Pogones everything he needed: more retail flood space with room to grow, office space and space for the burgeoning screen-printing and embroidery business.

The move was made and the move was successful.

When Excel Fitness became a tenant, it only solidified the decision to leave the shopping center.

Today, Games People Play is the place to shop for sportswear and other needs.

Of course, Austin High School Packers-red is all over the store, but so are other area high schools represented.

The business is a magnet for the best and brightest young men and women, who pine to work there.

“We’ve enjoyed a fine group of young people who have worked for us over the years,” Pogones said.

Of course, loyalty counts at Games People Play and veteran employees, such as Bill Sorenson, are invaluable assets to the company, too.

That’s because Sorenson is one of the skilled employees of the fast-growing screen-printing and embroidery portion of the business: almost 50 percent today, according to Pogones.

Large and small clients all receive the same “You’re important to us” customer service attention.

Games People Play employees 20 full-time workers plus another 20 part-time workers.

LuAnn Rypka, a sister of Pogones,’ is one of six family members involved in the business.

“We appreciate our relationship with all our clients and value their business,” Pogones said.

The Pogones family developed a business plan that worked.

They have well-known brands for sports equipment, apparel and athletic performance accessories, including Nike, Columbia, Asics, Under Armour, New Balance, Reebok, Ashworth, Prince, Cutter & Buck and Champion.

Also, they also have a wide selection apparel and hats of NFL, NHL, NBA and college teams. Baseball, softball, basketball, running and casual recreational clothing are offered in a wide variety of styles that will meet the needs of everyone from the occasional athlete to the every morning walker to the diehard distance runner, the store proudly boasts.

Fast, easy and affordable sports apparel, one-stop shopping for customized apparel, accessories and promotional items.

What business could ask for anything more?

Twenty-five years: a silver anniversary for a golden business that enjoys customer loyalty that is the envy of others.

And not to be ignored is the business’ role in the community.

“We’ve had a good run and appreciate our customers,” Pogones said.

Likewise say customers.

For more information about Games People Play go online to www.lancep@gpp-austin.com or call (800) 657-4567.