October 30, 2025
by: Sarah Zarcone
Nick’s Successful Employment with Dick’s House of Sport
Congratulations to Nick on surpassing his 1-year anniversary at Dick’s House of Sport, SouthPark Mall in Strongsville!
Back in early 2024, Nick began working with Greg Zaryk, Placement Coordinator with OakLeaf Partners. Nick’s goal was to find a part-time position where he would be able to utilize his excellent people skills. At first, Nick and Greg began searching for receptionist jobs around the Brunswick and Strongsville areas. After months of searching without any luck, they stopped by Dick’s House of Sport at the SouthPark Mall in Strongsville. It was then they met with Diana Singleton, Assistant Store Manager-Softlines. After the initial visit, Nick was interviewed and was subsequently hired.
“Nick’s optimism and perseverance during the job search phase never diminished. He kept both of us positively charged during the many visits we made with other employers. When we met with Diana at Dick’s House of Sport, she really picked up on his positive can-do attitude and gave him a chance” – Greg Zaryk, Placement Coordinator, OakLeaf Partners
Nick began working in the warehouse department on September 25, 2024, sorting and tagging apparel and shoes. With his engaging personality and eagerness to help, Nick quickly earned the chance to work on the sales floor, assisting customers with shoes and apparel (including a current Cleveland Browns player).
We are grateful to Dick’s House of Sport for their dedication to inclusion and creating opportunities for people with disabilities in the workplace. Nick’s success story highlights the impact of their commitment.
Customers rave about the positive experiences they’ve had shopping with Nick, and his teammates couldn’t agree more:
“Nick has been a wonderful addition to our team! He fit in with the team right away and is willing to help out wherever he can. Nick especially loves to be out on the floor assisting our athletes to help them get to department teammates and make sure they are always taken care of. Everyone here really enjoys Nick’s positivity and jokes! Love having him as part of our team!” — Diana Singleton, Assistant Store Manager-Softlines
“Nick is willing to flex in different areas as to where coverage is needed. It’s been a great pleasure having Nick part of our team.” — Rachel Thompson, Assistant Store Manager-Hardlines
“It is a pleasure to have Nick at DSG and works well with our customers. He works between the warehouse and the shoe deck assisting athletes in purchasing their shoes. He’s also great at using the scanners and the cash register. Nick continues to strive for excellent customer service.” — Zach Mitschke, Freight Flow Lead
Nick and his team have recently moved to the brand-new, larger Dick’s House of Sport location at SouthPark Mall (in the former Sears space). His dedication and customer-first attitude will continue to shine there too!
Join us in celebrating Nick and his incredible first year at DSG — and thank you again to Dick’s House of Sport for their dedication to inclusion and opportunity for people of all abilities.
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