For Rob Lavoie and Cory Edwards, what began as a part-time high school job has evolved into a full-time passion. Now the owners of three Play It Again Sports locations in Ottawa—Orléans, Barrhaven and Kanata—the pair have built their careers around helping local athletes get geared up.
Like many teenagers, Rob and Cory were initially drawn to the job because of their love of sports. Being surrounded by new gear and other athletes made the environment feel less like work and more like a natural fit.
“We were both passionate about all sports and it seemed like an ideal job where we’d get our hands on all the newest gear and be around it all day and interact with like minded people,” Rob explains.
The two stayed on through their post-secondary years and gradually took on more responsibility. What began as a part-time position evolved into supervisory roles and eventually store management as the Ottawa operation expanded from one location to four stores.
Along the way, Rob hired Evan, who quickly became another key part of the team. Over time, the three developed a strong understanding of the business from the ground up while working closely with the previous local ownership group that mentored them.
Their move into ownership came gradually. After years helping run the stores, Rob and Cory stepped forward when the previous owners began stepping back. Later, when the opportunity came to take over the Kanata location, bringing Evan in as a partner felt like the natural next step.
“We were lucky to have amazing local ownership. They taught us the ropes but also allowed us the freedom to grow as employees and as leaders,” Rob says.
After more than 25 years working with staff, customers and vendors inside the stores, that experience continues to shape how they run the business today.
At its core, Play It Again Sports operates on a simple model: buying and selling both new and used sporting equipment. Customers can trade in gear they have outgrown and apply the value toward their next purchase, while other athletes can access quality equipment at a lower price.
“Every store in town has similar pricing on new equipment,” Rob explains. “We also take the stuff you’ve outgrown, give you a discount, and then offer great deals to others looking for used gear.”
For families with children in sports, the system can make a significant difference. Equipment that might only be used for a season or two can be traded in rather than sitting unused at home, while another family can purchase reliable gear without paying full price. The approach also keeps large amounts of sporting equipment in circulation rather than being thrown away.
Seasonality plays a major role in demand. Hockey equipment remains a constant in Canada, while alpine ski gear surges in winter and baseball equipment becomes popular in the spring and summer.
In recent years, golf has become one of the fastest growing categories.
“Golf has been the hottest category the last couple of years,” Rob says. “Post-pandemic, participation really took off. There’s always new models and technology hitting the market every few months, so the trade-in market is always active.”
Beyond retail, community remains central to the business. Rob and Cory both grew up in Orléans and have strong ties to Barrhaven, while Evan has spent nearly two decades managing the Kanata location.
“We see so many familiar faces in the stores and around the community,” Rob says. “It really makes Ottawa feel like a small town.”
Even after decades in the business, the moments that stand out most are often the smallest.
Helping a child get fitted for their first pair of skates remains just as meaningful today as it was years ago.
“It’s a big moment for them,” Rob says. “And believe it or not, it still is and always will be a big moment for us too.”
