Early Beginnings
1931: At age 14, Herb Markwort begins restringing tennis rackets for fellow players at a dollar each. A neighbor's inquiry leads Herb to acquire a business license, officially starting Markwort Sporting Goods on his parents' back porch.
Early 1930s: Herb excels in high school tennis, becoming the top-ranked player in St. Louis.
Late 1930s: Herb attends Washington University in St. Louis and remains undefeated in tennis for his first two years. He opens his first sporting goods store on Grand Avenue.
Expansion and Innovation
1940: Herb becomes the youngest athletic director at the Triple A Tennis Club in Forest Park, organizing popular tennis tournaments and clinics.
Early 1940s: Herb leaves Washington University after his sophomore year to concentrate on his business. He starts developing his own product line, including the Markwort Green Flash and Markwort Pro Line.
1944: Herb expands retail operations, opening a larger store during the all-St. Louis World Series year.
Post-World War II: Returning soldiers sell Markwort products wholesale in surrounding towns, leading to the establishment of the first wholesale warehouse on 9th Street downtown, which later moves to the site of Ballpark Village and Busch Stadium.
Relocation and Growth
1960: The company relocates to the Central West End due to downtown redevelopment for the construction of the old Busch Stadium.
1970s: Strategic Shift
Early 1970s: The two retail stores are sold, and Markwort Sporting Goods shifts its focus to wholesaling a broader range of sporting goods.
International Expansion
1980: The company exhibits at the Munich ISPO, marking the beginning of international growth.
1989: Herb Markwort passes away, and his son, Herb Markwort Jr., assumes leadership of the company.
Modern Era
2004: Markwort Sporting Goods relocates to its current location in Creve Coeur.
Present: Continuing the Legacy
Current Leadership: Herb Markwort Jr. runs the company with his two sons, Herbie Markwort III and Brett Markwort.