Jason Gasperich of Connor Sports Flooring
Home Court Advantage
As technical director for the supplier of some of the most famous basketball courts, Jason Gasperich is showing the world what Michigan is made of
The U.P. and its offerings have always been a part of Jason Gasperich’s life. Growing up in Gladstone, Michigan, Jason spent his childhood outdoors hunting, fishing and boating. After gaining valuable experience in construction management during his six years in Green Bay, Jason moved back to the U.P., which he has always considered home. That’s when he began his career with Connor Sports in Amasa in 2009, building portable courts on the production floor.
Connor Sports has maintained a storied tradition of manufacturing high-performance sports flooring for over 150 years, leading to partnerships with some of the biggest names in sports and contributing to Michigan’s celebrated forest products industry. The company became the Official Court provider of the NCAA in 2006 after decades of delivering top-tier, Michigan-made portable courts for NCAA tournaments.
Jason’s hands-on experience taught him how Connor Sports’ flooring products are constructed. A year later, he transitioned into a role working with the technical director, learning the support and product development side of the business, in preparation for eventually stepping into his role in 2017.
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) has supported Connor Sports Flooring’s successful growth through trade opportunities and workforce development; the company was awarded State Trade Expansion Program grants to participate in Canadian tradeshows in 2013 and utilized the Economic Development Job Training program in 2001 and 2004.
From equipping fieldhouses and dance studios to prepping arenas for the excitement of March Madness, Jason and Connor Sports are ready for the spotlight.
What is your role with Connor Sports and how has your work evolved over the years?
I am currently the technical director at Connor Sports, responsible for technical support and product development. My role has evolved significantly over the years—from working hands-on in production to overseeing product development, ensuring our products meet the highest standards for performance and durability. My background in construction management has been instrumental in my success, as it has given me a strong understanding of materials, installation practices and project coordination. I also work closely with customers, architects and installers to provide technical expertise and ensure every project is a success.
One unique aspect of my role is that it has taken me all over the world. I’ve had the opportunity to travel extensively for project installations, technical support and product development discussions. It’s incredible to have these global experiences while still being based in the U.P., a place that I love calling home.
Can you talk more about the sustainability aspect of your role and how Connor Sports is a zero-waste facility?
Since I oversee product development, one of my key responsibilities is making sure that new products are designed with sustainability in mind. Sustainability is a core value at Connor Sports, and we take pride in being a zero-waste facility. Every piece of material is either used in production or repurposed, and we continuously look for ways to improve efficiency and reduce waste. It’s a big part of what makes our company stand out in the industry.
What sets Michigan – and the U.P. – apart from other places in the world?
The U.P. is a unique place where hard work is a way of life. People here take pride in what they do, whether it’s in manufacturing, small business or the trades. There’s a strong sense of community, and that hard-working mentality extends beyond work—people take care of each other here. Michigan has a rich history of leadership in industries like manufacturing, technology and forestry, and the U.P. plays a big role in that. We also have incredible access to outdoor recreation—hunting, fishing, hiking and being out on the water are part of everyday life.
What are some of the things you enjoy doing in the U.P.?
When I’m not at work, I love spending time with family and friends, especially on the lake where we live. Cooking is a big passion of mine, and most weekends, you’ll find me cooking for a crowd—whether it’s family, friends or neighbors. Our home has always been a place where everyone is welcome, and when someone asks if they can bring a friend, our response is always, “The more, the merrier.”
As a Michigander, how does it feel to know those courts seen by millions of people come right from our state – and that you’re a part of it?
It’s incredible to see something we build in the U.P. take center stage at one of the biggest sporting events in the world. Knowing that millions of people—including players, coaches and fans—will experience the quality of our work is both humbling and rewarding. It’s a testament to the skill, dedication and craftsmanship of our team. I take a lot of pride in being part of a company that not only produces world-class sports flooring but also does so in a way that’s sustainable and built to last.
My time in the construction industry has played a huge role in my success at Connor Sports, giving me a strong foundation in project execution and technical problem-solving. I’m also incredibly grateful for the opportunity my role has given me to travel the world while staying rooted in the U.P. Connor Sports has been an industry leader for years, and being able to contribute to its success, while living in a place that means so much to me, is something I truly appreciate.
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