Today we’d like to introduce you to Lance Rosenberg and Dave Steadman. They and their team shared their story with us below:
As with many hockey-playing transplants in Houston, playing in adult leagues and/or drop-in hockey becomes a norm to acclimate and build friendships in the new community. That is how Lance Rosenberg and Dave Steadman met shortly after Lance moved to Houston in 2015.
Dave, who moved to Houston in 1995 from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, immediately became active in Houston hockey community by playing in adult leagues, becoming a season ticket member for the now-defunct Houston Aeros, and often giving back to the hockey community. It was through his hockey connections made that assisted the growth of his company, Houston Furniture Rental & Sales grow. After selling the majority stake in the company in 2022, Dave sought out new interests, and showcasing the strength of the Houston hockey community was top of his list.
Lance moved to Houston in 2015. Prior to moving to Houston, Lance worked in NHL with the Philadelphia Flyers in their community hockey development department and ice rinks before transitioning into arena and stadium management. Lance worked at the Wells Fargo Center and Temple University’s Liacouras Center before taking an opportunity to work in the KHL as a consultant for the Admiral Vladivostok and Fetisov Arena in Vladivostok, Russia. Upon returning to the United States, Lance moved to Houston to work with Aramark at Minute Maid Park before rejoining his old company, now called OVG360 in St. Louis to open a 4 ice-rink/amphitheater complex. Lance returned to the Houston area in 2022 and currently works in Beaumont at the Ford Entertainment Complex.
Dave and Lance maintained their friendship and frequently talked hockey for the 3 years that Lance was in St. Louis. When Lance moved back, Dave frequently tried to get Lance to start playing hockey again without any success. It was at a Houston Texans tailgate that Dave shared that he was selling his company and wanted to be involved in hockey. He shared with Lance ideas that he was working towards but was looking for the right time to act.
The hockey world is a small place. Although Houston is not currently known as a hockey community, the city does have a passionate hockey community. Prior to leaving Houston in 2019, Lance reconnected with Michel Petit, an 18-year NHL professional who Lance got to know while playing with the Philadelphia Flyers Alumni and often coaching against him in the Philadelphia area. Lance and Michel maintained contact, and when Lance moved back to Houston, Michel was one of his 1st calls and would discuss how to grow hockey in Houston.
When Lance and his fiancé Jessica, a native Houstonian, were looking for places to live, they came across a road bearing the name Gretzky. At first, they refused to look on the road because of comments that could be made; however, when they drove by, they saw a hockey net outside a garage. A few days later, Lance learned that the house was another old hockey contact who Lance trained with when he was in college and, after hockey careers were done, coached against and within the mid-Atlantic district of USA Hockey.
When Lance shared these stories with Dave, he asked if Eric and Michel would be open to helping grow the hockey community. Lance and Dave would talk weekly as Dave constantly tried to get Lance back on the ice. In April, Lance went to the dentist in pain. It was found that he had an infection, that was caused by an old hockey injury, that was nearing the brain. Lance needed an immediate procedure.
After a few days, Lance noticed a difference in how he felt. He called Dave to talk hockey, and Dave said why don’t you come out and skate in a tournament. Lance surprised Dave and said OK.
In late April 2023, Lance received a call from a friend, Shannon Lewandowski, Co-President of Hockey Players In Business. Shannon asked why he hasn’t started a Houston Chapter after everything Lance shared with him in St. Louis. Immediately Lance’s next call was to Dave. Together, they had their time to act and unite the hockey community. Dave asked 2 questions. 1) What is needed to get started? 2) How quickly can we start?
Within 24 hours, a Houston Chapter of Hockey Players In Business was formed as Lance and Dave made phone calls to discuss what the mission of Hockey Players In Business and the goals of the Houston Chapter. Less than a week after being formed, charter member Ryan Brooks sent out an email simply saying… “When are we getting started?”
Hockey Players In Business have 3 goals. 1) Network, both professionally and personally. 2) Learn about others, other opportunities, and the community 3) Give Back to the game. The goals are often met through events, whether they are a simple drop-in skate or a fundraising event.
HPIB-Houston moved quick. Together a drop-in session followed by a networking/round table took place. Ideas were shared, and the growth of the community started. A virtual meeting took place followed by another skate/networking event, and then Dave, Lance, and Michel Petit sat down over dinner and came up with a fundraising idea to give back to the game. A beneficiary was needed., and Dave quickly wanted to carry on the legacy of his late friend Jim O’Neill and support the organization he founded, StarSkaters, a non-profit dedicated to using ice skating and hockey as therapy for those with special needs and disabilities.
The event was a success, and the hockey community began to take notice. It was just the beginning, but Dave and Lance were determined to grow membership and involvement. Together, they encouraged the community to use hockey a network. The group has seen reconnections made from individuals who played together in Qatar, assisted a new transplant to Houston in their housing search, created business opportunities, and most importantly, created joy and passion around the game.
The future is optimistic. The HPIB Houston Chapter has now established an event planning committee focused on smaller networking events to larger fundraisers. The initial success has been great, but the entire chapter has goals of showcasing how great of a hockey town Houston truly is.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
With every new non-profit, there will be obstacles, especially when there is a fee to join as a member. The first question always is where does the membership due go to, and what do I get out of a group like this. We created a quick info sheet below as to who we are and our goals.
All money raised goes back into the community! Having a national chapter keeps the integrity of each city/region chapter.
Lastly, events and value… They take time to plan. Events need to be thought out and planned to ensure they are executed professionally. Value will come as we establish ourselves by doing more events.
Good evening, everyone! As our charter members have been adding other Houston hockey players/business leaders to the Facebook group, we wanted to post and provide answers to questions that have been asked about Hockey Players in Business and hope that you officially join!
What is Hockey Players in Business (HPIB)? HPIB is an international organization that connects hockey players, past and present, of all ability levels, from beginner to NHL, with an opportunity to 1) NETWORK for professional and personal relationships, LEARN for professional development and personally, and GIVE BACK TO GAME OF HOCKEY, all money raised is given back to the game.
Why should someone join? For many of us, the values and experiences from playing the game of hockey have crossed over into the professional world. Whether you are an executive or an entry-level employee, the lessons learned being on the ice and as a teammate often are reflected in our day-to-day interactions.
What type of interactions will I experience? Locally, the common theme amongst our group is growing the game of hockey and giving back. Professionally, you will not only be able to network locally but also across the HPIB channels. Speaking with other chapters and our experiences, the events will be a combination of business/personal networking, fun, i.e., a pick-up game or a watch party, and lastly, a learning experience, i.e., guest speakers, i.e., a pro hockey veteran, celebrity, or business exec who has ties to the game. Members receive invitations to private events, free or discounted admission to other events, and access to the HPIB database. For those who are looking to become even more involved, there will be opportunities to promote your business through sponsorship at events, with all proceeds going back to the game.
Does it work? Yes! Businesses have filled positions with other members from HPIB. It also has guided others into new career paths and locations through networking and communication. Our current members have experience from hiring other hockey minds into their companies.
What will it bring to Houston? Outside of networking, the goal of our founding members is to create a unified hockey community, give back by growing the game and giving back to organizations, and to show other business relationships the strength and outreach that hockey brings. We have a goal that this group shows the Houston area that hockey is prominent in our community.
I already play in adult leagues and use that as my way to meet people after moving to Houston. Although that is correct, many will leave business away from the rink due to one’s competitive nature. The key relationships/friendships/team identity are often formed from the off-the-ice interactions. Think of the days being in a hotel or on a bus heading to the game.
Who is involved in the Houston Chapter? Currently, we have active and inactive hockey players within our charter members. Members have NHL experience down to Saturday Morning Dave’s Drop-In. Members vary in their career level but are passionate about the game and networking.
Where are your current events? We are in the process of scheduling events. We hope to have more information within the next week.
How do I join? Go to https://hockeyplayersinbusiness.org/ and join the Houston Chapter!
We encourage everyone to promote opportunities for their businesses and seek help when needed, i.e., a doctor, lawyer, rental furniture need.
Stay tuned for updates, and we look forward to growing the Houston Hockey Community.
If you have any questions, please message Lance Rosenberg or Dave Steadman.
Home – Hockey Players in Business
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
Dave recently sold his Houston Furniture Rentals and Sales business, where he was the founder and owner of the business.
Lance has work in Sports and Entertainment, where he has worked in the Philadelphia Flyers Organization in their ice rinks and community hockey development department before moving into arena and stadium management. Lance has since worked as an event manager through General manager. Currently, Lance serves as the assistant General Manager at Ford Entertainment complex in Beaumont. In 2013 Lance went oversees to Russia to act as a consultant for an expansion KHL Hockey team (Admiral of Vladivostok) and arena (Fetisov Arena). In 2015, Lance moved to Houston and worked at Minute Maid Park through 2019 before leaving to rejoin his original company (now OVG 360)
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the COVID-19 crisis?
For Hockey Players in Business, COVID saw a drastic decline in membership. Members used the resources to rehire positions or to find new career paths. The national chapter has seen the reinvestment in the organization over the past 12 months.
Pricing:
- Membership is $50/ year, which includes discounts to events. And other opportunities. Non-members can still join events.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hockeyplayersinbusiness.org
- Instagram: houstonHPIB
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HPIBHOUSTON/
- Twitter: houstonHPIB
