ASSOCIATE SPOTLIGHT SERIES: AN INTERVIEW WITH GAVIN
July 3, 2025
In our Associate Spotlight series, we are highlighting associates across our Company who are shaping our community and who embody our Centric Brands philosophy every day.
Meet Gavin Parker, Associate Manager, Sales Operations, Kids and PRIDE+ ERG Co-Chair. Gavin is based in our New York office and brings a unique perspective to the Boardriders team. With his positive energy and strong communication skills, Gavin has become a valuable contributor to both business operations and company culture.
“Communication is everything,” Gavin explains with characteristic enthusiasm. “When it’s clear and effective, it drives confidence in decision making, leads to higher productivity, faster problem solving and ultimately strengthens relationships across the organization.”
Those who work with Gavin often comment on the positivity he radiates—a quality he considers his simplest yet most powerful contribution to the workplace. This natural warmth, combined with his professional talents, creates an environment where both people and projects thrive.
Gavin’s journey to Centric Brands began at UNC Greensboro, where he studied Consumer, Apparel and Retail Studies—a perfect foundation for his current career. After graduation, a recommendation from friend and now-colleague Betty Fields (Associate, Compliance) led him to the KHQ Order Management team in the GSO office. Two years later, seeking new horizons and challenges, he relocated to New York City to join the Boardriders team.
“Working with the Boardriders lifestyle brands energizes me every day,” Gavin shares. “Growing up at the beach, these were household names that have always been close to my heart. Seeing them come to life within our product line and working alongside different teams to bring them to sales floors is both inspiring and motivating.”
Fashion has been a lifelong passion for Gavin. “Even as a kid, I would use my sister’s dress-up clothes or make outfits from sheets, blankets, or whatever I could find,” he recalls. “That creative expression through clothing has stayed with me. Now being part of a company with such influence in the retail and fashion industry is very fulfilling”.
Beyond his operational role, Gavin takes particular pride in his contributions to Centric’s company culture. As a Co-Chair and founder of the PRIDE+ ERG, and through his active participation in the Be Giving Committee, he coordinates volunteer events and charitable sample sales that connect colleagues while supporting local communities.
“Building a positive environment is about personality and hospitality,” Gavin reflects. “We spend so much time with our colleagues—why not foster positive relationships? Being welcoming, bringing happiness, being kind and sharing laughs makes all the difference.” He even recommends adding plants to workspaces for better vibes—a tip from someone who spends hours each weekend tending to his own collection of greenery.
Outside of the office, Gavin is an accomplished home chef who specializes in Asian and Latin cuisines. He’s also an avid Star Wars enthusiast who has constructed his own metal and carbon fiber lightsaber. His love for travel has taken him to over 15 countries, including a period living in Europe that left him with conversational German skills.
Gavin’s path—from an early interest in fashion to his role today—reflects the range of experience and commitment our people bring to Centric. His story is a clear example of how personal interests, professional skills and a thoughtful approach to work can have a real impact.
