In the village of Florida, New York, Back In The Game Sports Shop is redefining retail — where bicycles are more than merchandise; they are vehicles of hope.
Owner Robbie Jacobs has quietly built a movement rooted in compassion, giving away what he estimates is now “about 30,000” repaired bicycles to children and families in need across Orange County. But his journey did not begin with a grand mission.
“It wasn’t originally a mission,” Jacobs recalled. “It was just a soldier came to the store and he couldn’t afford the bike… so I gave him the bike. And the feeling — he was so appreciative, and I felt so good.”
That moment, shortly after he purchased the shop in 2021, changed everything.
A business reimagined
Before opening the store, Jacobs spent decades in the corporate world. The shop was initially meant to be a retirement project. “Originally, it was to have something to do because I was retiring,” he said. “Then it became a mission.”
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Within a year, what started as helping veterans and nurses expanded to anyone in need. “I realized how many people just had no extra money to buy these things,” he said. “So I decided to change the course of the store from profit to… give other stuff away.”
Today, the shop operates under a simple but powerful philosophy: “Kindness is worth more to me than the profit.”
Jacobs sells sports gear at low prices and reinvests much of the proceeds into community support — from bicycles to baby formula, food, diapers, and winter gear. In a back room, families in need can discreetly take essentials. “People come here… and I let them take what they want, and then we replenish it,” he explained.
A personal transformation
Jacobs’ transformation is as striking as his business model. He openly reflects on his past: “I was one of those people who lived for money, and I thought that money was my self-worth.”
That pursuit came at a cost. “I became sick… high blood pressure, heart problems,” he said. Following his doctor’s advice, he left his corporate career — and began reevaluating his life.
Now, he measures success differently. “My self-worth is helping people. I’m serving society,” he said. “I make one-eighth of what I used to make… and I’m happier than I ever was.”
He credits sobriety, self-reflection, and a shift away from materialism for his new outlook. “As long as I know that I’m doing the right thing, I don’t have to worry about if you like me or not,” he said.
Building a community hub
What has emerged is more than a store — it is a community anchor. Children stop by after school, borrowing basketballs and returning them the next day. Families know they can knock on the door in times of need.
“This is like their center,” Jacobs said. “They can come here and just be friendly and talk… it’s just fun.”
His impact extends beyond sports equipment. He has helped secure specialized equipment for families, including a $5,000 adaptive stroller for a child with disabilities. “Very emotional stuff,” he said. “These people couldn’t take their child outside… and we got it for her.”
Through a growing network he calls “Robbie’s Angels,” community members help source and repair items, amplifying his reach.
Recognition — and a bigger mission
In March, Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus named Jacobs Citizen of the Month, recognizing his “extraordinary generosity and dedication to the community.”
For Jacobs, the recognition is secondary. “I’m happy this will help me help more people,” he said. “But I’m not in it for any part of that.”
Instead, his focus is on inspiring others. “I want other people to do what I’m doing,” he said. “Not give me money — understand how I do it so they can do it.”
Redefining success
At 62, Jacobs works long hours — often 60 to 70 per week — despite physical strain. Financial challenges remain, but he remains resolute.
“I don’t want more,” he said. “I want happiness. I want peace… a peaceful day where everyone is nice.”
Looking back, he sees a life transformed not by wealth, but by purpose.
“If you come into this store,” Jacobs said, “you leave with something more than just stuff… you leave with a positive attitude.”
And for him, that may be the greatest return of all.
