Meet Our Team
Meet the people who make vbs apparel great!
Owners and Founders
Sanjiv Jasra | Co-Founder and CEO
Sanjiv is the force behind the innovation and excellence that vbs apparel brings to the industry. With a background in collegiate volleyball and business at Mount Royal University, he joined Volleyball Stuff in 2010, co-founding its transformation into vbs apparel. Sanjiv is a powerhouse of leadership and networking, with a vision for vbs apparel and the apparel industry that we’re excited to follow!
When did you join vbs apparel?
2010
What’s your sports background?
I played mostly volleyball and basketball, retiring from both of those to focus on my golf career. I still like watching NBA basketball most on TV.
What project have you been most proud of at vbs apparel?
Securing our collaboration with lululemon.
What Olympic sport do you become an expert in every 4 years?
Breakdancing.
Sanjiv Jasra
Co-Founder and CEO
Ryan Poon | Co-Founder and CFO
Ryan joined Harvey in the business not long after earning his bachelor’s degree in commerce from the University of Calgary, where he also played volleyball for the Dinos. Serving as vbs apparel’s CFO, Ryan is the proverbial duck gliding across the pond, calm and collected on the surface but churning madly underneath to keep everything flowing smoothly.
When did you join vbs apparel?
2010
What’s your background in sports?
I took hockey seriously until I was 15. I started playing volleyball seriously at U17, and was able to work my way onto some rosters at Mount Royal College, and the University of Calgary as a libero.
What are you most proud of achieving at vbs apparel?
Growing the company and navigating through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.
What’s something you could talk about for hours?
Philosophy.
Ryan Poon
Co-Founder and CFO
Harvey Poon | Co-Founder and President
The MVP of Volleyball Stuff and vbs apparel, Harvey is the one who got the team started! Not one to retire, Harvey can still be found floating around the office, helping out wherever anyone needs a hand, whether that’s landing a key new contact or manning the cash register at Nationals. Cheers to this legend of the industry!
When did you join vbs apparel?
A long time ago.
What’s your favourite task at work?
Going around and saying hi to everyone each day that I’m at the office.
What’s your background in sports?
I played intercollegiate hockey for 5 years with the U of A Golden Bears. I’m still playing hockey, and have won 5 National Championships.
What’s something that you could talk about for hours?
How to start and run a small business.
Harvey Poon
Co-Founder and President
Team Players
Ariana | Director of Sales & Marketing
Ariana is an incredible leader, steering the helm of the sales and marketing departments. She has a diploma in Marketing and Management from BCIT, and applies her over 15 years of experience in the real estate field towards elevating vbs apparel’s client relations.
When did you join vbs apparel?
2022
What’s your favourite task at work?
I really love client engagement, and I always look forward to my daily interactions with my team members.
What’s your background in sports?
I’m not a sports person myself, but my three young boys are always involved in a variety of sports, from hockey to baseball.
What could you talk about for hours?
My kids!
Ariana
Director of Sales and Marketing
Carolina | Senior Manager - Marketing & Communications
Carolina is our marketing pro! She has a business degree in Management and Marketing from Mount Royal University, where she played volleyball for the MRU Cougars. She is always enthusiastic about seeing our apparel designs being worn out in the wild!
When did you join vbs apparel?
2021
What’s your favourite animal?
Definitely dogs! I have a dog named Milo! He’s a 4 year old shepherd mix who loves to adventure and is always on the go!
If you could instantly become an expert in something, what would it be?
Probably general trivia, specifically so I can be better at Trivia Nights!
What Olympic sport do you become an expert in every 4 years?
Gymnastics.
Carolina
Senior Manager - Marketing & Communications
Caleb | Senior Manager - Business Development
Caleb joined our team in 2021. With a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Manitoba, Caleb’s passion is for finding new opportunities and efficiencies. He played volleyball at SAIT and at the University of Manitoba, and brings his lifelong sport expertise to vbs apparel!
When did you join vbs apparel?
2021
What’s something that you could talk about for hours?
Just about anything – sports, food, music, movies.
What Olympic sport do you become an expert in every 4 years?
I couldn’t get enough of the Rugby 7s this year at the Paris Olympics.
Tell me about your pets?
I have a very quirky cat named Toby.
Caleb
Senior Manager - Business Development
Chris | Production Lead
Chris Ponto is our production and warehouse lead. He has extensive experience in the athletic apparel industry, having studied sports management at Brock University.
When did you join vbs apparel?
2022
What’s your favourite task at work?
My favourite tasks would be going to the events we sell merchandise at just being a part of the tournament atmosphere.
What’s your background in sports?
Growing up I played soccer, football and basketball. My proudest achievement though would be winning my first tournament coaching basketball this past year.
If you could instantly become an expert in something, what would it be?
History.
Chris
Production Lead
Jason | Account Manager
Jason recently rejoined us after a period working as a vocational counselor. He is one of our dedicated account managers, who really enjoys ensuring a smooth ordering process for our customers.
When did you join vbs apparel?
2015, and then rejoined in 2023.
Tell me about your pets?
I currently have a Nova Scotia Duck Toller named Basil.
If you could instantly become an expert in something, what would it be?
Being a veterinarian to save on vet bills.
What’s something you could talk about for hours?
My favourite NHL Team, the Vancouver Canucks.
Jason
Account Manager
Tim | Account Manager & Design Specialist
With a background in hospitality management, Tim’s eye for detail makes him a key member of our team both as an account manager and as our design specialist.
When did you join vbs apparel?
2020
What’s your background in sports?
I played competitive volleyball in high school back in the Dominican Republic. My biggest achievement would be to compete on multiple sport categories at the same time including volleyball and track & field. I haven't played volleyball for a long time, but I'm actively involved in weightlifting and badminton.
What’s your favourite animal?
It's definitely the penguin (my spirit animal). I have a small chihuahua/dachsund mix dog. Her name is Luna. I keep saying that she is very well behaved, but in reality she's a menace to society.
What’s your favourite sports movie?
Ford v. Ferrari
Tim
Account Manager and Design Specialist
Brittany | Account Manager
Brittany has been with us since 2019, and is proud of the part she’s played in the growth and success of vbs apparel. She’s one of our dedicated account managers, who draws on her background in sports and work in the television industry to serve our community.
When did you join vbs apparel?
2019
What’s your background in sports?
I played NCAA Division 1 Volleyball at Manhattan College, and love to watch hockey and volleyball.
If you could instantly become an expert in something, what would it be?
Technology
What’s your favourite sports movie?
Air Bud
Brittany
Account Manager
Lydia | Operations and Store Specialist
Lydia is one of vbs apparel’s longest serving employees. Her role has evolved over time, to the point where she now jokes that she fills every role but that of the kitchen sink. Whether it’s operations, custom stores, or product management, Lydia has the expertise we need!
When did you join vbs apparel?
2018
What’s your favourite task at work?
I appreciate that this job has given me the opportunity to travel around the country for events. I love the Maritimes and look forward to events out there every year.
What’s your background in sports?
I played club volleyball and fastball growing up and have recently gotten more serious into road cycling.
What’s your favourite sports movie?
The Sandlot
Lydia
Operations and Store Specialist
Matt | Account Lead
One or our dedicated account leads, Matt is passionate about problem solving and critical thinking as he keeps your orders on track. He has a background in economics at the University of Calgary, where he played volleyball for the U of C Dinos. A lifelong athlete, he recently ran the 2024 San Francisco Marathon and the Baden-Powell trail in North Vancouver.
When did you join vbs apparel?
2021
What’s your favourite animal?
Any dog that I see in public.
Where would you like to travel to on vacation?
Japan
What Olympic Sport do you become an expert in every 4 years?
Triathlon
Matt
Account Lead
Clara | Customer Service Representative
Clara is one of our stellar Customer Service Representatives, your point of contact for making sure your order is on track! A graduate of Olds College with a diploma in Sports Management, she played collegiate volleyball for three years, and now brings her volleyball expertise to vbs apparel.
When did you join vbs apparel?
2022
Favourite Sports Movie?
Space Jam!
If you could instantly become an expert in something, what would it be?
Learning languages!
Favourite Animal?
I have a dog named Roscoe! He’s a Beagle/Aussie mix, I guess he would be my favourite animal 🙂
Clara
Customer Service Representative
Sarah | Graphic Designer
When did you join vbs apparel?
2023
What's your background in sports?
I was a provincial level League Bowler.
What's your favourite animal?
Stoat/Ermine: It’s tiny and adorable, but fast, feral, and cunning.
What's your favourite sports movie?
Cool Runnings.
Sarah
Graphic Designer
Anita | Office Administrator
Anita is our office administrator and accounting professional, who always likes taking on a new task.
When did you join vbs apparel?
2022
What's your background in sports?
I'm a level 1 snowboarding instructor.
Where would you most like to travel on vacation?
Japan.
Tell me about your pets?
I have two cats, both 4 months old.
Anita
Office Administrator
Azkha | Marketing Assistant
When did you join vbs apparel?
2023
What’s your favourite animal?
I love horses and elephants – they're such intelligent and beautiful creatures.
What’s your favourite sports movie?
McFarland, USA is one of those uplifting films that truly resonates. I firmly believe that sports have the power to unite people and heal divided nations and communities, and this movie beautifully exemplifies that.
What Olympic sport do you become an expert in ever 4 years?
I love gymnastics and synchronized swimming. The level of practice and dedication required to maintain discipline and trust among teammates has always fascinated me.
Azkha
Marketing Assistant
Alissa
Alissa is finishing up her Risk Management and Insurance Degree at the University of Calgary as she works as our office administrator. She can often be found manning the booths at vbs apparel’s events.
When did you join vbs apparel?
2022
What's your background in sports?
I've played many sports growing up. I did BMX racing, cheerleading, soccer, lacrosse, basketball, and volleyball. I still play volleyball and have recently joined a pickleball league!
If you could instantly become an expert in something, what would it be?
Making iced coffee at home so I don't have to go to Starbucks so often.
What Olympic sport do you become an expert in every 4 years?
Beach Volleyball & Kayaking.
Alissa
Office Administrator
Natalie | Copywriter & Web Content Specialist
Natalie brings her writing experience in the publishing and legal fields as our copy writer, proposal writer, and web content specialist.
When did you join vbs apparel?
2023
What’s your background in sports?
I’m no athlete, but I do love to watch figure skating.
What’s something that you could talk about for hours?
Arctic exploration.
What Olympic sport do you become an expert in every 4 years?
Diving.
Natalie
Copywriter & Web Content Specialist
Sydney | Administrative Assistant
Sydney has extensive experience in administration and in working large sporting events. She’s working towards a BSc in Computer Sciences, and is involved in coaching youth basketball and softball.
When did you join vbs apparel?
2023
What’s your favourite task at work?
I love working events and getting to see our customers face to face.
What’s your background in sports?
Where to start? I grew up playing baseball, softball, and volleyball. Through middle and high school I continued with school and club basketball and volleyball, and picked up school and club track and field, which became my favourite.
If you could instantly become an expert in something, what would it be?
Languages! I would love to be able to communicate with anyone and everyone, and I think it would make travelling and experiencing other places and cultures that much more enjoyable and special.
Sydney
Administrative Assistant
Megan | Administrative Assistant
A recent addition to our office, Megan is our administrative assistant, helping us keep the office running smoothly. She recently graduated from Massey University in Auckland, NZ.
What's your background in sports?
I grew up playing Netball back home in New Zealand. Currently, running is the sport I focus most of my time on.
What’s something you could talk about for hours?
Music – I could write a thesis on my favourite album.
What's your favourite sports movie?
Moneyball.
Megan
Administrative Assistant
Morgan | Office Administrator
Morgan is a new addition to the vbs apparel team, joining the Surrey team as an office administrator. She’s heavily involved in coaching youth volleyball.
What’s something that you could talk about for hours?
The lyrics to “How Did it End?” by Taylor Swift.
What’s your favourite sports movie?
High School Musical.
Where would you most like to travel on vacation?
Greece.
Morgan
Office Administrator
Hana | Production Team Lead
Hana is our production team lead, leading our warehouse production crew in producing and shipping all our orders.
When did you join vbs apparel?
2022
Hana
Production Team Lead
Seanna | Warehouse & Inventory Specialist
Seanna is our Warehouse and Inventory assistant. She is key to keeping our inventory up to date and organized.
When did you join vbs apparel?
2023
What's your favourite sport to watch?
Major UFC fan here!
What's something you could talk about for hours?
John Adams (the second president of the United States).
What's your favourite animal?
I love birds, I’ve always kept pigeons and doves as pets because they’re gentle and quiet.
Seanna
Warehouse & Inventory Specialist
Maryam | Cutting Room and Store Specialist
When did you join vbs apparel?
2023
If you could instantly become an expert in something, what would it be?
Jewelry soldering and sculpture making.
Where in the world would most like to travel on vacation?
I would like to travel to Bali or anywhere tropical, as long as it’s not cold like Canada!
What’s your favourite sports movie?
She’s the Man!
Maryam
Cutting and Store Specialist
Joaquin | Warehouse & Production Assistant
Joining our team recently, Joaquin is the Surrey team’s warehouse and production assistant.
What’s your background in sports?
I play basketball very often. I have been playing since 7 years old and have joined many tournaments.
What’s something that you could talk about for hours?
Hiking.
What’s your favourite animal?
My favourite animal would be dogs. Me and my family used to have a lot of dogs, at one point we had about 9.
Joaquin
Warehouse & Production Assistant
Meet our powerhouse Production Team!
