Business
Innovative Sports Equipment Produced in Peachtree Corners
A Peachtree Corners company designs and manufactures sporting equipment worn by youth and high school football teams and college teams — and most recently, mandated by the NFL.
Guardian Innovations was formed in 2011 by Erin and Lee Hanson, along with other family members and dedicated employees. It was created as a sister company to their material science company, The Hanson Group.
Their flagship product is the Guardian Cap, created to advance the standard football helmet by dispersing some of the energy that is generated during impacts. Erin and Lee engineered, patented and manufacture the Guardian Cap, a lightweight, external soft cover that fits on existing football helmets.
Caps start to catch on
Several years ago, the company started selling Guardian Caps to youth football teams. The one-size-fits-all helmet covers drew the attention of several notable football players. NFL running back Jerome Bettis, best known for his performances as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers, purchased the caps for the Milton Steelers of Milton, Ga., along with the late Tim Lester, former full-back and friend of Bettis.
“They wouldn’t let the team play without Guardian Caps,” said Jake Hanson, director of strategy and operations at Guardian and a Wesleyan and Georgia Institute of Technology graduate.
The musician Snoop Dog donated 2,000 caps to underprivileged youth playing in his California youth league. Little by little, the helmet covers started to be worn by more youth teams and then high school and college teams. Clemson University has worn Guardian Caps in practices for the past 11 seasons.
When quarterback Matthew Stafford suffered an injury to his hand, coach Sean McVay required the caps be worn to protect Stafford’s throwing hand. Guardian Caps were really catching on.
Reporters started writing articles, “What’s with the padded helmet caps the 49ers are wearing at training camp?”
In 2022, after independent testing by NFL-appointed engineers, the NFL mandated the covers be worn during training camp practices. As a result, the NFL observed more than a 50% reduction in concussions, compared to a prior three-year average of those position groups mandated.
The 2022 preseason was the first time players from all 32 NFL teams wore the Guardian Cap. All offensive linemen, defensive linemen, tight ends and linebackers were required to wear the padded shell on their helmets in practices until the second preseason game, according to NFL.com.
Expanding on a good idea
The Hansons were teased at first. People said they were trying to put bubble wrap on football players. “You’re laughed at and considered crazy…until you’re not,” Lee Hanson said. Many players didn’t want the game to look different, even though they agreed that better outcomes were needed.
The Guardian Cap is only one of many products engineered and produced by the company — all with the common theme of improving equipment for athletes. After the success of the Guardian Cap, the Hansons turned their efforts to lacrosse.
Jake was a lacrosse goalie for Georgia Tech, putting him at the end of the firing range for lacrosse balls. They knew they could do better than the hard, rubber balls made in Asia that would get harder and go out of spec over time.
In lacrosse, an older ball that has become extremely hard and lost all grip is referred to as “a greaser.” Guardian’s answer was the PEARL ball, manufactured in their Peachtree Corners facility and made completely out of a urethane that doesn’t change over time. Guardian Innovations is the only lacrosse ball manufacturer in the U.S., and their PEARL is now used by 13 out of the top 20 NCAA D-1 Men’s Teams.
The company also manufactures a turf infill product called Guardian Bio-Based TPE Infill made of corn and soy. It is natural and keeps fields up to 28 degrees cooler. Unlike other infill products, Guardian BioBase doesn’t emit toxins when hot.
The Hansons seem to enjoy solving problems in the sports realm. The local family has 25+ years of experience operating the sister material science company, The Hanson Group. It has operated out of its Adriatic Court location since 2014. The company now occupies 90,000 square feet over eight acres and has 34 employees.
The Peachtree Corners Business Association (PCBA) celebrated the opening of Fifth Third Bank’s new branch in Peachtree Corners with a ribbon cutting on February 20.
Located at 3210 Holcomb Bridge Road, the new location features lobby and drive-thru hours, regular banking, investment services, loans and more.
“We are growing [and] proud to open up our new financial center at Peachtree Corners,” said Randy Koporc, EVP, regional president GA/AL Fifth Third Bank. “Congratulations to Financial Center Manager Jasmine Youngblood and her team, Retail Executive Dewayne King and all involved in getting us to this day.”
“Thank you, Lisa Proctor of the Peachtree Corners Business Association, for helping us celebrate at our ribbon cutting,” Koporc continued.
Fifth Third plans to build more than 60 financial centers in Georgia and Alabama over the next five years and looks forward to strengthening the communities that they join.
“We love welcoming new businesses into Peachtree Corners,” said Lisa Proctor, president of the Peachtree Corners Business Association. “Fifth Third Bank will be a great addition to our banking community. We can’t wait to watch them grow.”
About Peachtree Corners Business Association
The Peachtree Corners Business Association (PCBA) is a business membership organization that focuses on innovative approaches, programs, shared resources, community outreach and opportunities for member businesses and professionals to connect, develop, grow, and prosper.
The PCBA is made up of businesses of all sizes and types who want to expand their reach and grow their business within Peachtree Corners and the greater metro-Atlanta area.
For more information call 678-969-3385, email membership@peachtreeba.com or visit peachtreecornersba.com.
Sequel Coffee Co., a new specialty coffee brand, is set to open its flagship location in Peachtree Corners in the summer of 2025.
The new coffee shop will open alongside shared workspace provider, Roam, at Town Center and will feature a convenient drive-thru complemented by an inviting in-shop experience.
Premium coffee and locally sourced offerings
Committed to delivering an elevated coffee experience, Sequel Coffee Co. will serve freshly brewed coffee and handcrafted espresso beverages with responsibly sourced beans from Valor, a local metro Atlanta roaster.
The food menu will feature a curated selection of locally sourced café favorites and convenient grab-and-go options from local vendors Two Chefs and A Seasonal Affair.
Guests can expect a variety of delicious offerings, including breakfast sandwiches, quiche and freshly baked pastries, as well as yogurt parfaits, homemade granola bars and protein-packed power bites for on-the-go fuel.
In addition, rotating seasonal flavors and limited-time menu items will offer new and exciting food and beverage options throughout the year.
Strengthening community connections in Peachtree Corners
A concept created by Roam, the hospitality-focused work and meeting space, Sequel Coffee Co. is built on the belief that coffee is more than just a morning ritual — it’s a catalyst for creativity, productivity, community and connection.
Sequel’s tagline, “start your story strong,” reflects its mission to inspire the potential in every day by championing stories, embracing moments and thoughtfully crafting coffee.
Sequel seeks to become an integral part of the Peachtree Corners community by fostering meaningful interactions through hospitality-driven experiences. With a brand philosophy centered on people, purpose and belonging, the company aims to inspire customers through delicious coffee and intentional service.
Bringing Sequel Coffee Co. to you
Ahead of its brick-and-mortar opening this summer, Sequel Coffee Co. is currently serving the community through its mobile coffee cart, offering a full-service espresso bar and trained baristas for offsite events.
Ideal for corporate offices, networking events, school functions and private gatherings, the mobile cart provides an opportunity to enjoy Sequel’s signature coffee experience in any setting — before the shop even opens its doors.
To book Sequel’s mobile coffee cart, visit sequelcoffeeco.com/mobile-coffee-cart.
Career opportunities
Sequel is also currently hiring a Shop Manager to lead daily operations and cultivate an inviting experience for customers. Interested applicants can learn more about the position and apply at sequelcoffeeco.com/shop-manager-job-listing.
About Sequel Coffee Co.
Sequel Coffee Co. is dedicated to inspiring potential in every day through thoughtfully crafted coffee and warm hospitality.
Offering handcrafted espresso beverages, freshly brewed coffee and a curated menu of café favorites — along with a convenient drive-thru and cozy café space — Sequel aims to create a welcoming spot for guests to fuel their day and transform the daily coffee routine.
For updates and opening announcements, follow @sequelcoffeeco on Instagram or visit sequelcoffeeco.com.
About Roam
Roam is a comprehensive workplace solution offering co-working memberships, private offices and meeting space for professionals and businesses of sizes.
Opening in Peachtree Corners at 3847 Medlock Bridge Road in summer 2025, Roam provides flexible and inspiring environments to help individuals and teams accomplish their best work. Now leasing private offices and pre-booking meetings and events.
Learn more at meetatroam.com.
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