Jay's Sporting Goods began in 1971 in a small garage on 7th Street in Clare, where Jay and Arlene Poet started a business built on Jay's extensive knowledge of guns. Within a few years, the business outgrew the garage and moved to a new building on 5th Street, then later to its Old 27 location as rapid growth continued. The company's growth was matched by the Poet family's commitment to supporting worthy community causes, a legacy continued by their children Jeff and JJ and their families. In 2001, a partnership with the Mid Michigan Community College Foundation created A Northern Tradition, an annual three-hour shopping and food sampling event at the store. In its first eleven years, the event generated over $1,000,000 for the foundation. One program it supports is Students of Promise, which serves area middle school students with significant academic potential whose life circumstances make higher education unlikely. Each year, 25 students are chosen to take part through their remaining school years in activities that support eventual college enrollment, including advance placement opportunities, specialized career and academic counseling, and unique cultural, educational, and social activities. Program graduates are assured admission to MMCC and scholarship support.