who we are

RIDING AHEAD,
SHAPING THE FUTURE

WHEELS DOWN. IT'S GO TIME.

OUR History

In 2007, childhood friends Brian Leto and Gary Metcalf, both avid soccer players and endurance athletes, started Cadence in an Austin, Texas garage. The premise was simple: Somehow figure out a way to make a career in the sports/wellness industry.  

Cadence originally launched as an event chip timing company which was sold in 2015. Concurrently, we began to receive opportunities in event planning and management which opened our eyes to a new chances within the event space.

In 2008, we assisted with the planning and production of the LIVESTRONG Challenge series. The 4 event series was a juggernaut and heavily exposed us to the cause-related side of endurance events. This led to further opportunities in 2009, including partnerships with an upstart PELOTONIA and Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure events. In 2010, we invested in a small amount of event infrastructure and launched Cadence Equipment, which now boasts extensive event infrastructure assets.

Today, we are proud to play a vital role in supporting more than 180+ events nationwide. We have an incredible, close knit team who believe in our work. We are fortunate to be able to call this a career and take satisfaction in the ability to see the tangible effects of our work. We believe that a truly successful event is one that creates a lasting personal experience and an even longer lasting impact.
In 2007, childhood friends Brian Leto and Gary Metcalf, both avid soccer players and endurance athletes, started Cadence in an Austin, Texas garage. The premise was simple: Somehow figure out a way to make a career in the sports/wellness industry.  

Cadence originally launched as an event chip timing company which was sold in 2015. Concurrently, we began to receive opportunities in event planning and management which opened our eyes to a new chances within the event space.

In 2008, we assisted with the planning and production of the LIVESTRONG Challenge series. The 4 event series was a juggernaut and heavily exposed us to the cause-related side of endurance events. This led to further opportunities in 2009, including partnerships with an upstart PELOTONIA and Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure events. In 2010, we invested in a small amount of event infrastructure and launched Cadence Equipment, which now boasts extensive event infrastructure assets.

Today, we are proud to play a vital role in supporting more than 180+ events nationwide. We have an incredible, close knit team who believe in our work. We are fortunate to be able to call this a career and take satisfaction in the ability to see the tangible effects of our work. We believe that a truly successful event is one that creates a lasting personal experience and an even longer lasting impact.

OUR TEAM

Close knit. Competitive. Passionate. We believe in our clients and their missions.
GARY METCALF
Co-founder, President

Gary and his best friend, Brian, co-founded Cadence Sports in 2007 with a simple dream of working in the endurance sports arena they loved. A former soccer player turned triathlete, Gary is always on the move and does not comprehend being stagnant. Over the years, Gary has been fortunate to spearhead a myriad of different event projects, mostly in the cause-related arena, which has become a personal passion and focus of the Cadence management arm. Gary believes that our events can truly generate change by the impactful experience they create. Gary holds bachelor degrees in Economics and International Business with a minor in Spanish from Texas Tech University. Gary works, trains, and spends as much time as possible with his partner, Kim and son, Emerson. If Gary ever goes missing you can likely find him in Crested Butte, CO in the woods, on top of a mountain, or suffering on the nordic tracks.

BRIAN LETO
Co-founder, CEO

Brian Co - Founded Cadence Sports in 2006 along with Gary Metcalf as a way to follow his passion of running and sports. As an athlete growing up, he was able to attend St. Edward's University on a soccer scholarship. Brian leads the fast growing Cadence Equipment side of our operation. Brian holds a bachelor degree in Business Management from St. Edward' University. In his downtime, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Ashli, relaxing outdoors, riding, running and occasionally playing soccer.

LAUREN DESCOVICH
Sr. Vice President, Event Management

Lauren is the SVP, Event Management at Cadence Sports and oversees the day to day project management of a selection of our cause-related clients. Lauren holds a degree in Sports Management from the University of Texas at Austin (hook 'em!) and has been with Cadence Sports since her initial internship in 2012. Her experiences in sport growing up and history of working special events aided in her pursuit of a career in Event Management. In her free time, she loves to travel, both for relaxation and adventure. She has summited Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa and trekked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru, but her favorite adventure yet has been motherhood and watching her daughter grow!

ADELE NELSON
Sr. Vice President, Event Management

Adele is the SVP, Event Management at Cadence Sports and oversees the day to day project management of a selection of our cause-related clients. Prior to joining the team, Adele spent ten years as the Director of Chefs Cycle and leading the Culinary Partnerships and Events team at No Kid Hungry/Share Our Strength. Adele is passionate about developing and maintaining key relationships and leveraging her skills to help meet aggressive fundraising goals. In her 20+ years of event management experience, Adele also played leadership roles on the events teams at Google, Linder Global Events, and Design Cuisine. Adele lives in Arlington, Virginia, with her family and a zoo of various adopted animals, and her limited spare time is spent on home projects and maintaining a love/hate relationship with her Peloton and Concept2 erg. She holds an Environmental Science degree from Dickinson College, where she played soccer and was active in philanthropic work through her sorority, Pi Beta Phi.

JOSH GARCIA
Sr. Vice President, Event Equipment

As VP of Cadence Equipment, Josh leads the client management and logistics of the operation. As an athlete growing up, Josh ran track & field and played soccer, where he was able to attend St. Edward’s University on a soccer scholarship. Josh holds a bachelor degree in Business Management from St. Edward’s University. In his downtime, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Danielle, their dog, Yogi, and a new daughter on the way!

ROGER MAST
Sr. Vice President, Technical Operations

Roger has been interested in cycling, racing, and non-profit events since he first volunteered for the Tour de Georgia in 2004. This opportunity sparked a passion in Roger that has flourished for almost 20 years. Roger has since become an expert in managing multi-day run/walks, triathlons, obstacle course races, and all things bicycle event related. Roger brought a unique skill-set with him when he joined Cadence in 2009. He has methodically honed his expertise in the area of technical routes, permitting, law enforcement coordination, emergency management, and communications. Roger's development of this role has helped establish Cadence as a leader in the industry. An avid cyclist, triathlete and runner, Roger understands events from the participants perspective. He also manages and controls his events with the safety, client needs, and compliance at the forefront. Passionate about using the latest technology and tools, Roger implements and shares his knowledge with clients and the event space as a whole. Roger attended Florida State University and the University of Georgia where he studied Management with a focus on Human Resources. When not traveling for events Roger enjoys tinkering with classic cars, football, managing his 14-year old son Spencer's Go-Kart racing career, and all dogs.

JULIE BENGIS
Vice-President, Event Management

Julie Bengis joined Cadence in 2022 as a Manager of Event Production. Her passion for the intersection of sports, events, and philanthropy was realized while obtaining her degree in Sport Management from Syracuse University where she also played two Division I sports. In her final semester, Julie interned with the IRONMAN Foundation, which afforded her the opportunity to work at her first mass participation event, and she fell in love with the high speed environment and enthusiasm of the event organizers, participants, and spectators alike. Julie then worked for an international non-profit for five years managing the running side of the endurance fundraising program before leading the entire program in her final year and a half. Her success can be attributed to her relationship building skills, thoughtfulness, and team-first attitude. In her free time, Julie can be found training for her next triathlon or spending time with her family at the beach.

LUKE VANOUDENHAEGEN
Vice-President, Event Management

Luke is an experienced event production professional with over 10 years in the industry. Luke previously worked with the Hood To Coast Relay in Oregon where he focused on event operations. He also helped grow their management side by partnering with non-profits to bring their events to life by offering creative and logistical based solutions. He graduated from Portland State University with a degree in Environmental Science. Luke also played baseball and football at the junior college level. Outside of work, he loves to travel and go on new adventures with his wife, Sam. Some of his favorite destinations have been Bali, Oaxaca, and Taiwan. They also love to get outside for a hike, ride, or to go snowboarding. He also enjoys spending time with his dog Max.

MEGAN STEPHENS
Director, Technical Operations

Megan embarks on the role of Manager, Technical Operations after serving as a contracted event worker with Cadence Sports since 2016. Prior to joining the Cadence team full-time, Megan's career was in collegiate athletics including stints at North Carolina State University, Clemson University, and the University of South Florida as the Assistant Director of Ticket Operations. Megan played lacrosse at Appalachian State University while studying Recreation Management and Business. Upon graduation, Megan worked with the 24 Foundation as the Event Management intern, which accelerated her passion for cause-related event work. Coupled with her passion for helping others and curating events from beginning to end, Megan's leadership, teamwork and attention to detail contribute to her successes. When she is not at a sporting event or working, you can find her hiking, kayaking, playing disc golf or searching for the strongest cup of black coffee in town.

KERRY QUAKENBUSH
Director, Event Production

Kerry was first introduced to Cadence in the spring of 2017 while directing one of the endurance events in Cadence’s portfolio, on the non-profit organization side where Kerry specialized for almost 20 years. A dedicated endurance athlete, he has completed numerous marathons and triathlons, some of which were linked to his work in nonprofit event direction and fundraising. At Cadence, Kerry focuses on universal event production, with an emphasis on client relations, venue builds, team support, and everything in between. Having an extensive understanding of both the production side and the organizational side gives Kerry well-rounded comprehension of the overlap between the two. Kerry resides in Redondo Beach, CA, just south of Los Angeles.

ETHAN PACKER
Director, Technical Operations

Ethan Packer joined Cadence full-time in 2024 as a Director, Event Production. He discovered his passion for events, sports, and fitness while earning a degree in Sport Management from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. During his time at UMass, Ethan was a personal trainer and worked for UMass Football as a Defensive Student Assistant and in the recruiting office. In his sophomore year, Ethan got his first experience with large-scale event production through an internship where he helped organize numerous NCAA tournaments in Oklahoma City. This experience ignited his love for the high-paced nature of event production and the satisfaction that comes from enabling others to enjoy these events. In the three years before joining Cadence, Ethan directed a diverse portfolio of obstacle course and endurance races. Outside of work, he enjoys being outside as much as possible, whether that means snowboarding, golfing, hiking, kayaking, or traveling. He also volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters. His passion for creating memorable events and his love for the outdoors define his dynamic and engaging approach to both life and work.

ALEXANDRA VILLAFRANCA
Sr. Manager, Event Production

Alex started with Cadence as an Intern in 2018 and could never find a reason to leave! She fell in love with the versatility of the event industry, the many moving parts, and the foundation that Cadence created to help her become a well-rounded team player in event management. As an athlete growing up she ran cross country and mid-distance in track, where she was able to obtain a scholarship to attend St. Edward’s University. She holds a degree in Sports Management and continues to find her passion for it through the opportunities she’s been given from Cadence and in the service industry. Her attention to the safety, and positive experience of the participants is her highest priority.

JENNY LEWIS
Director, Event Operations

Jenny joined the Cadence team in 2024 as a Director of Operations, Event Management. After graduating from the University of Texas, where she skied for the UT Waterski Team, Jenny embarked on a career in travel and event management and hasn't looked back. For the past 20 years, she's developed a passion for executing both small and large-scale events, as well as coordinating complex travel logistics in the cruise, hotel, airline, and transportation space. Her friendly demeanor, solution-driven mindset, and attention to detail have all contributed to her success. As a breast cancer survivor, she is thrilled to have found a home in cause-related event work. Jenny spends the majority of her free time hiking and camping all over the mountains of Colorado with her husband and their 2 dogs. She has summited 34 of Colorado's 14,000' mountains and is always up for an adventure, especially if it involves the outdoors, travel, a spontaneous road trip, or live music.

REBECCA LIVINGSTON
Director, Finance

Rebecca Livingston rejoined the Cadence team in 2023. She’s excited to be back working closely with the Executive and Financial teams. Rebecca holds a bachelor's degree in Applied Learning and Development from the University of Texas at Austin. Aside from working for Cadence, she has enjoyed working for an estate planning office, cycling training center, as well as various executive roles for her children’s schools/clubs. In her spare time, Rebecca enjoys spending time with her family, exercising, girl’s weekends, Michigan beach walks, and reading.

RYAN CASH
Sr. Manager, Event Production

Ryan is dedicated to creating unforgettable event experiences and brings his knowledge to his new role at Cadence Sports. Previously, he served as the Associate Director of Events at USA Track & Field, where he managed elite track & field competitions nationwide and worked on three Olympic Trials events. He also worked as an Olympic Researcher for NBC at the Paris Olympic Games. Ryan holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Indiana State University, where he competed on the cross country and track & field teams, as well as a master’s degree in sport management from the University of Indianapolis. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, running, golfing, cheering for any Chicago sports team, and spending time outdoors with his wife, Colleen, and their energetic Australian Shepherd, Beau.

BRITTNEY FROELICH
Manager, Event Production

Brittney joined the Cadence team in 2023 as a contractor, bringing her wealth of experience in event production. She’s a pro at volunteer recruitment and charity partnerships, and her skills extend to both planning/logistics and venue/course operations. Brittney’s worked on events in 30 states across the U.S., managing everything from small gatherings with 15 participants to massive ones with 40,000, including recruiting 10,000 volunteers in just one year! When she’s not busy with events, you’ll find her running long distances, talking her friends into adventures, and enjoying quality time with her family.

ABBI WHITNEY
Manager, Event Production

After taking a hiatus from being a production crew member for Cadence from 2015-2019, Abbi has made her way back to the Cadence Sports family as Manager, Event Production. Joining with a wealth of knowledge in the professional cycling and nonprofit industry, Abbi strives to make each clients vision come to life. Abbi holds a bachelors degree in Creative Events Management from Falmouth University in Cornwall, England. Outside of work Abbi enjoys exploring her “new” home in the Utah mountains and supporting the high school lacrosse team her boyfriend coaches.

BEAR ROBINSON
Manager, Event Production

Bear met the Cadence team as a volunteer in 2010 in Charlotte, NC. He then started working as part-time weekend production staff for a number of years before taking on a leadership role with Cadence in 2020. His primary role with Cadence is onsite venue and team management and a secondary support role of pre-event production. Bear grew up in a military family living in numerous places around the country. He finally found himself in North Carolina earning both a MS and BS in Exercise and Sport Science from East Carolina University. After working in a number of positions in the health and fitness industry, he now resides in Huntersville, NC where he owns and operates Hardcore Serious Fitness Inc. Hardcore is bootcamp and personal training facility for all ages and ability levels. He also manages local market events in the Charlotte area.

PERRI MERTENS
Manager, Event Production

Perri joined Cadence in the summer of 2023 as a contractor. Since then she has worked as many events as possible which ultimately convinced her that the cause related industry was where she wanted to work full time. Perri’s background is in marketing, with a mix of trade show management and event management in the nonprofit sector. She spent her corporate career working in the publishing, medical, and manufacturing industries until 7 years ago when she started her own design business. Perri found a passion for branding and working behind the scenes on events as a longtime volunteer for Boston Pride, and through the clients that sought her out for her expertise, dedication and enthusiasm. She has spent the majority of her life riding a bicycle from being a bicycle messenger, to racing road and cyclocross on the elite level, and eventually riding her bicycle across the United States in 2017. Perri currently resides in Center Harbor, NH where she has immersed herself in the beauty and physical challenges of the White Mountains. She spends all her free time hiking the 48 4,000' mountains over and over as she strives to complete the NH GRID, (hiking all 48 4ks in every calendar month 48x12=576) where she is currently at 276/576. She also continues to give back as a volunteer with the Lakes Region Search & Rescue Team in NH.

RILEY MALLETT
Associate Manager, Event Production

Riley recently graduated from Xavier University in May of 2024 with a Bachelor's Degree in Sport Management. Throughout his senior year at Xavier, Riley worked in a marketing internship with the Xavier Athletics Department that allowed him to experience the event production and operations world of athletics. Riley quickly realized that this is the type of environment that he loves and thrives being in a team environment. Outside of work, Riley enjoys going to the gym, watching all Cleveland sports teams: the Cavaliers, Guardians, Browns and Ohio State Buckeyes. Riley also enjoys playing and watching golf, going for walks in nature, and spending time with his family and two dogs, Roxy and Archie.

ANDREW GUELLE
Manager, Technical Operations

Andrew joined the Cadence Sports team in 2024 after spending a handful of years post college in restaurant and store management. Growing up in Germany as a military brat, Andrew developed an early love for sports, with soccer holding a special place in his heart. He continued to pursue this passion at the University of Dubuque, where he played soccer and earned a degree in Sports Marketing and Management. When he's not working events, Andrew enjoys spending time with his cats, being on the golf course and watching every Liverpool F.C. and SV Sandhausen match he can.

MARYLIN FAULKNER
Manager, Operations

Marilyn joined the Cadence team in 2022 as an operations manager, specifically working with the Ride to End Alzheimers. Marilyn earned degrees from The University of Oklahoma in Management and International Business with a minor in Spanish. She began her career in the field of international education, managing several academic sites in Spain and recruiting students from across the United States to study abroad. Marilyn worked for over 10 years in field marketing with Clif Bar and Company where she gained experience in and passion for the event arena. Since 2010 Marilyn has coached adult athletes, beginner through established, in the sports of endurance running and previously triathlon. She has a current passion for coaching women athletes through their pregnancies. Being positive, responsive, and hard working, Marilyn excels in customer relationships. You can find Marilyn running… training for races AND running after her three young children, watching sports, camping, and seeing live music.

SANDY FERGUSON
Manager, Operations

Sandy Ferguson has been working events going on 24 years. Prior to working events, Sandy managed a team at Chase Manhattan Bank that analyzed data for new and existing acquisitions. Sandy’s first event, Ride for the Roses, was a Livestrong private event. Concierge level services were provided for 400+ people and their families, including assistance with flight reservations, contracting buses for participant transportation, registration and packet pickup, contracting bike mechanics, dinners with celebrities and special activities for participants. She managed this event for 22 years, during which time she became acquainted with Cadence Sports, Inc. As part of the Cadence Sports Team, Sandy focuses on participant experience during registration and packet pickup. She has experience with multiple registration platforms and her background in data mining allows her to provide comprehensive reporting. Sandy also manages transportation for spectators and special needs at the AT&T Pro Am, the Concours d’Elegance and the Pure Insurance Championship, all located in the Monterey Bay where she was born and raised. In her spare time, Sandy trains her 2 Siberian Huskies, Lexi and Tess. And travels around the US in her Airstream.

ALAN BAZARD
Manager, Technical Operations

Alan retired from Shell Oil Company in 2010 and found a 2nd career and passion through Cycling. He has grown a Cycling coaching and event management business. He has directed many local rides and races in Austin and Houston, including a 6-day ride from Houston to New Orleans. He is a serious cyclist and certified USA Cycling Coach. Alan completed 3 transcontinental rides across the USA. Alan has been working on Cycling Events and for Cadence in a Technical role since 2016. When not riding and working Events, he can be found boating on Lake Travis and enjoying family and granddaughter time. Other information: Graduated from Trinity University – BS Engineering, Professional Engineer (inactive), USA Cycling Official, Ham Radio Operator, Eagle Scout

GO TIME.

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Cadence Sports, Inc.
172 Trademark Drive
Buda, Texas 78610

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GARY METCALF

Co-founder, President
Gary and his best friend, Brian, co-founded Cadence Sports in 2007 with a simple dream of working in the endurance sports arena they loved. A former soccer player turned triathlete, Gary is always on the move and does not comprehend the idea of being stagnant. Over the years, Gary has been fortunate to spearhead a myriad of different event projects, mostly in the cause-related arena, which has become a personal passion and focus of the Cadence management arm. Gary believes that our events can truly generate change by the impactful experience they create. Gary holds bachelor degrees in Economics and International Business with a minor in Spanish from Texas Tech University. Gary works, trains, and spends as much time as possible with his partner, Kim and son, Emerson. If Gary ever goes missing you can likely find him in Crested Butte, CO in the woods, on top of a mountain, or suffering on the nordic tracks.