7/21/2025
by Victoria Ritter
IPI by Bison, a subsidiary of Bison Inc., a domestic manufacturer of sports equipment, prides itself in providing “a goal for every game.” Its catalog encompasses products for basketball, soccer, volleyball, football, tennis, pickleball and more.
“We don’t make shoes, sports uniforms, athletic shoes or balls,” said Nick Cusick, co-founder and CEO of Bison. “We make the equipment that the games are played on.”
Institutional Products Incorporated, which provides gym equipment, was founded in 1975 in Indianapolis. Bison purchased the company in 2013, rebranded it as IPI by Bison and relocated it to Bison’s headquarters in Lincoln, NE.
“We have the advantage of the longevity of Institutional Products Inc. Many of our dealers have been with Institutional Products for years,” Cusick stated. “We also have the backing of a solid company – Bison – that manufactures high quality equipment and components.”
While Bison and IPI by Bison operate side by side in the market, there are some subtle differences. Bison primarily works with local dealers. IPI by Bison coordinates through its dealers with architects, general contractors and subcontractors involved in the construction or renovation of schools and athletic facilities.
Together, the company covers a wide range of customers, from educational institutions and churches to military bases, prisons and parks. “Any place where there’d be a gym has potential for being a customer of ours,” Cusick said. “Also, if there’s a green space outside, like outdoor basketball, outdoor lacrosse or soccer, those are all potential customers. We serve a very broad market.”
Gear up for the game
IPI by Bison’s catalog includes divider curtains and net systems, protective wall padding in a “near infinite number of colors,” soccer and football goals and basketball goal structures. Its bestseller is ceiling-suspended basketball systems. IPI by Bison distinguishes itself in the market with its fully welded steel structures, all custom-made to the facility.
IPI by Bison also has access to Bison’s lineup of gym, park and recreation equipment. “We have virtually every team sport covered,” Cusick said.
New products are introduced almost every catalog year. The latest addition, launched in January, was Bison’s new baseball/softball line. The collection includes outfield foul poles, batting cages, bases, home plates and portable fences. “We started small, and we’ll see where we go,” Cusick observed. “We’ve dipped our toe into baseball and plan to keep expanding as we have opportunities.”
Quality and safety are key elements in every product’s design.
No less than 95 percent of materials in IPI by Bison’s product lines are domestically sourced.
“It certainly works to our advantage right now with the tariffs,” Cusick stated. “We’re truly a U.S. manufacturer and are proud of that fact.”
IPI by Bison ensures safety by reviewing designs on a regular basis and adhering to local, national and international safety standards.
The company is proactive when it comes to keeping athletes and onlookers protected, as it has been at the forefront of safety initiatives. Bison invented DuraSkin backboard padding as a solution to the nondurable foam padding on the market 25 years ago.
Five years ago, Bison noted there weren’t national guidelines for products in its IPI line, specifically for ceiling-suspended and wall-mounted equipment. It joined a group of manufacturers and formed an American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) committee to create voluntary standards across the industry. Their results were published earlier this year.
“It has become the guiding principle for all manufacturers,” Cusick explained. “These safety standards were designed and established by the industry itself.”
Looking to the next 50 years
There is plenty to celebrate at Bison. The company was the first official partner with the National High School Federation for basketball equipment – Bison also partners with the federation for soccer goals.
Cusick credits his company’s longevity on stable finances and product line as well as a balanced, employee-friendly and customer-related culture. This has led to employee retention and trusted relationships with clients. Bison is an active part of the community, both as a company and with several employees individually volunteering; efforts include sitting on local and nonprofit boards and contributing to organizations’ capital campaigns.
“I’m pleased that I’ve had the opportunity, and continue to have the opportunity, to work with a wide variety of employees,” Cusick commented. “I’ve gotten to know them well, and they’ve become friends who are partners in our success.”
But Bison is not resting on its laurels, as it continues to find new ways to grow and continue its legacy. Earlier this year, it built an 85,000-square-foot addition to its manufacturing facility. IPI by Bison is also on the lookout for new dealers to partner with.
“There are areas of the country where IPI does not have a solid dealer. If anybody is interested in becoming an IPI by Bison exclusive dealer in a particular state, we’d be more than happy to visit with them,” Cusick said, adding that those interested can contact Jennifer Rawlinson, marketing and communication manager at jrawlinson@bisoninc.com. “Currently we have about 75 percent of the country covered with exclusive IPI dealers, and we’d love to fill the other 25 percent.”
