Who We Are... The Original TEAM.
TEAM Challenge2ConquerALS
Barry Sopinsky
Barry Sopinsky is the Founder, CEO & Executive Director of the Challenge2ConquerALS, Non-Profit. First and formost, Born in Buffalo, New York on January 3, 1953, he has been an avid Buffalo BILLS fan since he was 10. Notice his Colorado license plate - CUREALS.
He formed the non-profit in 2009, starting with a 3-day cycling tour in Southwestern, Colorado, called the DEATH RIDE Tour to honor the memory of his Dad, Irvin Sopinsky, who passed away from ALS when Barry was 13 after a 7 year battle.
Barry has a long career of Sales & Marketing Management holding positions as Vice President, Creative Marketing at Behr Paint and Director of Retail Sales for Bona US.
Barry has always been passionate about doing what ever he could to raise funds and awareness to fight the BEAST, ALS. Since the inception of his Non-Profit in 2009, Challenge2ConquerALS has been able to Give Back (TZEDAKAH) just over $300,000. For that Barry and his entire team are very grateful.
One of Barry's favorite quotes is "What We Do For Ourselves Dies With Us. What We Do For Others Remains And Is Immortal" Albert Pike.
It's What We Do For Others That Really Matters...
Deborah Sopinsky
Always standing along side Barry for the last 43 years has been his wife, Deborah Sopinsky who serves as Senior Vice President, Customer Relationships. Deborah is the Governor and helps to keep Barry's passion for the cause and his out pouring enthusiam to a somewhat level playing field. If you have ever met Barry, you can imagine just how tough of a job this is.
Deborah is a seasoned Account Sales Representative and one of the most compassionate, heart warming individuals you could ever meet.
Brandon "Bud" Sopinsky
Barry and Deborah's very talented son serves as the Vice President, Creative Marketing. Brandon "Bud" holds a BS degree in Toy Design from Otis School of Art & Design. He started his career with Mattel Toys as a Designer of Super Heros and now holds the position of Design Director at Moose Toys headquarter in Melbourne, Austrailia.
Brandon has been responsible for designing of all the cycling jerseys and logo designs since the beginning.
In 2009, he created the first of 10 years of jerseys with the Angel of Death logo. In 2011, Barry wanted something a bit more "Super Hero" feeling, and the Cyclist Angel of Life was born. This logo has remained the symbol of heaven and life, protecting all who participate in their cycling events.
In 2020, Bud created the SkyDive2ConquerALS, EAGLE, logo in honor of Bob Amann.
If you want to see more of Brandon's amazing work check him out on Instagram: at instagram.com/bsopinsky
Rachel Sopinsky
The other talented child of Barry and Deborah Sopinsky is Rachel Sopinsky. As it is with Deborah and Brandon, Rachel too has always been by her Dad's side keeping him calm and level headed and at the same time serving the Non-Profit as Vice President Communications & Social Media.
Rachel is a graduate of Loyola Marymount University with a degree in Communications. Rachel and husband Cory Baccus now live in Denver. She is a personal trainer and an instructor at TRANSFORM COLORADO teaching VersaClimbing & Lagree. October 2, 2020 in the heart of the pandemic, Rachel and Cory, gave Barry and Deborah their first grandchild, River Rose. Riv will be soon standing alongside her Mom & Dad cheering on all the participants of the Challenge2ConquerALS events. As you can see "Poppy" as she calls Barry has brought her right into the BILLS Mafia.
River Rose Baccus
River Rose, Rose Bud as "Poppy" calls her, is also an advid Buffalo BILLS fan and will be cheering on all the participants of the Challenge2ConquerALS events.
Soren Maikel Baccus
New addition. Soon to be Poppy's little Bud and as with his big sister River, an advid Buffalo BiILLS fan.
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Maximus & Moose Sopinsky
Serving as the mascots of Challenge2ConquerALS and the ALS Battle Buddies, these pups are following in the foot steps of their departed brothers Bubba & Boo.