At Tour de Pier, every rider, every sponsor, and every supporter is connected to a story. For longtime sponsor JR286, that story is built on family, resilience, and a deep commitment to giving back.
Founded by Jon Hirshberg after the loss of his father, Ron, to pancreatic cancer, JR286 was born from both personal tragedy and an unwavering drive to create something meaningful. With a $500,000 loan from his stepmother, Agi, Jon launched the company that today leads the global licensing for Nike and Jordan equipment. Throughout every step, the spirit of family – and the importance of giving back – has been at the core of JR286’s culture.
Inside their offices, philanthropy isn’t just talked about, it’s lived. From state-of-the-art facilities that foster community and well-being to a genuine commitment to employee support, JR286 exemplifies a company that values its people first. As a long-time supporter and sponsor of both the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research and the Tour de Pier, JR286 has woven philanthropy into every aspect of its business.
That commitment became even more personal when Ingrid, a beloved executive based in their Netherlands office, was diagnosed with colon cancer. Ingrid’s battle, filled with uncertainty and resilience, deeply touched the entire JR286 family. As she underwent treatment, her colleagues rallied around her to ensure she never faced her journey alone.
When Ingrid recovered, the team celebrated her strength by riding together at the 2024 Tour de Pier. “Everybody is dealing with something,” Ingrid shares. “The Tour de Pier helps families honor the journeys of loved ones and face their challenges with strength.”
For JR286, sponsoring the Tour de Pier is more than an act of charity; it’s an extension of their motto: Enjoy the Journey. As Jon reflects, supporting the Tour de Pier is one of the proudest achievements of his life. It’s about standing together to celebrate life and fight for a future free of cancer.
Tour de Pier is more than just a ride. It’s a day to ride for hope, ride for healing, and ride for those still fighting.