My First Job In Sports: Recent Episodes
Neil Schwartz and Mark Sullivan
As a leader in Sports Market Analytics, SBRnet has always prioritized the ability to share industry knowledge with students/young professionals. Since the start of the pandemic, it has been harder than ever for students to connect with professionals. The My First Job In Sports podcast was created to bring together industry professionals and students pursuing a career in sports. That way, not only would professionals be able to share what they wish they knew prior, but students will also be well prepared and know what to expect once they obtain that first job in sports.
Episode 39 of My First Job in Sports was a special one for a few reasons. This is one of our special Get in The Game editions of the MFJIS podcast. Regular co-host Dr. G. was busy with her full-time job at Temple University, so I invited my Get in the Game Sports Career Conference partner, Yussuf Khan, to join the show. The second reason this episode was very special was our interview with Andrea Lattimore. Andrea is the manager of Talent Acquisition Programs and Community Engagement at Acushnet Company, the maker of top-tier golf brands, including Titleist and FootJoy.
Saying that Andrea is “all in” underestimates her incredible accomplishments. The external partners she supports beyond her primary responsibilities include: The First Tee, PGA Works, Fore Hire, and Women In Golf Foundation (WIGF). Some of her recent achievements are being a featured panelist at PGA Works Beyond The Green and being appointed as an inaugural member of the Women in Sports Technology (WisT) HBCU Talent Pipeline Advisory Committee. Andrea’s career story is very non-linear, and she never imagined that golf would be her destination. She is a perfect example of how you never really know where your future will take you.
My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.
For Episode 38 of My First Job in Sports, Dr. G and I talked with Brady Ulloa, Senior Business Analyst at Miller Sports and Entertainment. He graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Analytics & Statistics with a minor in Business Management. He has advanced his degree by working closely as Business Intelligence Manager for the two professional soccer teams owned by Miller, Real Salt Lake and Utah Royals FC. If you're interested in making business analytics your career in sports, this is a must-watch or listen. It also shows how someone can use their love for a specific sport along with their education.
My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.
For Episode 37 of My First Job in Sports, Dr. G and I heard the inspiring story of Brian Anderson. Brian, who is currently part of the development team for Corporate Partnerships at DC Scores, a local sports-focused organization, shared a story that went far beyond just landing his first job in sports to simply overcoming challenges that many of us would have just folded our tents and tried to get by. After facing a mountain of personal issues, most of them not his doing, Brian was able to turn his life around. He grew up in the foster system and realized early on that sports could provide him with the opportunity to make his life meaningful and fulfilling. Brian has shown incredible courage and serves as an inspiring example of what someone can achieve when they put their mind to it and understand that the answer to success is never giving up on your dreams.
My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.
In this episode of My First Job in Sports, Dr. G and host Neil Schwartz spoke with Sallie Gordon. Sallie is the CEO and owner of World Sports Travel, a company she founded after the COVID pandemic, driven by her passion for sports, travel, and event management. With over 15 years of experience, Sallie's career includes operations in collegiate athletics at the Division I, Division II, Division III, and NAIA levels, and she has a strong background in organizing international tours and college basketball tournaments.
Sallie's academic journey began at Georgetown College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management, and she later joined the Sports Administration program at Georgia State University. At Georgia State, Sallie discovered her passion for working in sports. She was actively involved with the marketing department at Georgia Tech and completed her master's internship as an Events Intern for the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA). During this internship, she successfully managed and organized the WBCA High School All-America Basketball Game, which sparked her love for event management and sports travel.
My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.
In this episode of My First Job in Sports, Dr. G. and I spoke with Luca De laPena. Luca currently works for Austin FC of the MLS as a CRM specialist, providing data and analytics support to various business aspects of the team to help generate revenue and maintain their existing customer base. A graduate of the S3 Sports Management program at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, Luca noted that he has always been good with numbers and enjoys solving problems mathematically. He has turned this skill into a practical platform for his first job in sports with the Sacramento Kings and then with Austin FC. Luca also discussed the value of networking and establishing a relationship with a mentor in the pursuit of his first position and current role. Luca also describes himself an introvert and discussed how he was able to overcome his shyness and establish goals in pursuit of his first job and his current one.
My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.
It was sort of a homecoming for Dr. G. on Episode 34 of My First Job in Sports. Demarieh Wesley, who is currently working for the New Jersey Devils was our guest. It just so happens that Demarieh attended Hampton University, which is where Dr. G. was an under-grad. Needless to say there were a lot of inside Hampton references.
If there was any single message that came from the show is that Demarieh got involved. Throughout the interview he stressed the importance of getting involved on all sorts of things that were both academic and non-academic.
It’s easy to see why Demarieh has established himself in marketing and sales for the NJ Devils. Currently, Demarieh works as an Inside Sales Associate for the New Jersey Devils. Before joining the Devils, he completed internships with the Chicago Bulls as a Membership Service Associate, at Southern Methodist University as a Football Operations Intern, and at the Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center as a Facility Operations Intern. He also worked with Position Sports, participating in the Dream Program, where he spent a week in Phoenix, Arizona, assisting at the NASCAR Championship.
My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.
For Episode 33 of My First Job in Sports, Dr. G. and I spoke with Carissa Sweigart, the Director of Culture & Wellbeing at Acushnet Company. This episode is part of our Special "Get in The Game" editions of MFJIS. For those who may not be familiar, Acushnet Brands is the parent company of several leading names in the golf industry, including Titleist, FootJoy, Pinnacle, Vokey Wedges, and Scotty Cameron Putters, to name a few.
At the beginning of the show, Dr. G. and I discussed the excellent opportunities available in the golf business, particularly in working with major brands in the industry. During our conversation, we covered topics such as finding a good mentor and the importance of focusing on one person at an event to make a strong impression. We also talked about the value of just getting involved at any level and being open to various potential opportunities. Carissa emphasized that you don’t have to love or even be familiar with a sport to carve out a successful career in this business.
My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.
For Episode 32 of My First Job in Sports, Dr G. and I spoke to Blake Fenn, who is currently an Account Manager for Club Services at Hard Rock Stadium. The stadium is a multi-function facility that has been able to expand out its offerings beyond The Miami Dolphins, The Miami Grand Prix, and the Miami Open Tennis events. Blake came to us via The S3 Sports Management program at Baylor University. For Blake, he always knew that he wanted to get into the sports business via the sales route. Blake has learned how to get out of his comfort zone and speak to people to learn how to establish relationships before getting into anything close to the sales or selling process. Blake loves the process of helping people reach their marketing goals via the various offerings available at Hard Rock Stadium.
My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.
The latest episode of My First Job in Sports from SBRnet features an in-depth discussion with Camryn Cook, Manager of Corporate Partnerships for Austin FC of Major League Soccer. Camryn graduated from Baylor University's S3 Sports Management program well prepared to take her place in the world of sports business. During the show, it was apparent that Camryn took a number of bold steps that were instrumental in helping her get that all-important first job in sports with Real Salt Lake, also of Major League Soccer.
My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.
In Episode 30, that’s right MFJIS fans, My First Job in Sports celebrated their 30th show with Annie Borovskiy. Most recently, Annie worked as an inside sales rep for BSE Global, the parent company of the Brooklyn Nets of the NBA, N.Y. Liberty of the WNBA, and owner/operators of the Barclays Center. Annie is a graduate of the Sports Management program at High Point University in North Carolina. Annie talked about the value of ensuring that you take the right classes and get as close as possible to members of the faculty while in school. Annie gravitated to the sales side of the business to give her the widest view of experiences to help her better understand the inner workings when it comes to the marketing aspects of a professional sports team.
My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.
In Episode 29 of My First Job in Sports, Gabby Mayo discussed her journey from working with the baseball program at Florida Atlantic University to her current role as a Baseball Operations Analyst for the Cincinnati Reds. In her current position, Gabby has been able to rely on both the knowledge gained from the classroom and her internship experiences with FAU Baseball. Gabby talked about how she overcame her own shyness and reluctance to reach out to others. Gabby charted her course in baseball and then set out to acquire the knowledge and experience that would make her an asset to the Reds.
My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.
In Episode 28 of My First Job in Sports, Dr. Gardiner and I spoke with Alex Halloran. Alex is a graduate of the Sports Management program at High Point University. He is currently working as an Account Executive for SportingJax, which operates professional soccer teams for both men and women. For Alex, sales has been a clear pathway to his first job and current role in sports. He discussed in detail how sales has suited him well, helping him set goals and establish a clear direction for his career in the sports industry. Before joining SportingJax, Alex held similar sales positions with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Duke University and worked on events like the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl. As Dr. G effectively points out, sales may not be the most glamorous entry point into a sports career, but it can be exceptionally lucrative and educational.
My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.
In episode 27 of My First Job in Sports, Dr. G. and Neil chat with Emily Bogdanowicz, a membership associate for the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA. Emily discusses her commitment to excellence and the determination to learn, which have been key to her early success in internships and volunteer roles, where she developed skills in sales, marketing, and team collaboration. Bogdanowicz holds a degree from the Sports Management program at the University of New Haven. Emily emphasizes the power of saying “yes” and the importance of not limiting herself in learning new skills, gaining valuable work experience, and working in situations that may not always feel comfortable.
My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.
SBRnet is excited to welcome Dr. Ashley Gardner as the new co-host of the My First Job In Sports web series and podcast. Now entering its fourth season, MFJIS aims to assist students in securing that all-important first job in the sports industry, should they choose to pursue a career in that field.
Dr. G., as she prefers to be called, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sport, Tourism, and Hospitality Management at Temple University in Philadelphia. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee in Sport Studies, specializing in Sport Management and Sociology. Gardner's research focuses on racial diversity, human resource management, and career mobility strategies for people of color in the sports industry. Prior to her doctoral studies, she obtained a Master's degree in Sport Management from the University of Michigan and, most notably, a Bachelor’s degree in Sport Management from the distinguished Hampton University.
Besides her academic achievements, Gardner has taken on various roles in the sports industry, both as an intern and a full-time staff member, including positions with the Chicago Sky, USA Fencing, the Cincinnati Reds, and Nike’s Tournament of Champions. Fans of My First Job in Sports, meet Dr. Ashley Gardner.
My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.
In this special "Get in the Game" edition of My First Job in Sports, we had two amazing guests who provided inspiration, motivation, and guidance on what it takes for soon-to-be graduates to secure their first job in sports. We first spoke with Jasmine to better understand her focus on financial literacy and related issues. Then, we spoke with Miriam, who is focused on using digital media to build a personal brand and leverage it for multiple purposes. Mirium emphasized the importance of networking in the job search process, not just in sports, but in any situation.
My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.
In the latest episode of My First Job In Sports, Neil Schwartz and Dr. Tim Koba chat with Lisa Anne Higgins, Director of Development at Florida Atlantic University Athletics. With a strong passion for sports and connecting with people, Lisa Anne explains how her role is centered around bringing together diverse individuals and sports. She shares her inspiring college and career journey, offering valuable insights and tips that have helped shape her. Lisa Anne delves into the importance of building authentic relationships, emphasizing how meaningful connections have been key to her professional growth. Additionally, she reveals her top advice for college students in this worthwhile episode.
My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.
Episode 23 of "My First Job in Sports" started off with a lively discussion between Dr. Lindsay and me, resembling an episode of "The View." We covered a wide range of topics in the world of sports, from the growing prominence of women’s sports to the impact of Caitlin Clark. There was a lot to talk about before introducing our guest.
In Episode 23 of My First Job in Sports, Dr. Lindsay and I had a conversation with Kali Franklin, Vice President of Human Resources for On Location. On Location specializes in creating unique experiences at major events around the world. During our discussion, Kali shared insights about her journey to landing her first job in sports. She also talked extensively about her experiences interviewing job candidates for full-time positions and internships. Kali's non-linear career path in the sports industry included stops at Target and Microsoft, which ultimately led her to work for the Arthur Blank Organization, known for being one of the best ownership groups in sports, and The New York City Football (Soccer) Club before taking on her current role at On Location. If you are interested in pursuing a career in sports, I highly recommend watching, listening and paying careful attention to Kali's advice and learning from her experiences.
My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.
In the 22nd episode of "My First Job in Sports" web and podcast from SBRnet, Dr. Lindsey and I were joined by Alana Sullivan, a graduate of the Sports Management program at High Point University. After completing her studies, Alana joined Wolfpack Sports Properties, a division of Learfield, where she initially worked in client services and coordinator of partner services. Currently, Alana is responsible for managing the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) relationships for more than 550 college athletes at North Carolina State University. Her role provides her with a significant opportunity to grow her sales and business development skills
My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.
Dr. Lindsey has returned from the Women's Final Four Basketball Championship, and now it's time for Episode 21 of "My First Job in Sports". This episode features an interview with Samantha (Sam) Kinsley, who works as an Account Executive at Bespoke Sports and Entertainment in Charlotte, North Carolina. Bespoke is a sports and entertainment consulting and experiential marketing agency that helps brands choose the right partnerships and make the most of their sponsorship investments. Sam is passionate about creating unique experiences through sports, building relationships with clients, and driving their business forward. She finds purpose in creating unforgettable memories and impactful moments in a fast-paced, exciting industry. Sam has some great advice for anyone who wants to pursue a career in sports.
My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.
Dr. Lindsey has returned from the Women's Final Four Basketball Championship, and now it's time for Episode 21 of "My First Job in Sports". This episode features an interview with Samantha (Sam) Kinsley, who works as an Account Executive at Bespoke Sports and Entertainment in Charlotte, North Carolina. Bespoke is a sports and entertainment consulting and experiential marketing agency that helps brands choose the right partnerships and make the most of their sponsorship investments. Sam is passionate about creating unique experiences through sports, building relationships with clients, and driving their business forward. She finds purpose in creating unforgettable memories and impactful moments in a fast-paced, exciting industry. Sam has some great advice for anyone who wants to pursue a career in sports.
My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.
"My First Job in Sports" has recently released its 20th episode. The show aims to provide valuable insights from recent college graduates who are focused on their first jobs in the sports industry. In this episode, we talked to Gerard D'Ambrosio, the manager of Ticket Sales for Inter Miami CF of the MLS. Gerard shared his experiences of dealing with the challenges of being the manager of ticket sales for the hottest sports team in the region, especially after the recent signing of Lionel Messi, the G.O.A.T. of soccer/football. This edition also featured a surprise guest host, Melissa Schwartz. Melissa is a big sports fan and happens to be my daughter. She subbed in for Dr. Lyndsey, who was under the weather after attending the Women's Final Four Basketball Tournament.
My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.
In the latest episode of My First Job In Sports, Dr. Lyndsey and Neil spoke to Blake Taub, Account Executive for the NY Islanders. Blake has an interesting journey as he made his way from the Falk School at Syracuse University to his current position with the Islanders. After multiple internships and stints in sports tourism, Blake found his way to a job he loves in a sport that he loves.
My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.
For our first show in 2024, Dr. Lindsey and I spoke to Katelinn Cummings, Associate Director of Compliance for Syracuse University Athletics. Katelinn has a great story to tell for anyone who is interested in working for a university in compliance. Cummings came to the Cuse after spending the 2021-22 academic year at nearby Binghamton University where she was an Academic Advisor/NCAA Compliance Assistant working with volleyball, men's golf, women's tennis, and men's and women's swimming and diving as well as some day-to-day responsibilities in the NCAA Compliance Office. Cummings is a 2020 graduate of SUNY Cortland where she was a member of the women's ice hockey team. She went on to earn a Masters degree in Higher Education from UAlbany in 2022.
My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.
SBRnet is pleased to announce Dr. Lindsey Darvin as the new co-host for the My First Job in Sports Webcast and Podcast. Dr. Darvin is an assistant professor at Syracuse University. She holds a Ph.D. in Health and Human Performance with a concentration in Sport Management from the University of Florida, an M.S. in Sport Management from UMass Amherst, and a B.A. in Political Science from Bryn Mawr College. Her research focuses on gender equity in the sport and esports industries, specifically addressing the underrepresentation of women leaders and participants at the intercollegiate and professional levels. We extend a warm welcome to Dr. Lindsey on My First Job.
My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.
In this Get in the Game episode, Mark and Neil spoke to DeAnthony White . DeAnthony’s passion for running has led him to join the energetic and knowledgeable team at Charm City Run. DeAnthony’s background in business development and sports marketing stems from tenures with Under Armour, UNC-Chapel Hill Athletics, and a slew of other well-known companies. Outside of work, DeAnthony enjoys exercising, attending music festivals, and trying out new foods & restaurants in the DC/Baltimore area. DeAnthony does a little of everything with CCR, from business development, brand awareness initiatives, events, and leading the CCR Mobile Van experience to a city near you!
My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.
On this special Get in the Game edition of My First Job in Sports, we veered away from our usual storylines and look at how someone that s considering taking the entrepreneurial route as an option for their future career in sports. Aswand Cruikshank was able to detail his ups and downs as he navigated the process of finding out where he was likely to find his place in the sports business.
My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.
In this special Get in the Game edition of My First Job in Sports, Mark and Neil spoke to Jordan McGrigg. Jordan is a native of Jackson Mississippi, currently residing in Jersey City New Jersey. He graduated from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University with a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications along with a concentration in Mass Media Production. Jordan is currently working with the New York Jets as a Studio Assistant alongside the Daily Digital Producer. I live by the: “Be so different, people have to choose you”.
Jordan discussed how his attitude, motivations, and inspirations all combined to get him his current position with the NY Jets. He also detailed his journey and how he was able to leverage the mentor-mentee relationship with previous guest Philip Wilkerson to its fullest extent.
My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.
This is a special Get in the Game edition. Our guest, Philip L. Wilkerson III is a higher education professional with a passion for student development and diversity, equity, and inclusion. He has a strong track record of success in working with students, faculty, administrators, parents, and employers. Philip has a growing knowledge of well-being practices as well as a firm grasp on strengths-based coaching and mentoring.
Philip is currently an Employer Engagement Consultant for Media, Arts, Design, Hospitality & Tourism, and Technology & Engineering at George Mason University Career Services in Fairfax, VA. In this role, he supports external employers looking to recruit Mason talent by promoting opportunities, organizing events, and sharing best practices with those looking to recruit at George Mason University.
My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.
In this special, Get in the Game edition of My First Job in Sports, Mark and Neil spoke with Jasmin Cunningham, Player Development Representative for Acushnet Brands, parent company of Titleist and Footjoy. During the show, Jasmin talked about how she got her start in golf as a member of the First Tee program in her hometown of Atlanta, GA. She then enrolled in the Professional Golf Management program at Maryland Eastern Shore University. It was there that Jasmin learned the important skills and obtained the tools necessary to build a career in golf. She did a number of internships in golf before joining Acushnet as a Player Development Representative. Jasmin is also paying it forward as she volunteers with the local First Tee program in Baltimore where she resides.
My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.
For episode 12 of the My First Job in Sports Web Series, Mark and Neil spoke with Russ Scibetti, Vice-President, Strategy and Business Intelligence for the NY Football Giants. Russ is a self-described “data nerd,” who has parlayed his facility with numbers and love of sports into a career that began in grad school at Arizona State and since taken him to the Philadelphia Flyers, the New York Jets and now on to his hometown Giants. Russ studied computer science, math and psychology in school but also began building his network through events and public speaking groups while in school. He shares his story, ideas and job searching tips in this extremely worthwhile episode.
Communication and networking were appropriate topics in our conversation with Brandon Williams, director global communications at Fanatics, who we met at a networking event. Brandon shares his career path: from public relations agencies in New York City to his current role at the rapidly growing one-stop digital sports platform.
In Episode 10 of My First Job in Sports, Mark Sullivan and Neil Schwartz spoke to J.D. Wood, Head of Business Development for the Dallas Sports Commission. Sports Commissions are an integral part of the Convention and Visitors Bureau’s that are responsible for bringing both fan-based and participation-based sports events to localareas. Sports Travel is estimated to deliver just over 45 Billion dollars in total economic impact domestically. There are currently 850 Sports Commissions that serve as a great point of entry for those looking to get that all-important first job in sports.
Guest Bio:
J.D. Wood returned to Dallas in February 2020 to become the Director of Business
Development for the Dallas Sports Commission where he will pursue strategic growth
opportunities and partnership efforts for the DSC. The native of Onalaska, Texas returns to Dallas after most recently working as the General Manager of the Panama City Beach (FL) Sports Complex / Sports Facility Management. There he was responsible for business development and overall supervision of the complex that included the event bidding process and contract negotiations. Wood served as the Sports Sales & Event Manager with the Dallas CVB Sports Marketing department (now the DSC) from 2012-13. Wood received a bachelor's and master's degree in Sport Management from Texas A&M University. Since his graduation, he has had the privilege of working with some of the best in the sport tourism industry including stints with the City of College Station, Dallas CVB, National Senior Games and Texas A&M Athletics. J.D. has had the opportunity to work on events like the Games of Texas, NBA All-Star Game, Dallas Cup, Cotton Bowl Classic and the NFL Super Bowl. Additionally, Wood serves on many national sports tourism industry boards such as Sports ETA and Event Connects Sportology Conference and was an Assistant Lecturer for the Texas A&M Sports
Management Department.
When he is not working or volunteering, J.D. enjoys spending time with his wife,
Cherish, and their daughters, Kennedy, Everly, and Sutton.
Lucie Kloak, Manager of Brand Partnerships at Draft Kings stopped by to speak with Mark and Neil in this episode of My First Job in Sports. Lucie's love for sports started very early as a multi-sport athlete and let it grow from her participation on the Division 1 Rowing Team while at the University of North Carolina to her current role at Draft Kings. At Draft Kings Lucie brings brands to work with Draft King’s Vegas Stats and Information Network and working to grow their platform. Sports Gambling is a hot category at the moment and Lucie has some great words of wisdom for anyone that wants to get in that category.
On Episode 8 of the My first Job in Sports Web Series, Mark and I spoke with Timari, (Tim), Foster. Tim is a recent graduate of the University of Colorado where she obtained her certificate in Sports Business. Tim has recently joined Farrell Sports, the sports marketing firm headed by Matt Farrell. If you are looking for that first job, sports marketing agencies represent a great place to obtain the skills you need.
Episode 7 of the My First Job in Sports web series took us to the Golf Business. Our interview with Jeff Hall, PGA Professional, focused on how he has been able to turn his passion for the game of golf into his chosen career. Jeff discussed the importance of building a great team and ensuring that everyone is aligned with the overall goals for the program. Jeff also detailed the many different types of jobs that the golf business offers and how to go about getting them.
Guest Bio:
Jeff Hall was born and raised in DutchessCounty, NY. He attended Canterbury Prep School in NewMilford, CT where he lettered in 3 Varsity Sports. Jeff knew he wanted to be a Golf Professional at a young age therefore he attended Methodist University in Fayetteville, NC. Jeff started his professional career at Branton Woods, now Trump National Hudson Valley, where he learned about the golf business. Deciding he wanted to be a Golf Professional all year round he moved down to South Florida where he was an Assistant Golf Professional at The Polo Club of Boca Raton for 5 years. At The Polo Club, he received his PGA Class A Certification and Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Certification. Most recently he has been the PGA Head Golf Professional at Westchester Country Club in Boynton Beach, FL. Jeff prides himself on being a complete Golf Professional, but has a passion for teaching the game and truly enjoys making every golfer as good as they can be.
Scott Kaufman Ross, Senior Vice President, Head of Gaming & New Business Ventures at National Basketball Association, offers some unconventional advice on breaking into the sports business and shares his story of how he moved from the financial world to a senior role at the NBA. His top tips for skill development? Learn how to organize your thoughts and present them in a concise orderly fashion. Writing great e-mails and understanding how to tell a story in your writing and presentations will help you succeed!
Guest Bio:
As Senior Vice President, Head of Gaming & New Business Ventures for the NBA, Scott Kaufman-Ross manages all initiatives related to the league’s commercial endeavors in the fantasy sports & sports betting landscape and oversees the league’s efforts to explore new sports business revenue opportunities. Scott led the NBA’s partnerships with MGM, FanDuel, DraftKings, Yahoo, FOXBET, William Hill, Unibet, bet365, BetEasy, Tabcorp, and Dream11 and served as the NBA’s Board Observer to FanDuel for three years. Before taking on his current role, Scott spent four years on the NBA’s Global Strategy Team evaluating the league’s strategic approach to new business areas such as daily fantasy sports, sports betting, esports, and venture investing. Prior to joining the NBA, Scott spent four years at Goldman Sachs in the Global Investment Research division.
Sales are a great point of entry for new graduates looking to get into the sports business. In this episode, we spoke to Nick Holmes. Nick was a collegiate runner who helped pay his way through school working at running stores. He now heads up run specialty sales at Under Armour.
Guest Bio:
Nick Holmes grew up in Bartonville, IL, and started his journey in the sports world in Cross Country and Track in high school. At that same time, he worked at the local running store(Running Central) and fell in love with Run Specialty and knew “I wanted to stay in the industry somehow.”
He continued his education and athletic career at the University of Iowa graduating in 2013 with a major in Psychology and a minor in Human Relations. While attending and competing for the University, he worked at their local running shop, Running Wild until 2015. From there he moved to Naperville, IL to join Naperville Running Company, regarded as one of the best-run specialty stores in the country.
He worked my way up to become a manager and was there for 3 years and also competed at the Olympic Trials in the marathon in 2016. In 2018 he joined In-Gear an independent sales rep firm and handled Under Armour, CEP, Clif Bar, Camelbak, Thule, and others managing four different states.
At the end of that year, the position of Sales Manager for Run Specialty opened up at Under Armour and Nick joined the team at UA. He has been there since January of 2019 with the official title of Manager, Run Specialty Sales. Along the way, he married Stephanie Holmes, who also works in the run space at Hoka and had an awesome background in Cross Country/Track and Field.
They lived in Baltimore for 2 years and are currently in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin with our two pups Hank and Hershey.
The show is titled: My First Job in Sports and we interviewed Peter Copp who is actually on his first job in sports. Peter is a graduate of the Kelley School of Business at Indiana who landed his first job in the data business at Stats Perform.
Guest Bio:
Peter Copp is a recent graduate of Indiana University, where he majored in Sports Marketing & Management with a double minor in the Kelley School of Business. Peter is a native of San Diego native that now lives in Chicago, IL – where he is employed by one of the global leaders in sports data and technology, Stats Perform, serving as a Business Development Representative (BDR).
Prior to Stats Perform, Peter held internships in a sales capacity for companies such as Big 5 Sporting Goods, VAVi Sport & Social Club, and GripRx. These past internships gave Peter a better sense of how to approach life after college and navigate his way into the professional world.
In this episode, Mark and I spoke to Noah Rubin. Noah used his family network to get started with a job at a sports trade association and moved on to a job at The San Jose Sharks. He just landed a major job in client services with the Washington Nationals.
Guest Bio:
Noah Rubin originally comes from Northern Virginia and grew up with a major passion for sports, specifically hockey and baseball. Attending the University of Delaware, and participating on the Division 2 hockey team, Noah found his passion for sports on the business side of things as he majored in Sport Management and Marketing. During his college years, he used his summers to participate in internships to learn more about the sports industry.
Noah spent time as an equipment manager for the UD Football Team, working with the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, Alliance Sport Marketing, and the Philadelphia Eagles, and eventually entering into the professional world working as a Ticket Sales Associate for the New Jersey Devils. After taking a jump to San Jose to work in Inside Sales, he was able to pursue his passion for customer service by working in the Client Development and Retention side of the Sharks organization. From there, Noah worked to continue to progress in his career to earn a position at the Washington Nationals as an Inside Service Manager.
Sports Gambling is a very hot topic at the moment and in this episode Mark and I spoke to Alex Hickey. Alex started with a sports marketing agency and networked her way to a job with Major League Soccer. She recently landed a job with Sports Bet in one of the hottest sectors in the business.
Guest Bio:
Alexandra Hickey is a marketing professional with experience in sports and entertainment sponsorship and activation. She currently serves as marketing manager at PointsBet, an up-and-coming sports betting company, where she works to build overall brand awareness and increase customer acquisition by leveraging strategic media partnerships. Prior to joining PointsBet, Alex spent close to three years at Major League Soccer, in Partnership Marketing. She managed, activated, and fulfilled key strategic partnerships with brands including Adidas, Audi, BODYARMOR, Johnson&Johnson, and MGM.
Alex began her career at a boutique Sponsorship Marketing and Activation agency in Manhattan, planning and executing activation strategies for brands including New York Life Insurance, Under Armour, and Labatt Blue on local and national levels. Alex is a graduate from American University where she studied Strategic Communications and Marketing. She's a San Francisco Bay Area native and an avid sports fan.
In our inaugural episode, we spoke to Sean Wallis. Sean left his first job in the financial sector to move into sports and has never looked back. He is now VP Corporate Sponsorships at Notre Dame.
Guest Bio:
Based in Chicago, Sean oversees all partnership development and new business as a member of the Notre Dame Global Partnerships team.
Prior to joining Notre Dame Global Partnerships Sean was with W Partners, a boutique sales and marketing agency that secured over $500M in partnership revenue on behalf of the Cubs and Ricketts family as part of the restoration of historic Wrigley Field and its mixed retail and entertainment district development. In addition, Sean helped lead work securing large-scale corporate partnerships on behalf of other client properties across the sports, entertainment, and culinary industries. Previously Sean spent time at The Marketing Arm in its sponsorship consulting group and at The Cambridge Group in strategy consulting. Sean earned both his Masters in Finance and Bachelors in Business Administration degrees from Washington University in St. Louis where he won two NCAA Division III basketball national championships.