It’s time for the SportsBiz Free Agent of the Week. Instead of featuring a top job posting, I like to feature a qualified industry professional who is looking for their next opportunity. If you are interested in being a future SportsBiz Free Agent of the Week, you can apply here.

Now it’s time to introduce our next free agent, Josh Robbins! Let’s learn more about him.

Goal: To gain employment in the media relations, stadium operations or video department of a professional sports organization.

Experience:

Videographer/Writer/Baseball Historian, 1999-2011

• Contributed historical and biographical content for baseball websites
• Official writer for the Arizona Diamondbacks on Prosportsblogging.com
• Created promotional video of MLB UYA collegiate summer league team for website
• Generated drafted players database for tracking future MLB talent
• Coordinated ticket sales at Annual Urban Invitational Tournament
• Served as Celebrity Golf Tournament Judge and Auction Runner
• Researched businesses and civic groups for marketing and sponsorship campaign
• Developed new in-game promotional activities to enhance the fan experience
• Team Videographer during home games used for marketing and promotion
• Produced season highlight video package and pre-game scoreboard introduction
• Served as Official Scorer for select home games

Education:

Greatest Accomplishment:

Sell Yourself in 3 Sentences or Less: A passionate sport management and video production expert with proven experience.  A baseball enthusiast with the ability to contribute to the development, promotion, and management of sporting events, teams, and facilities.  In 2008, set a world-record for driving to a game at all 30 Major League Baseball stadiums in 26 days.

You can connect with Josh through his LinkedIn page, via Twitter (@Qualcomm98) or by email at robbinsjosh@hotmail.com. If you have an open opportunity with your organization or know of another company that can benefit from Josh’s experience, please reach out to him. I want to see this weekly feature really help some great people places into the industry positions they deserve.

• Click here to view previous Free Agents of the Week!
• Become a future Free Agent of the Week!

It’s time for the SportsBiz Free Agent of the Week. Instead of featuring a top job posting, I like to feature a qualified industry professional who is looking for their next opportunity. If you are interested in being a future SportsBiz Free Agent of the Week, you can apply here.

Now it’s time to introduce our next free agent, Josh Richter! Let’s learn more about him.

Goal: To obtain a sponsorship or retail activation position at a Charlotte-area sports marketing agency or brand. I am looking to utilize my nearly ten years of experience in marketing and communications to service business-to-consumer clients.

Experience:

Account Executive, Roberts Communications, (2008 – 2010)

• Managed marketing and advertising projects for Global Experiential Marketing division of Xerox Corporation
• Coordinated and executed activation activities and collateral for Xerox sponsorship and hospitality programs at the Phoenix Open, U.S.  Open Championship, University of Notre Dame, U.S. Open Tennis Championships, Rochester International Jazz Festival, Citi Field (New York Mets), and Kentucky Derby

Account Executive, Cenergy Communications, (2007 – 2008)

• Managed marketing and advertising projects for the Lake Erie Monsters and High Falls Brewing Company accounts

Account Coordinator, Cenergy Communications, (2006 – 2007)

• Assisted Brand Activation Manager in coordination of event and retail activation programs for Right Guard Xtreme

Sports Anchor, WGR-AM, (2004 – 2005)

• Wrote and anchored 20/20 Sports Updates for afternoon drive talk show Schopp & The Bulldog

Sports Reporter, WETM-TV, (2002 – 2004)

• Produced, shot, wrote, and edited local sports packages and highlights for 18 Sports at 6 & 11
• Co-anchored local weekend sports report, The 18 Sports Blitz

Production Assistant, ESPN, (2002)

• Produced highlights of sporting events for SportsCenter, Baseball Tonight, NHL 2Night, and NBA 2Night

Education:

• Canisius College – Master of Science in Sport Administration (2006)
• Syracuse University – Bachelor of Science in Broadcast Journalism (2001)

Recent Accomplishment:

Sell Yourself in 3 Sentences or Less: I am a revenue-driven, creative sport marketing and sponsorship activation professional with nearly 10 years of experience in marketing and communications, complemented by a master’s degree in Sport Administration. With strong communication and organizational skills, I am accomplished in providing exceptional client service.

You can connect with Josh through his LinkedIn page, via Twitter (@jrichter92678) or by email at josh.richter@gmail.com. If you have an open opportunity with your organization or know of another company that can benefit from Josh’s experience, please reach out to him. I want to see this weekly feature really help some great people places into the industry positions they deserve.

• Click here to view previous Free Agents of the Week!
• Become a future Free Agent of the Week!

It’s time for the SportsBiz Free Agent of the Week. Instead of featuring a top job posting, I like to feature a qualified industry professional who is looking for their next opportunity. If you are interested in being a future SportsBiz Free Agent of the Week, you can apply here.

Now it’s time to introduce our next free agent, Nino Vanin! Let’s learn more about him.

Goal: To utilize my background and experiences to drive revenue for a team, property or organization through sales and strategic marketing initiatives.

Experience:

Director of Sales & Marketing, Saint Joseph’s University (PA) Athletics, 2007 – 2011

• Sold and serviced corporate sponsorship agreements and maintained an annual renewal rate of 90%
• Created and implemented marketing plans for flagship Men’s Basketball program
• Served as Sport Administrator for Men’s Lacrosse – oversaw the program’s budget, travel and fundraising

Ticket Manager, SportsMark Management Group, 2008 & 2010 Olympic Games

• Managed distribution of extensive hospitality ticket inventory for Olympic corporate sponsors VISA and OMEGA

Assistant Director of Marketing & Corporate Relations, University of Connecticut Athletics, 2004 – 2006

• Sold and serviced corporate sponsorship agreements
• Developed marketing and promotional plans for men’s basketball, women’s basketball and football

Assistant Director of Sales & Marketing, Naval Academy Athletic Association, 2001 – 2004

• Sold and managed corporate sponsorships and maintained a 95% renewal rate
• Coordinated Group & Individual Ticket Sales initiatives for Football, Men’s & Women’s Basketball and Men’s Lacrosse

Media Relations Assistant, University of Massachusetts Athletics, 2000 – 2001

• Facilitated all aspects of publicity for Women’s Volleyball, Men’s and Women’s Gymnastics and Softball

Education:

• Master of Science in Sport Management, University of Massachusetts – Amherst
• Bachelor of Arts in The Writing Seminars, Johns Hopkins University

Recent Accomplishment:

Sell Yourself in 3 Sentences or Less: I am a seasoned sports marketing professional with 10 years of experience in sponsorship sales and management, building creative team asset portfolios and driving revenue through creative marketing strategies. At the end of the day, my goal is to build relationships and create results.

You can connect with Nino through his LinkedIn page, via Twitter (@NinoVanin) or by email at nvanin@hotmail.com. If you have an open opportunity with your organization or know of another company that can benefit from Nino’s experience, please reach out to him. I want to see this weekly feature really help some great people places into the industry positions they deserve.

Previous Free Agents of the Week:

• Mario Prosperino – Now working as a Licensing Manager with the Associated Press!
• Brendan Wilhide – Social media marketing expert and founder of Sportsin140.com
• Kerry Graue – Wealth of PR and media experience with a track record of success
• Catherine Marzi – Now working as a marketing consultant for the Langley Events Centre – Details Here!
  
• Jared Melzer – Now working with sports marketing & sponsorship start-up agency GlideSlope!
• Brett Bush – Great background in sports marketing and event operations
• Paul Hemingway – Experienced senior exec in corporate partnerships, marketing and communications
• Dave Cutler – Great marketing and production experience with teams, leagues and media
• Caleb Mezzy – Enthusiastic up-and-comer with a strong sales and marketing foundation
• Malir Burks – Now working as an Event Coordinator with Octagon!
• Dave Schifrin – Impressive brand management and business development background
• Lori Shelton – Experienced in customer service, ticket operations and event management
• Add your name to this list!

It’s time for the SportsBiz Free Agent of the Week. Instead of featuring a top job posting, I like to feature a qualified industry professional who is looking for their next opportunity. If you are interested in being a future SportsBiz Free Agent of the Week, you can apply here.

Now it’s time to introduce our next free agent, Lori Shelton! Let’s learn more about her.

Goal: To secure a position in the sports industry focusing on providing the best possible guest experience through customer service, ticket or event operations while allowing for innovative thinking and strategic planning.

Experience:

Ticket Operations, New York Mets

• Managed the billing plan process for season ticket sales and renewals, ticket kiosk functionality, analyzed and reported sales activity
• Supervision of gate sales personnel to maintain a balance between staffing requirements and customer demand and provided game day customer service
• Tracked and corrected software matters to ensure efficient sales processing and customer support
• Printing game and event tickets and processing orders

Area Director, US Open 2007

• Management of approximately 75 guest services and security staff
• Directed and organized personnel to establish a safe and efficient working environment
• Directed customer service initiatives regarding complaints, disturbances and facility-related problems

Director, Merchandise and Tickets, Hawaiian Islanders

• Evaluated ticket prices and merchandise offerings throughout comparable markets and developed pricing strategies
• Managed season ticket orders
• Identifying local merchandise and equipment suppliers to promote team brand
• Maintained communication with league officials and ownership regarding daily operations and progress
• Negotiated team coverage and sponsorship opportunities with regional media outlet

Office Manager/Operations Assistant Manager, Macon Knights/SportsTowne

• Responsible for establishment of office policies and best practices
• Oversight of ticket sales, media relations, marketing and merchandising departments during staffing transitions
• Management of seat assignment process, order processing, audit of sponsorship transactions and all booster participation and activity
• Organization and execution of three grand opening events
• Coordination of team travel arrangements and equipment ordering

Education:

• Master of Science in Sport Studies, University of Tennessee
• Bachelor of Science, Physical Education, Exercise and Sport Sciences, East Tennessee State University

Greatest Accomplishments:

Sell Yourself in 3 Sentences or Less: I am a sports industry professional with over thirteen years of comprehensive and versatile experience including ticket and event operations and customer service.  I have traveled to different markets and worked in both administrative and operational capacities and have worked with local, regional, national and international events.  I am proficient with Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel, Outlook and Power Point and have experience with multiple brands of ticketing software.

You can connect with Lori through her LinkedIn page or by email at Lorimshelton@Hotmail.com. If you have an open opportunity with your organization or know of another company that can benefit from Lori’s experience, please reach out to her. I want to see this weekly feature really help some great people places into the industry positions they deserve.

Previous Free Agents of the Week:

• Mario Prosperino – Now working as a Licensing Manager with the Associated Press!
• Brendan Wilhide – Social media marketing expert and founder of Sportsin140.com
• Kerry Graue – Wealth of PR and media experience with a track record of success
• Catherine Marzi – Now working as a marketing consultant for the Langley Events Centre – Details Here!
  
• Jared Melzer – Now working with sports marketing & sponsorship start-up agency GlideSlope!
• Brett Bush – Great background in sports marketing and event operations
• Paul Hemingway – Experienced senior exec in corporate partnerships, marketing and communications
• Dave Cutler – Great marketing and production experience with teams, leagues and media
• Caleb Mezzy – Enthusiastic up-and-comer with a strong sales and marketing foundation
• Malir Burks – Now working as an Event Coordinator with Octagon!
• Dave Schifrin – Impressive brand management and business development background
• Add your name to this list!

It’s time for the SportsBiz Free Agent of the Week. Instead of featuring a top job posting, I like to feature a qualified industry professional who is looking for their next opportunity. If you are interested in being a future SportsBiz Free Agent of the Week, you can apply here.

Now it’s time to introduce our next free agent, Dave Schifrin! Let’s learn more about him.

Goal: I’m looking for an interesting opportunity in sports marketing and management where I can use my varied general management and brand marketing experience to bring a fresh perspective to and innovate within a forward-thinking agency or organization.

Experience:

At One Yoga & Spiritual Gangster – Business Director 2009 – 2010

• Drove revenue programs, positioning company for successful acquisition by a large, national retail health club chain
• Managed $1 million-plus P&L for two yoga studios and all yoga-related programming
• Developed and managed the At One Yoga brand, solidifying its place as an innovator and industry leader
• Analyzed member data to develop and track efficient, targeted marketing programs and identify optimal product pricing and product mix
• Developed and managed a collaborative program with InterContinental Montelucia Resort to drive yoga-related destination travel and provide additional services for existing customers

Athletes’ Performance & Core Performance, Director of Marketing 2006-2008

• Managed brand development, positioning, communications and tactical marketing strategies for Athletes’ Performance and Core Performance, both on and off line
• Managed brand identity development and re-branding initiative for Core Performance
• Developed marketing strategy for AthletesPerformance.com
• Managed and developed strategic partnerships (new/existing) with companies such as adidas, EAS, Gatorade, Sheraton Hotels, Men’s Health, Rodale Press and many others to increase brand exposure
• Concepted and created innovative partnership with Sheraton Hotels & Resorts to bring effective training and nutrition solutions to all Sheraton properties worldwide
• Led organizational development initiatives relating to providing world-class customer service

SportsNet, LLC (now Wasserman Media Group) – Manager of Operations & Client Relations, 2001-2004

• Negotiated professional athletic contracts for soccer players in the United States and Europe
• Negotiated endorsement, sponsorship and consulting contracts totaling over $1,000,000
• Identified, recruited and signed new clients for representation

Women’s United Soccer Association (WUSA) – Player Relations Consultant, 2001

• Coordinated athlete appearances for over 50 events nationwide
• Served as primary resource for athletes with regard to all league promotional issues
• Created reporting methods to improve communication between teams nationwide and league office

Broadband Sports/AthletesDirect.com – Site Manager, 2000

• Managed official web pages for 25+ professional and Olympic athletes
• Managed media content across 30+ AthletesDirect.com and syndicate pages
• Coordinated on-site operations for clients competing in 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia

FIFA Women’s World Cup Organizing Committee – Manager of Ticket Sales and Operations, 1998-1999

• Conducted national ticket sales initiatives which led to sales over 200 percent of initial projections
• Implemented grassroots marketing initiatives to grow awareness and support nationwide ticket sales
• Solved over 500 ticket distribution problems through case-by-case analysis
• Managed game-day ticketing and Will Call for record-setting crowds of 70,000+ and 92,000+

Education:

• Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ – MBA, Sports Business, 2006
• College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA –BA, Economics, 1996

Recent Accomplishments: In less than a year, I was able to position At One Yoga for a successful acquisition by a large public company. The entire process was invigorating and I’m tremendously proud of the transaction.  Also, I’m still very proud of the Core Performance program at Sheraton Hotels & Resorts worldwide, which helps provide innovative health and fitness solutions for travelers. I developed the program with Sheraton a couple of years ago, but the rollout through their hotels worldwide is ongoing and proving to be a real differentiator for their brand.

Sell Yourself in 3 Sentences or Less: I’m a strategic, analytical manager with 12+ years experience. I pride myself on being able to see all sides of issues and evaluate situations and opportunities providing new perspective and offering creativity and innovation, while keeping business objectives prioritized. I’m a strong relationship builder and team player who puts clients – both internal and external – first.

You can connect with Dave through his LinkedIn page or by email at dschifrin@yahoo.com. If you have an open opportunity with your organization or know of another company that can benefit from Dave’s experience, please reach out to him. I want to see this weekly feature really help some great people places into the industry positions they deserve.

Previous Free Agents of the Week:

• Mario Prosperino – Now working as a Licensing Manager with the Associated Press!
• Brendan Wilhide – Social media marketing expert and founder of Sportsin140.com
• Kerry Graue – Wealth of PR and media experience with a track record of success
• Catherine Marzi – Now working as a marketing consultant for the Langley Events Centre – Details Here!
  
• Jared Melzer – Now working with sports marketing & sponsorship start-up agency GlideSlope!
• Brett Bush – Great background in sports marketing and event operations
• Paul Hemingway – Experienced senior exec in corporate partnerships, marketing and communications
• Dave Cutler – Great marketing and production experience with teams, leagues and media
• Caleb Mezzy – Enthusiastic up-and-comer with a strong sales and marketing foundation
• Malir Burks – Now working as an Event Coordinator with Octagon!
• Add your name to this list!

It’s time for the SportsBiz Free Agent of the Week. Instead of featuring a top job posting, I like to feature a qualified industry professional who is looking for their next opportunity. If you are interested in being a future SportsBiz Free Agent of the Week, you can apply here.

Update From Malir: I am currently working as an Event Coordinator for Octagon on their BMW account. Since the free agent posting on The Business of Sports blog, I also obtained freelance work for G & D Upscale Sports & Entertainment.

—–

Now it’s time to introduce our next free agent, Malir Burks! Let’s learn more about her.

Goal: To obtain a position in the sports marketing industry that will allow me to utilize my account management, sales and event marketing skills.

Experience:

Leverage Agency, Manager, Partnership Marketing and Media Sales, 2009 – 2010

• Created the Urban Division for Leverage which represented three sports & entertainment properties
• Sold 25 television units & sports properties sponsorship assets to brands
• Established relationships with Starcom Media vest, Carol H Williams, Initiative, and Publicis Modem

Metromix.com/AM New York, Account Manager, 2008 – 2009

• Created 100 proposals and negotiated 50 contracts which exceeded sales goals by 200%
• Sole Account Manager for New York market
• Sold online advertising which included banner, video and email ads
• Planned & executed 15 events to increase brand awareness
• Trained AM New York reps on how to sell online ads

Idearc Media, Account Executive, 2006 – 2008

• Top 10 in sales out of 100 account executives
• Met & exceeded monthly sales goals of $36,000 by 200%
• Sold direct mail, magazine , yellow page, and online ads (pay per click, SEO, banner ads and directory listings)
• Created brand specific ads to align with clients overall message and mission

International Management Group (IMG), Marketing Coordinator (Football), 2004 – 2005

• Managed the day-to-day activities of 75 NFL clients
• Assisted with recruitment of the Number 1 draft pick for the 2005 NFL Draft Class
• Created marketing collateral and implemented marketing strategies for the recruitment of clients
• Acquired endorsement deals for clients

Education:

• New York Univerisy, New York, NY – Summer Intensive: Event Marketing, 2008
• Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN – Master of Science in Sports Management, 2004
• Depauw University, Greencastle, IN – Bachelor of Arts in Communications, 2001

Recent Accomplishments: As a consultant, I secured Grey Goose as a presenting sponsor for the 2010 Forbes Billionaire Torch Awards that was on December 8, 2010 and I created a high school sports event for 2011 that a major brand is sponsoring.

Sell Yourself in 3 Sentences or Less: I am a dynamic and organized marketing professional with successful sales experience in various media forms such as print, digital, TV and OOH. I am able to generate sales leads, create & present proposals, and close deals.

You can connect with Malir through her LinkedIn page or by email at malirburks@gmail.com. If you have an open opportunity with your organization or know of another company that can benefit from Malir’s experience, please reach out to her. I want to see this weekly feature really help some great people places into the industry positions they deserve.

Previous Free Agents of the Week:

• Mario Prosperino – Now working as a Licensing Manager with the Associated Press!
• Brendan Wilhide – Social media marketing expert and founder of Sportsin140.com
• Kerry Graue – Wealth of PR and media experience with a track record of success
• Catherine Marzi – Now working as a marketing consultant for the Langley Events Centre – Details Here!
  
• Jared Melzer – Now working with sports marketing & sponsorship start-up agency GlideSlope!
• Brett Bush – Great background in sports marketing and event operations
• Paul Hemingway – Experienced senior exec in corporate partnerships, marketing and communications
• Dave Cutler – Great marketing and production experience with teams, leagues and media
• Caleb Mezzy – Enthusiastic up-and-comer with a strong sales and marketing foundation
• Add your name to this list!

It’s time for the SportsBiz Free Agent of the Week. Instead of featuring a top job posting, I like to feature a qualified industry professional who is looking for their next opportunity. If you are interested in being a future SportsBiz Free Agent of the Week, you can apply here.

Now it’s time to introduce our next free agent, Caleb Mezzy! Let’s learn more about him.

Goal: To secure a position in sales or sports marketing as a Social Media/Marketing/Sales Representative in the Northeast where I can apply my innovative thinking, personal skills, and go-getter mentality towards a product, team, agency or organization.

Experience:

Sales Professional, Papers Unlimited, Huntingdon Valley, PA, July 2010 to Present

• Buying and selling 1st quality paper products
• Creating and developing relationships with mills and printers
• Cold calling, lead development and pipeline management
• Maintaining inventory and purchase orders

Marketing Consultant, 5Msports, September 2009 to Present

• Building relationships with agents and players
• Obtain prominent clients such as Macho Harris, Michael Vick, DeAngelo Hall and Collin Balester
• Facilitated the development of CollinBalestar.com

Associate Scout, Philadelphia Phillies, September 2009 to Present

• Served as apprentice to Eric Valent, Northeast Area Supervisor
• Traveled to high school/college games in the Greater Philadelphia Area to assist in workouts/evaluations
• Wrote reports on amateur talent and developed a “follow” list of future talent in the area

Sales Representative, All-Star Baseball Academy, West Chester, PA, January 2010 to April 2010

• Made 750 cold calls a week
• Sold baseball events from the Northeast down to the Southeast

Sports Agent Intern, Elfus-Siegel Management Sports Agency, Philadelphia, PA, October 2007 to August 2009

• Assisted Partners with management of client group of professional athletes, nationally and overseas
• Prepared interactive selling-point presentations for potential clients
• Provided independent research of potential recruits
• Direct one-on-one client contact
• Recruited baseball, basketball, football collegiately

Marketing Chair, Senior Seminar, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, January 2009 to May 2009

• Oversaw five committee members and leading weekly meetings
• Developed creative approaches to connect with underclassmen, fellow peers and faculty
• Communicated with executive board regarding fundraisers, projects, presentations, and monetary decisions

Education:

• Bachelor of Science, Sports Management, Temple University: School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, September 2009

Greatest Strength: My ability to plan, organize and execute a successful plan from start to finish is my greatest strength. I’m very proactive in my efforts to accomplish my goals, and my positive attitude keeps me motivated and focused.

Sell Yourself in 3 Sentences or Less: Being a sports oriented person with a business approach, I believe that teamwork can accomplish tasks efficiently. With my persistence, pride, and passion behind my hard-work, I cannot be deterred from achieving success. My natural charisma and passion towards sports marketing and sales will improve any company or organization.

You can connect with Caleb on Twitter (@Caleb_Mezzy), through his LinkedIn page, or by email at csmezzy@gmail.com. If you have an open opportunity with your organization or know of another company that can benefit from Caleb’s passion and experience, please reach out to him. I want to see this weekly feature really help some great people places into the industry positions they deserve.

Previous Free Agents of the Week:

• Mario Prosperino – Now working as a Licensing Manager with the Associated Press!
• Brendan Wilhide – Social media marketing expert and founder of Sportsin140.com
• Kerry Graue – Wealth of PR and media experience with a track record of success
• Catherine Marzi – Now working as a marketing consultant for the Langley Events Centre – Details Here!
  
• Jared Melzer – Now working with sports marketing & sponsorship start-up agency GlideSlope!
• Brett Bush – Great background in sports marketing and event operations
• Paul Hemingway – Experienced senior executive in corporate partnerships, marketing and communications
• Dave Cutler – Great marketing and production experience with teams, leagues and media
• Add your name to this list!

It’s time for the SportsBiz Free Agent of the Week. Instead of featuring a top job posting, I like to feature a qualified industry professional who is looking for their next opportunity. If you are interested in being a future SportsBiz Free Agent of the Week, you can apply here.

Now it’s time to introduce our next free agent, Dave Cutler! Let’s learn more about him.

Goal: To secure a position in sports marketing that will enable me to apply my well-developed skills, expertise and experience to contribute to the success of the organization.

Experience:

Production Manager, Decision Resources, Burlington, MA, March 2007 – Present

• Design and produce graphics to enhance company reports
• Liaise with other departments to ensure efficient delivery of graphics
• Identify areas for improvement in the production process and facilitate implementation of changes

Marketing Consultant, Freelance, Waltham, MA, October 2005 – March 2007

• Directed marketing efforts for small business clients
• Identified and sought out new potential partnerships for clients
• Created and produced sales materials and client newsletters

Marketing Manager, Sports Illustrated, New York, NY, November 2002 – October 2005

• Managed department’s relationships with professional sports leagues and various vendors
• Produced 6-7 direct response television commercials annually for Sports Illustrated
• Conducted quantitative analysis to review performance of new campaigns, media buys, etc.
• Managed selection, ordering and inventory management for all licensed products

Marketing Coordinator, NBA, New York, NY, September 2001 – November 2002

• Directed local sales initiatives in NBDL markets
• Serviced NBDL partner accounts with Fortune 500 companies
• Managed new business development within the NBDL & WNBA
• Sourced and contacted new business prospects to pitch advertising and sponsorship deals

Marketing Associate, New Jersey Nets, East Rutherford, NJ, September 1997 – June 1998

• Managed existing and contacted prospective  sponsorship accounts
• Wrote and edited a quarterly team sponsorship newsletter and research manual used by subsequent interns

Education:

• Bachelor of Science, Sports Management, Springfield College, December 2000

Greatest Accomplishments: I’m especially proud of the changes I brought to SI’s direct response TV ads, improving the production value and introducing subscription enticements with greater brand value and higher quality manufacturing. Overall, I’d say my greatest accomplishment has been my ability to evolve, transitioning through different facets of marketing world, mastering new skill sets along the way while bringing a creative and proactive approach to all that I’ve done.

Sell Yourself in 3 Sentences or Less: I am a passionate and creative marketer with a knack for learning on the fly and a talent for relationship management. I have varied experience within the sports marketing world that has given me a unique perspective and enables me to analyze and navigate situations from multiple vantage points.

You can connect with Dave on Twitter (@CutlerDave), through his LinkedIn page, at his recently launched blog at CutlerDave.com or by email at cutlerdave@gmail.com. If you have an open opportunity with your organization or know of another company that can benefit from Dave’s experience, please reach out to him. I want to see this weekly feature really help some great people places into the industry positions they deserve.

Previous Free Agents of the Week:

• Mario Prosperino – Now working as a Licensing Manager with the Associated Press!
• Brendan Wilhide – Social media expert and founder of sportsin140.com
• Kerry Graue – Wealth of PR and media experience with a track record of success
• Catherine Marzi – Recently hired as a marketing consultant for the Langley Events Centre – Details Here!
  
• Jared Melzer – Recently hired by sports marketing & sponsorship start-up agency GlideSlope!
• Brett Bush – Great background in sports marketing and event operations
• Paul Hemingway – Experienced senior executive in corporate partnerships, marketing and communications
• Add your name to this list!

It’s time for the SportsBiz Free Agent of the Week. Instead of featuring a top job posting, I like to feature a qualified industry professional who is looking for their next opportunity. If you are interested in being a future SportsBiz Free Agent of the Week, you can apply here.

Now it’s time to introduce our next free agent, Paul Hemingway! Let’s learn more about him.

Goal: To continue to help a professional sports team/entity to find new revenue opportunities, while at the same time providing top notch partner value and superior customer service.

Experience:

Senior Director, Sales and Marketing – Watkins Glen International Speedway (NASCAR, IndyCar)

• Directed entire marketing and sales efforts for large motorsports events, including, but not limited to, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and IndyCar Series
• Oversaw sales, public relations, consumer marketing, ticketing & retail staff
• Managed marketing partnerships with regional/national media

Sports Management Instructor/Director of Marketing – Keuka College (Division III)

• Designed and implemented curriculum for concentration with 50+ students
• Instructed and evaluated all classes in sports management

Other Previous Positions Include

• Director of Communications – Manchester Monarchs (American Hockey League)
• Public Relations Manager – Nashua Pride (Atlantic League of Professional Baseball)
• Public Relations Assistant – Boston Celtics (NBA)

Education:

• Master of Science, Sports Management – University of Massachusetts-Amherst
• Bachelor of Arts, Communications – University of New Hampshire

Greatest Professional Accomplishment:

I take great pride in the accomplishments of the students that I have taught/mentored and enjoy to this day hearing of their successes in the world of sports business.

Sell Yourself in 3 Sentences or Less:

1. I’m a sports marketer who compels people to take action.
2. I’m a proponent of over-the-top customer service.
3. I believe in challenging a team to take risks because the price of inaction is far greater than the cost of making a mistake.

You can connect with Paul through LinkedIn, Twitter, or via email at PaulHemingway2010@yahoo.com. If you have an open opportunity with your organization or know of another company that can benefit from Paul’s experience, please reach out to him. I want to see this weekly feature really help some great people places into the industry positions they deserve.

Previous Free Agents of the Week:

• Mario Prosperino – Now working as a Licensing Manager with the Associated Press
• Brendan Wilhide
• Kerry Graue – Currently in a freelance PR position with the NY Road Runners
• Catherine Marzi
• Jared Melzer
• Brett Bush
• Add your name to this list!

It’s time for the SportsBiz Free Agent of the Week. Instead of featuring a top job posting, I like to feature a qualified industry professional who is looking for their next opportunity. If you are interested in being a future SportsBiz Free Agent of the Week, you can apply here. Now it’s time to introduce our next free agent, Brett Bush! Let’s learn more about him.

Goal: I would like to use my Sports Management Masters Degree to help me launch my career in the industry using the training and experiences that I have developed while interning in various positions with several professional teams and colleges.

Experience:

Premium Services Game Day Employee, Philadelphia Phillies, 2010

• Direct face-to-face interaction with guests
• Ensure guests receive “World Class” customer service as part of their game day experience

Athletics Special Events Coordinator, Drexel University, 2009- 2010

• Created and implemented a marketing plan, including advertising and grassroots campaigns, for games and events (Field Hockey Play 4the Cure game and Midnight Madness)
• Helped the field hockey team raise double the amount of donations from the prior year
• Assisted in creating, planning and execution of events
• Coordinate all aspects of assigned projects within marketing, promotions and special events
• Coordinate the development and execution of secondary activities (donations and apparel sales) at collegiate athletic events

Event Manager, Coaches v. Cancer: Bowl for the Cure, Drexel University, 2009

• Managed all aspects of the charity event, including budgeting and team supervision
• Coordinated with the American Cancer Society
• Coordinated the event marketing material with the public relations department

Athletic Operations Intern, Drexel University, 2008-2009

• Ensured media outlets received official stats for basketball games
• Assisted in the operation of athletic events (set-up, break-down, in-game operations, official scoring)
• Trained in ticket sales and distribution and event management

Complex Marketing Department Intern, Comcast-Spectacor, 2009

• Responsible for grassroots marketing efforts in my local area
• Lead the most successful sales and marketing efforts out of 35 individuals to target new fan base for the Philadelphia 76ers
• Trained in the basics of athletic event management including marketing, sales, public relations, media relations, advertising,  and event planning

Media Center/Public Relations Intern, World TeamTennis: Philadelphia Freedoms, 2009

• Brainstormed, wrote, proofread and edited promotional documents and press releases regarding upcoming events, matches and athletes
• Liaised with World TeamTennis Vice President of Communications
• Coordinated media credential requests from various news organizations
• Helped manage journalists and photographers at media deck & responsible for Press Room setup
• Coordinated Press Conferences and interviews with media outlets and marquee players
• Tracked and filed media clippings regarding the Freedoms from media outlets in attendance

Sports Information Director Intern, Philadelphia Force, 2009

• Wrote press releases regarding all team and league activities and edited team media guide

Athletic Communications Student Aid, Hofstra University, 1997-2000

• Edited Media Guides and other game day publications
• Worked with PA Announcer syncing with on-field acts and on-screen advertisements
• Official statistician for collegiate athletic games
• Assisted in the operation of athletic events (set-up, break-down, in-game operations, official scoring)

Education:

• Bachelor of Business Administration, Business Management, Hofstra University, May 2001
• Masters of Science, Sports Management, Drexel University, June 2010

Greatest Accomplishments:

Finishing my 325 page thesis, “Rule 5: An Analysis of the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame Character Clause” (viewable at https://sites.google.com/site/brettbushthesis/) and being asked by The Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) to turn it into an article for possible publishing next year.

Sell Yourself in 3 Sentences or Less:

I purposely took on internships in various segments within the inner workings of collegiate and professional sports; I believe that by having vast hands-on experiences makes me more valuable to any organization that I begin my career with.  My drive and willingness to succeed provides me with the passion that I have when I take on projects.

You can connect with Brett through LinkedIn or via email at Brett.Bush@drexel.edu. If you have an open opportunity with your organization or know of another company that can benefit from Brett’s experience, please reach out to him. I want to see this weekly feature really help some great people places into the industry positions they deserve.

Previous Free Agents of the Week:

• Mario Prosperino – Now working as a Licensing Manager with the Associated Press
• Brendan Wilhide
• Kerry Graue – Currently in a freelance PR position with the NY Road Runners
• Catherine Marzi
• Jared Melzer
• Add your name to this list!