Front Office U

Front Office U welcomes Frank Butler.Frank Butler is the Director of Player Personnel for the United States Hockey League (USHL), where he focuses on player evaluation, development, and helping shape the next generation of junior hockey talent.Frank’s career in hockey has included stops as a coach and scout with organizations including the Coquitlam Express, Tri-City Storm, and Junior Bulldogs before joining the USHL as a Development Coordinator and eventually moving into his current role as Director of Player Personnel. His work also includes helping run youth hockey events such as the Fall Classic in Chicago, the American Cup in Rochester, the Frosty Cup, and USHL player development camps.In this conversation, Frank shares his journey through hockey, the experiences that helped shape his career, and how he has learned to wear many different hats along the way. He discusses the importance of mentors, finding a path for development within the hockey industry, and the opportunities that come with the continued expansion of the USHL. For students looking to build a career in sports, Frank offers perspective on building relationships, staying adaptable, and taking advantage of opportunities to grow.Connect with Frank on LinkedInFrank's Email: [email protected]

Front Office U welcomes Kyle Waymon.Kyle Waymon is the Director of Talent Acquisition & Employee Experience for the St. Louis Blues, where he focuses on recruiting, developing, and creating a strong employee experience within the organization. Kyle’s career in sports has included stops with the Tampa Bay Rays and St. Louis Cardinals before joining the Blues, where he has grown through a number of roles spanning group sales, premium sales, ticket sales leadership, and talent acquisition.In this conversation, Kyle shares his journey through the sports industry, what helped him stand out early in his career, and how the people around him have influenced his growth. He also discusses the importance of finding teammates and mentors who challenge and support you, staying open to learning, and creating opportunities to grow within an organization. For students looking to build a career in sports, Kyle offers perspective on the habits, relationships, and mindset that can help accelerate your development.Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn

Front Office U welcomes Andre Luck.Andre Luck is the Co-Founder of Four Leaf Marketing & Consulting, where he works with organizations to develop their sales, marketing, and business strategies. Before launching Four Leaf, Andre built an extensive career in professional and collegiate sports, working his way from an entry-level ticket sales role at Arizona State University to leadership positions with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Houston Astros, and Miami Marlins.Andre’s career is a great example of how putting in the work, developing your skills, and taking advantage of opportunities can create a path through the sports industry. From learning the fundamentals of ticket sales at Arizona State to leading sales and service departments in Major League Baseball, each step of his career provided new experiences and lessons that helped shape his approach to leadership and business.In this conversation, Andre shares his journey through sports sales, what helped him stand out early in his career, and how his experiences at the collegiate and professional levels prepared him to eventually become an entrepreneur. He also discusses the transition from working inside professional sports to co-founding Four Leaf Marketing & Consulting and offers advice for students looking to break into sports marketing and sales.Connect with Andre on LinkedIn

Greg Pai, founder of Red Coat, has packed years of growth into just twelve months by consistently putting himself in the right rooms, learning from industry leaders, and staying relentlessly curious. His journey reflects the power of betting on yourself, surrounding yourself with a strong support system, and showing up even when you’re still figuring things out. Greg now pays that forward, offering grounded advice to young sports professionals and entrepreneurs: believe in your ability to build something meaningful, stay adaptable, and keep investing in relationships that elevate your growth.

Front Office U welcomes Jagr Rinehart.Jagr Rinehart is an Athletic Communications Assistant at the University of Minnesota, where he works in sports information and communications, helping tell the stories of Golden Gopher student-athletes and programs. His work sits at the intersection of social media, communications, and the day-to-day responsibilities that go into supporting a college athletics department.Jagr’s journey in sports has taken an unconventional path. After initially pursuing a career in the industry, he made the decision to step away from sports before eventually finding his way back. Along the way, he learned the importance of building relationships, taking initiative, and being willing to reach out—even when the opportunity isn’t obvious. His willingness to send an email to Minnesota ultimately helped open the door to his current role.In this conversation, Jagr shares what led him to leave the sports industry and what ultimately brought him back, how working in social media and sports information has shaped his career, and why having a low-ego, high-output mindset can make a difference in the sports industry. Connect with Jagr on LinkedInJagr's Email: [email protected]

Front Office U welcomes Bre’onna Raymo.Bre’onna Raymo is the Director of Group Sales for the Grand Rapids Griffins, where she leads group ticket sales and works with corporate partners, hospitality clients, and fundraising organizations to create memorable experiences around Griffins hockey. Bre’onna’s journey in sports has been shaped by a willingness to put in the work, learn through experience, and take ownership of her career. From being nervous about making her first sales phone call to eventually leading a group sales department, she learned how to develop confidence, embrace adversity, and recognize that success in the industry comes from consistently putting in the effort. She also credits her experience at Grand Valley State University and the lessons learned throughout her internships and career for helping shape the professional she is today.In this conversation, Bre’onna shares what has kept her with the Grand Rapids Griffins for so long, how working in different areas of the business has helped her become a better manager, and why being a people person is so important in leadership. She also discusses how aspiring sports professionals can discover whether sales is the right career path for them, why interns should approach every opportunity as if it were a full-time job, and how mistakes and adversity can ultimately become some of the most valuable experiences in a career.Connect with Bre'onna on LinkedIn

Front Office U welcomes Jeremy Marshall.Jeremy is the Partnership Services Coordinator with Learfield's Falcon Sports Properties, where he works with corporate partners to activate sponsorships and deliver value through creative, fan-facing experiences. His journey through the sports industry has included internships with the University of Pittsburgh Athletics marketing department, Visit Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Pirates, and NASCAR at Daytona International Speedway.Growing up in Pittsburgh, Jeremy played soccer and originally envisioned a career in business and marketing outside of sports. That path shifted as he discovered opportunities to combine his passion for sports with marketing, leading him to pursue internships that exposed him to everything from game-day promotions and corporate partnerships to sports tourism and major event hosting. Along the way, he learned the importance of staying curious, embracing every opportunity, and realizing that every career path looks different.In this conversation, Jeremy shares how each internship helped shape his career, why comparison is the thief of joy, and how students can maximize every internship by focusing on learning instead of titles. He also discusses what he learned working with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Visit Pittsburgh, and NASCAR, offers practical interview advice for aspiring sports professionals, and explains why being adaptable and willing to move can open doors throughout the industry.Connect with Jeremy on LinkedIn.

Front Office U welcomes Dr. Alan Ledford.Dr. Ledford is the Director of the Master of Arts in Sport Administration program and an Associate Professor at Wittenberg University, where he mentors the next generation of sports professionals through classroom instruction, experiential learning, and industry connections. Throughout his career, he has built sport management programs, guided countless students into internships and full-time roles, and created opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience at events like the Super Bowl, College Football Playoff, Final Four, and Little League World Series.Growing up in southwest Ohio, Dr. Ledford played baseball at Wilmington College after starring as a pitcher and center fielder in high school. While competing, he discovered a passion for the business and operations side of sports, leading him to pursue coaching, recreation management, entrepreneurship, and eventually higher education. Along the way, he even competed on a national travel wiffle ball team and built a real estate business.In this conversation, Dr. Ledford shares the lessons he's learned from building successful sport management programs, mentoring students, and overcoming adversity throughout his career. He discusses why coaches can't care more than their players, the importance of pushing those who are willing to improve, and how aspiring professionals can separate themselves by building meaningful relationships and treating every opportunity like their own personal pro day.Connect with Alan on LinkedIn

Front Office U welcomes Cooper Rowe.Cooper is a student at the University of Minnesota and has quickly built an impressive resume in athletic communications and sports media. He currently serves as a Lead Social Media Student Intern with Gopher Athletics while also gaining experience with organizations including the Minnesota Vikings, USA Basketball, Northwestern Athletics, Snapback Sports, and Everything College Hockey. Through these roles, Cooper has developed expertise in social media strategy, live event coverage, athletic communications, and digital storytelling across collegiate and professional sports.Cooper's passion for sports media began early and has led him to pursue opportunities across nearly every level of the industry. From covering NCAA championships and Big Ten tournaments to creating content for international basketball events and professional sports organizations, he has embraced hands-on experiences that have allowed him to build a diverse portfolio while still in college.In this conversation, Cooper shares how he has intentionally sought out opportunities to accelerate his career, the importance of networking and saying yes to new experiences, and the lessons he's learned working with some of the biggest brands in sports. He also discusses balancing multiple internships, creating engaging digital content, and why versatility has become one of the most valuable skills for aspiring sports professionals.Connect with Cooper on LinkedIn

Front Office U welcomes Dan Wallace.Dan is a strategist, writer, and marketing advisor who has spent more than four decades helping leaders make sense of complexity and uncover new opportunities for growth. As the founder of Idea Food LLC, he works with entrepreneurial leaders on strategic thinking, marketing, talent searches, and organizational challenges, drawing on decades of experience, deep research, artificial intelligence, and systems thinking. He is also the co-author of The Physics of Brand, published by Simon & Schuster, and has advised more than 100 organizations, from startups to Fortune 500 companies, including General Mills, Honeywell, IBM, Target, Hormel, Land O'Lakes, and the Science Museum of Minnesota.After earning his marketing degree from Arizona State University and an Executive MBA from the University of St. Thomas, Dan began his career in advertising before launching his own marketing agency and eventually building a consulting practice centered on curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning. He has also shared his expertise in the classroom, teaching marketing at both the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse and the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management, where he helped students connect marketing theory with real-world business strategy.In this conversation, Dan discusses why curiosity is one of the most valuable traits a leader can develop, how systems thinking helps solve complex business problems, and the ways artificial intelligence is reshaping strategy and decision-making. He also shares lessons from advising organizations across a wide range of industries, explains why asking better questions often leads to better outcomes, and offers practical advice for professionals looking to build adaptable, purpose-driven careers.Connect with Dan on LinkedIn

Front Office U welcomes Joe Fitzhenry.Joe is a Freelance Sports Information Director who has spent the past eight years working in collegiate athletics. Since launching his freelance career in 2024, he has supported more than 400 games across multiple institutions, providing game statistics, media relations, game recaps, website updates, and other essential communications that help tell the story of college athletics behind the scenes.Growing up in Saratoga Springs, New York, Joe developed a passion for sports through newspaper box scores and league standings, becoming a sponge for statistics and sports information at an early age. While attending Marist University, he gained hands-on experience as the baseball team's equipment manager before joining the student newspaper, where he initially pursued play-by-play broadcasting. Along the way, he discovered sports information and media relations, ultimately finding a career that combined his love for storytelling, statistics, and supporting athletic programs.In this conversation, Joe discusses his path into sports information, the evolution of media relations in college athletics, and what it's like building a successful freelance career across multiple schools. He also shares insights into game-day operations, the growing importance of media days and digital content, why aspiring professionals should remain open to opportunities outside of broadcasting, and the value of gaining hands-on experience early in your career.⁠Connect with Joe on LinkedIn.Email: [email protected]

Front Office U welcomes Tanner Hoops.Tanner is a broadcaster for Gopher Sports Properties and the Director of Broadcast & Media Relations for the Sioux Falls Canaries. With experience spanning collegiate athletics, junior hockey, baseball, radio, and digital media, Tanner has built a career centered on storytelling, audience engagement, and connecting fans to the games they love.Tanner discovered a passion for sports broadcasting at an early age and pursued opportunities behind the microphone throughout high school and college. While attending Buena Vista University, he gained experience in radio, television, and digital media, laying the foundation for a versatile broadcasting career that has taken him from local radio stations to collegiate athletics and professional sports organizations.In this conversation, Tanner discusses his journey through the sports media industry, the importance of embracing opportunities and building relationships, and the skills required to thrive in today's evolving digital landscape. He also shares insights from calling games across multiple sports, balancing broadcasting with media relations responsibilities, and creating meaningful connections with athletes, coaches, and fans through storytelling.Connect with Tanner on LinkedIn.

Front Office U welcomes David Schmoll.David is the General Manager of Business Operations for the St. Louis Ambush. After stepping into leadership roles at a young age, David has built a reputation for taking on challenges, developing staff, and creating opportunities for others within the sports industry.Growing up in St. Louis, David was a passionate sports fan who initially considered careers in law, politics, and broadcasting. Inspired by legendary St. Louis Blues broadcaster Ken Wilson, he envisioned a future behind the microphone before an opportunity with the Mississippi RiverKings opened the door to a career in sports management and operations.In this conversation, David discusses the realities of becoming a general manager, the challenges of hiring and managing staff, and the lessons he's learned balancing ownership expectations with day-to-day operations. He also shares stories from his journey through hockey, reflects on the importance of embracing opportunities, and even explains how a simple email signature helped create one of his most memorable industry moments.Connect with David on LinkedInEmail David: [email protected]

Front Office U welcomes Jillian Nelson.Jillian is a Game Presentation Assistant for the Minnesota Lynx, where she helps execute the in-arena entertainment experience that fans see on game day. From preparing halftime activations and coordinating promotions to following detailed game scripts, Jillian plays a key role in ensuring every Lynx game delivers an engaging and memorable experience for fans.A multi-sport athlete growing up, Jillian played basketball, soccer, and softball before discovering her passion for sports communications. While in high school, she gained hands-on experience creating and running video board content for school events and football games, giving her an early introduction to the behind-the-scenes side of sports production.In this conversation, Jillian shares what game days are really like in professional sports, including the preparation that begins hours before tip-off, the importance of being adaptable in a fast-paced environment, and how a willingness to say "yes" to opportunities helped launch her career. She also discusses the lessons she learned working across multiple sports and why soccer was originally her first choice before finding her place in the world of game presentation.Connect with Jillian on LinkedIn.

On this edition of Throwback Thursday on the Front Office U Show, we welcome back Jeremy Blumes, Head Coach and General Manager of the Ontario Jr. Reign.Since his last appearance in 2024, the Ontario Jr. Reign captured their second Pacific Division title in three seasons and advanced to nationals, while the organization also earned NCDC Tier II status. Blumes now oversees a growing development model that includes the Ontario Jr. Reign, the San Diego Sabers affiliate program, and, as of January 2026, the St. John Bosco Prep U18 AAA program.During the conversation, Blumes discusses building a player-first culture, setting expectations and accountability standards, creating pathways to college hockey, and managing the challenges of leading multiple programs. He also shares updates on upcoming tryouts and showcases:Ontario, California, USA Showcase June 19-21, 2026Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada Showcase June 26-28, 2026Connect with Jeremy on LinkedIn

Front Office U welcomes Eric Weissman.Eric is a Pro Scout for the Los Angeles Kings, where he evaluates AHL players, NHL prospects, and reserve list talent as part of the organization's player assessment and development process. Working on the professional scouting side, Eric helps identify players who could impact the Kings' future while providing insight on talent throughout North America.Originally from Buffalo, New York, Eric grew up playing hockey, baseball, lacrosse, and roller hockey while developing a passion for the game that would eventually turn into a career. After studying Sport Management at SUNY Cortland, he took an unconventional path into hockey operations, working in roles ranging from broadcast runner and help desk technician with the Buffalo Sabres to production work and event staging during the offseason. Along the way, Eric built a reputation for making himself useful, solving problems, and finding ways to contribute beyond his job description.In this conversation, Eric shares what life as an NHL pro scout is really like, including how organizations evaluate players beyond the stat sheet, the importance of character and projection when assessing talent, and the realities of building a career in hockey operations. He also discusses the inspiration behind his Hockey Operations educational platform, Pipeline Hockey, where he has transformed years of industry experience into practical learning modules designed to help aspiring hockey professionals better understand the business and operational side of the game.Connect with Eric on LinkedIn.Pipeline Hockey

Front Office U welcomes James Lipscomb.James is the Hockey Operations Manager for the New Jersey Devils, where he helps oversee the countless day-to-day details that keep an NHL hockey operations department running smoothly. From coordinating with pro scouts and managing draft preparation to balancing year-end meetings and organizational priorities, James plays an important role behind the scenes.Originally from the Bronx, James grew up playing Little League baseball and rec basketball before first stepping into team operations as the manager of his high school varsity basketball team. That early experience sparked an interest in the behind-the-scenes side of sports that ultimately led him to a career in the NHL.In this conversation, James shares what life inside a professional hockey operations department is really like, including how game days become valuable networking opportunities with visiting team staff, the importance of flexibility in a fast-paced environment, and why simply being a dependable, good person matters so much in hockey operations. Connect with James on LinkedIn

Front Office U welcomes Jude Scibelli.Jude is the Equipment Manager for the Boston Fleet, where he oversees the day-to-day operations that keep a professional hockey team running behind the scenes. Originally from Springfield, Jude began his journey in hockey as a locker room attendant with the Springfield Thunderbirds in 2016 before balancing responsibilities with both the Thunderbirds and College of the Holy Cross hockey program.In this conversation, Jude shares what life is really like in an equipment room — from early mornings and skate sharpening to managing jerseys, organizing road trips, and preparing the locker room for a professional team every single day. The episode also explores Jude’s path through the hockey world, the challenges of breaking into the industry, and the persistence it took to keep pursuing a career in the game when he was close to walking away from it entirely.⁠Connect with Jude on LinkedIn⁠

Front Office U welcomes Bryan Wilson.Bryan is a Publisher and Editor for The Hockey News, where he primarily covers the Calgary Flames while also contributing across the digital media landscape of hockey coverage. With experience spanning writing, video editing, broadcasting, and digital content production, Bryan has seen firsthand the evolution of sports media.In this conversation, Bryan shares insights into the changing world of hockey journalism, the realities of covering an NHL team on a daily basis, and the importance of adaptability in modern sports media. The episode also touches on content creation, relationship-building in the industry, and Bryan’s past mentors.⁠Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn⁠⁠Follow Bryan’s coverage on The Hockey News⁠

Front Office U welcomes Mike Lorenz.Mike is the CEO of NGU Sports Lighting and has played a pivotal role in transforming the sports lighting industry twice. He first made his mark as President of Ephesus Lighting, where he helped scale groundbreaking LED technology into a dominant force across professional and collegiate sports. Under his leadership, Ephesus reached a defining milestone in 2015 when its system powered the first ever LED lit Super Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium, signaling a major shift in how stadiums and arenas approach lighting.After Ephesus was acquired by Eaton, Mike launched NGU Sports Lighting, built around his personal mantra, Never Give Up. Through NGU, he is pioneering an innovative Performance Lighting Delivered model to make advanced sports infrastructure more accessible and scalable than ever before.This conversation explores the evolution of sports lighting and the leadership mindset required to navigate risk, failure, and growth. Mike also shares lessons on confidence, relationship building, and why surrounding yourself with optimistic, resilient people matters.Connect with Mike on LinkedIn https://ngusportslighting.com/

Front Office U welcomes Chris Whalen.Chris is a hockey player development expert and former OHL video coach with a background in scouting, roster evaluation, and front office operations. After spending several seasons on the management side with organizations in Hamilton and Brantford, Chris built a well-rounded foundation across video analysis, draft preparation, and player development before transitioning full-time into his own development business.Through his work, Chris trains a diverse group of players ranging from AAA to junior and pro levels, focusing on the often-overlooked side of the game: hockey sense. Using detailed video breakdowns, both from his clients and NHL footage, he teaches players how to read plays, recognize patterns, and make better decisions with and without the puck. His approach emphasizes puck touches, routes, deception, and situational awareness, while also incorporating a strong mentorship component.This conversation explores the gap in traditional player development, why hockey IQ and decision-making separate players at higher levels, and how Chris is helping the next generation think the game more effectively.Connect with Chris on LinkedIn

Front Office U welcomes Jeremiah Wait.Jeremiah is the Director of Defensive Personnel for SMU Football, where he plays a key role in scouting, evaluation, and information gathering, as well as coordinating Pro Day coverage and official visits. He’s built his path in football through hands-on learning and initiative, including experiences with the Scouting Academy and as a student in the New York Jets scouting school, while consistently leveraging tools like LinkedIn, Twitter, and email to build connections and opportunities in the industry.This conversation dives into the details behind recruiting operations, the importance of organization and communication at the highest levels, and how aspiring scouts can break into the industry through persistence and relationship-building.Connect with Jeremiah on LinkedInFollow Jeremiah on Twitter: @mrfootballwaitJeremiah's Email: [email protected]

Front Office U welcomes Max Kagan.Max is the head coach of the Chenango Forks High School hockey program. As a former player, Max used that experience as motivation to stay connected to the game and pursue a path in coaching and sports.While attending Binghamton University, Max took a proactive approach by reaching out to local high school programs, getting his start as a goalie coach before quickly moving into an assistant role. When a head coaching opportunity opened after his first season, he stepped in and led Chenango Forks to a county championship, showcasing his leadership and ability to step into responsibility early. His experience also spans athletics communications, sports marketing, scouting, and game operations, and leadership as VP of Outreach and Alumni Relations with the Binghamton University Sports Management Group.Max is set to join the New York Islanders this summer in a corporate strategy internship. This conversation dives into overcoming adversity, taking initiative, and how gaining experience across multiple areas of the sports industry can help shape a well-rounded career.Connect with Max on LinkedIn Follow Max on Instagram @coachmaxkagan

Front Office U welcomes Durham Welch!Durham is the Co-Special Teams Coordinator for football at Hamline University, bringing a unique and resilient perspective shaped by his multi-sport background and unconventional journey through athletics. A former college athlete who competed in both soccer and football, Durham’s path wasn’t defined by immediate success, but by perseverance and growth through adversity.Durham shares how those challenges helped shape his coaching philosophy, allowing him to better connect with athletes who may not always be in the spotlight. He emphasizes the value of communication as a transferable skill and how embracing failure played a key role in his development, both on and off the field. The conversation also dives into his transition into coaching, the importance of taking advantage of opportunities, and his long-term goal of becoming an Athletic Director while continuing to grow in the coaching space.⁠Connect with Durham on LinkedIn

Front Office U welcomes Carey Durant!Carey is a scout for the Guelph Storm of the Ontario Hockey League, bringing years of experience across both coaching and scouting at the junior level. His journey in hockey began with a deep passion for the game, inspired by watching his older brother, and ultimately led him to opportunities with organizations like the London Knights before finding his role in Guelph.Carey shares his path through the game. He reflects on the realities of working in hockey, emphasizing how failure is often a necessary step toward growth and long-term success. The conversation also dives into the evolving landscape of the OHL and the importance of resilience in a competitive industry. Connect with Carey on LinkedIn

Front Office U welcomes Shamus Sullivan!Shamus is the host of the Winded Pod, a podcast that started from a simple TikTok response and has since evolved into a platform highlighting unique stories across the sports world. What began with a gambling focus has grown into an interview-driven show with a strong emphasis on amplifying women in sports, as well as athletes, photographers, and content creators from around the globe.He shares his journey growing up as a multi-sport athlete, his early interest in sports media and storytelling, and how his passion for creative, editorial-style content shaped the direction of his podcast. Shamus also discusses the freedom of building something without a traditional boss or deadlines, the importance of connecting with peers, and lessons learned along the way as he continues to grow his platform.⁠Connect with Shamus on LinkedIn⁠InstagramTikTok

Front Office U welcomes back Jon Kliment!Jon joined the podcast back in 2023 when he worked with the Macon Mayhem. He rejoins the podcast to share career updates, including working for the Elmira River Sharks, Mississippi Sea Wolves, Boston Bruins and now with the Topeka Scarecrows. He reflects on his different experiences in broadcast and media relations and advice for those aspiring to work in sports. Connect with Jon on LinkedIn

Front Office U welcomes Nick Zoroya!Nick shares about his career in sports, including working now at Wayne State University. Nick has degrees from the University of Michigan and Michigan State University. His previous career experiences include Athletic Director at Canton Prep High School, Head Men's Lacrosse Coach at Concordia University Ann Arbor, General Manager / Content Strategist for Lacrosse All-Stars, and Broadcast team for the University of Michigan. Connect with Nick on LinkedIn

Front Office U welcomes Devon Buckland!Devon shares about his role in business operations within junior hockey. He is responsible for partnership and sponsorship, handling player tuition, and team itineraries, amongst other tasks. He shares about his past career experiences including working for a radio station and the imprtance of networking with your coworkers.Connect with Devon on LinkedIn

Front Office U welcomes Joey Goldstein!Joey joins Victor Anderson to discuss his role at Blue Square Alliance Against Hate. Joey also shares about some of his past experiences working in Professional Hockey with the Iowa Wild and the San Jose Sharks' AHL Affiliate. Connect with Joey on LinkedIn

Front Office U welcomes Stuart Sokoloff!Stuart joins the show to discuss the rapid growth of women’s professional sports through his work with Athletes Unlimited, a network of leagues spanning basketball, softball, and volleyball that are reshaping the landscape of pro women’s sports. Stuart shares what sustainable growth really looks like.Stuart also reflects on how sports shaped his competitive mindset and time management skills. He offers insight into the value of internships, building practical experience early, and developing the discipline needed to succeed in a fast-moving industry.Connect with Stuart on LinkedIn.

Front Office U welcomes Justyn Carlson!Justyn joins the show to talk about carving out a career in sports sales by betting on yourself, building real relationships, and getting comfortable being uncomfortable. Now leading a team of eight Account Executives at Nashville Superspeedway, Justyn focuses on filling grandstands and driving B2B revenue at one of the premier venues in motorsports. He shares how hands-on experiences in summer leagues, athletics operations, and concessions helped open doors. Justyn also reflects on taking a leap by moving when opportunities near home didn’t pan out, the impact of mentors, and why staying connected with former clients and peers matters more than ever.Connect with Justyn on LinkedIn.

Front Office U welcomes Dalton Phillips of the A’s Las Vegas Ballpark and Legends Global!Dalton joins the show to talk about building a career in sports through relationships, consistency, and a long-term mindset. Today, Dalton works as an Account Executive with the A’s Las Vegas Ballpark and Legends Global, focusing on sales and creating memorable experiences through live events. He shares how sales builds critical life skills like communication and confidence, why reaching out to people before you need something matters, and living by the philosophy of “dig the well before you need the water.”Connect with Dalton on LinkedIn

Front Office U welcomes Clayton Grandquist of the Iowa Cubs!Clayton joins us to talk about building a career in sports and why mindset matters just as much as skill set. Growing up in Des Moines surrounded by baseball, hockey, and family ties to the Iowa Cubs, his path into sports was shaped early.Today, Clayton oversees all aspects of ticketing for the Iowa Cubs—from systems and online purchasing to box office operations, reporting, and working closely with ownership, management, and the CFO. He also leads and develops the ticket sales staff through weekly 1-on-1s, coaching, and strategic sales campaigns in a fast-paced, results-driven environment.A must-listen for anyone interested in ticket sales, leadership, or breaking into the business side of sports.Connect with Clayton on LinkedInEmail: [email protected]

Front Office U welcomes Ron Minegar!Ron brings more than 20 years of experience working at the highest levels of professional sports. His career spans Major League Baseball, the NFL, and the NBA, along with advisory work for high-net-worth individuals looking to invest in professional sports franchises—both in the U.S. and abroad.Ron is the founder of Neuron Sports Consulting, where he has worked with ownership groups pursuing acquisitions in the English Football League and other global sports ventures. Along the way, Ron gained experience in both family-owned team environments and large corporate structures, including Disney, shaping his views on leadership, consistency, and sustainable growth in sports organizations.Originally from Wisconsin, Ron attended the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, where he shifted his focus from economics to business management with an emphasis on marketing, before earning his MBA from the University of Minnesota. He credits lessons learned during his time at UWL and Minnesota—especially around work ethic and long-term growth—as principles he still applies every day.In this episode, Ron shares insights on building a career in sports, working behind the scenes of professional teams, and what it takes to create lasting success in a constantly evolving industry.Connect with Ron on LinkedIn

Front Office U welcomes Weston Johnson!Weston shares about his role as a Strength Coach for the women's basketball and volleyball teams at Stephen F Austin University. Tune in to hear about how Weston became interested in this career path, his mindset for networking, and some of his core values, including being honest and vulnerable. Connect with Weston on LinkedIn

Front Office U welcomes back Zander Atwood!Zander first joined the podcast back in 2023 when he was working with Purdue Fort Wayne Athletics. Now, Zander works at Trine University as a Sports Management Professor. Zander shares about his current role now, his transition, and advice for those interested in a career in sports, and how to find the best program for you. Connect with Zander on LinkedIn

Front Office U welcomes Sal Milliotto to the podcast to talk about his journey into the sports business and what it takes to succeed on the partnership side of the industry.Sal works with Learfield’s sports properties as part of a three-person team selling corporate partnerships across the Omaha and Lincoln markets. He shares insight into building new partnerships, managing renewals, upselling current accounts, and the importance of timing and work ethic, especially in year-one renewals.Originally from New York and a lifelong Vikings fan, Sal reflects on how his athletic background, mentors, and ability to embrace adversity have shaped his approach. He also discusses breaking into the industry through networking, including landing his role via a LinkedIn message, and offers perspective on job titles and growth opportunities within the USHL ecosystem.Connect with Sal on LinkedIn

Front Office U welcomes on Kirk McKnight!Kirk joins the podcast to share about his career in sports, which includes writing books, now available as Audiobooks. The Voices of Baseball book features 50 broadcasters in baseball and shares their perspective on stories about specific ballparks. Voices of Hockey book features a history of each team as they go along, and includes 65 broadcasters.Follow Kirk on FacebookRed Wings Daily YouTubeVoices of Baseball Instagram

Front Office U welcomes Jarrett Mescher!Jarrett joins the podcast and shares about his role in improving fan experience at games through game presentation and generating revenue through partnership activation. Jarrett shares about his internship with the athletics department, being involved with the sports management association at Minnesota State MankatoConnect with Jarrett on LinkedIn Email: [email protected]

Front Office U welcomes back Kevin Joyce!Kevin joined the podcast in 2023 while working for the Rockford Ice Hogs of the American Hockey League. Now, he works for Kraft Sports and Entertainment as a Ticket Office Coordinator.Kevin shares about his transition back out East, tips for interviews, his role in the ticket operations, and more!Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn

Front Office U welcomes Matt Karweck!Matt shares about his values as a head coach and how his style has changed over time. He shares about learning the field of psychology, in terms of how do you motivate people and relate to them, the value of impact, and growth. Connect with Matt on LinkedIn

Front Office U welcomes Lexis Nickal!Lexis joins to share about her experiences as a student-athlete in soccer, gaining various experiences in broadcast and production, coaching, and marketing. She also touches on adversity, working hard to get interviews or get involved, and making herself available whenever necessary. Connect with Lexis on LinkedIn

Front Office U Welcomes Karson Stinson!Karson shares about her background, including playing soccer at Emporia State University, taking on internships in the ECHL, and now working at DASH. DASH is a fan activation platform to help teams develop creative strategies to help get in front of their fans. Karson also shares about her travel experiences, including living in a school bus. Connect with Karson on LinkedIn

Front Office U Welcomes Adam Sharrah!Adam joins the podcast to share about his career in college athletics. Prior to his role at North Texas, he attended Colorado State and Northern Arizona where he gained valuable sports experience. ⁠Connect with Adam on LinkedIn

Front Office U welcomes Kyle Bove!Kyle joins the podcast as a student at Indiana University. He shares about his experiences, including the Ignite Sales Academy with the Chicago Fire, Ticket Office Student Assistant role at Indiana, and Virtual Sales Combine with the Washington Commanders. Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn

Front Office U welcomes back Tanner Natzke!Tanner was the very first guest of the Front Office U podcast back in December 2021. He rejoins the show to share career updates, including working for the Phoenix Suns and now with the Carolina Panthers. Tanner shares advice on standing out in pro sports, getting there with internships, and how he moved up the ranks. He reinforces how sports is a competitive field, your preparation is essential, and how you need to be able to collaborate with different types of people. Check out Tanner's podcast Attitude Effort Results

Front Office U Fridays welcomes Joe Isse!Joe shares about his career in sports which includes studying at Seton Hall University, spending over 16 years with the Portland Trail Blazers, and his current role with the Portland Timbers. Connect with Joe on LinkedIn

Front Office U welcomes Trevor Coykendall!Trevor shares about his career in sports which includes being a student-athlete at Adrian College, starting his coaching career with the women's hockey team at Adrian, and transitioning to Division I with Colgate. He shares advice for others trying to find a way to gain expereince in different areas of sports. Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn

Front Office U welcomes Lucas Marroquin!Lucas shares about his sports experiences, which includes a sports management degree from University of Missouri - Saint Louis, internships in the Prospect League for baseball, and four years with St. Louis CITY SC. Connect with Lucas on LinkedIn