Front Office U

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

Front Office U welcomes Justin Phillips!Justin shares about his career experiences which includes over nine years as Director of Corporate Sales for the Portland Sea Dogs. He also serves as a Sales and Marketing Intern and Group Sales Assistant for the Maine Red Claws. Connect with Justin on LinkedIn

Women in Sports Wednesday returns with Kristen O'Rourke! Kristen shares about her sports career which includes a degree from James Madison University, Coaching College and USA Field Hockey, and founding the KOnsultant LLC. Tune in to hear more about her advice for women in the industry. Connect with Kristen on LinkedIn

Front Office U welcomes Cameron Kovach!Cameron shares about his career in sports, which includes studying at Niagara University and Mississippi State, volunteering at the Super Bowl, working in the Athletics Department at the University of Texas, Delaware, and UTSA. He has also served in leadership roles in minor league sports before working for PBR. Connect with Cameron on LinkedIn

Front Office U welcomes Harrison DuPree!Harrison shares about his career experiences that led him to become a Sales Associate for the Nashville Predators! He was brought on full-time after having an internship with the team starting in January 2025. The 2025 Graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, shares about how various internships in college allowed him to start his sports career working in the NHL. Connect with Harrison on LinkedIn

Front Office U welcomes Dexter Davis!Dexter shares about his career experiences working in higher education. He has worked as a professor at Alfred State, Niagara University, and York College prior to UT Martin, where he has been since 2013. Connect with Dexter on LinkedIn

Front Office U welcomes Chaz Coleman!Chaz shares about his career experiences, including getting his master's at VCU, completing football internships with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Washington Redskins, and University of Richmond, and experiences in college athletics at Mizzou and Cincinnati prior to starting at George Mason in February 2025. Connect with Chaz on LinkedIn

Front Office U welcomes Nick Bowins!Nick founded Working in Hockey in April 2024 to help connect those interested in the sport with new job postings. He has gained experience working in junior hockey in marketing and communications. He gained a degree from the University of Waterloo in Recreation and Sports Business, graduating in 2021. He shares advice on following up with others, networking, and the value of volunteer internships. Working in Hockey LinkedInWorking in Hockey Instagram

Front Office U welcomes Trent Armstrong!Trent shares about his sports career, which includes graduating from the University of Iowa journalism program, operations internships, including being a mascot, manager experience with the Iowa Heartlanders (East Coast Hockey League), and his role now with the Iowa Cubs (AAA Baseball). Connect with Trent on LinkedInTrent's Email: [email protected]

Front Office U welcomes Brandon Podgorski!Brandon oversees ACU's programs in sports leadership, focusing on both the undergraduate program and the Master’s, which offers three tracks: coaching, athletic administration, and analytics. He and his team prepare students in leadership development for their careers.Born and raised in Indiana, Brandon grew up loving baseball and basketball, a passion passed down from his father, a lifelong Indiana Hoosiers and St. Louis Cardinals fan. He competed in track and field in college, played club rugby, and grew up playing soccer, but his dream was originally to become a sports commentator.Brandon’s career path included coaching long hours, traveling between commitments, and serving as an Athletic Director at Indiana University Kokomo. Along the way, he learned the importance of networking, gaining experience outside the classroom, and making sacrifices as priorities shift over time. Brandon is driven by a passion to make an impact on others.⁠Connect with Brandon on LinkedIn⁠X/Twitter: @Professor_Pod

Front Office U welcomes Andrew Rubinstein!Andrew shares about his career in sports, including his time at Ohio University, working in arena football, with the San Diego Padres, and in the American Hockey League. At Lake Superior State, his role primarily focused on athletics, where he was responsible for suites at hockey games. He now works with engineering and the library, too. He shares tips for informational interviews, having a willingness to move as priorities change, and mentors' advice.Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn

Front Office U welcomes Joseph Chapa!Joseph is a proven revenue generator for the Legends brand, working with the Dallas Cowboys. He previously completed an internship with them before starting full-time in 2025. He graduated from Abilene Christian University in 2024 with a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, with a minor in Business Administration. Connect with Joseph on LinkedIn

Front Office U welcomes RJ Black!Originally from Southern California, RJ has been a football official in the NCAA since 2022 and a basketball referee in the NJCAA since 2023, with additional officiating experience at the high school level in Utah dating back to 2015. He’s worked Division II women’s basketball and NCAA football in the RMAC conference.A graduate of the University of Utah, RJ earned his Bachelor of Science in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism in 2023. Off the field, he spent a year as Ticket Operations Manager for the Salt Lake Bees and completed a Membership & Sales internship with the Utah Jazz during the 2022–23 NBA season.Connect with RJ on LinkedInX/Twitter: @rjblack54

Front Office U welcomes Joshua Shoemaker!Josh shares about his career experiences, including coaching college basketball, working in football at University of the Incarnate Word, coordinating equipment for UFC, and now directing operations at USC. Connect with Joshua on LinkedInJoshua's Instagram: shoemeazy

Front Office U welcomes Wayne Kosior!Wayne shares about how to build up a network, trust, people's perception to help your career.His role with TrailBlazer is to help players navigate youth hockey and run the operations of the corporation. He also touches on the recent changes in the college hockey landscape within the last year and the trends we've seen from it thus far. Connect with Wayne on LinkedIn

Front Office U welcomes Christopher Martin Jr!Chris shares about his role with View Boston, his family ties to sports, and moving across the country and back. CJ earned a sports management degree and gained experience with the hockey team and clubs at UMass. Connect with Chris on LinkedIn

Front Office U welcomes Jack Dickhausen!Jack joins the podcast with a variety of experiences in the game of soccer. He is currently the First Assistant for the Men's Soccer program at Colorado Christian University and the Head Soccer Coach for the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club. Jack graduated from North Central University in 2024, where he gained experience in both operations and coaching with the soccer program. He has also coached with the Twin Cities Rush Soccer Club. Connect with Jack on LinkedIn

Front Office U welcomes Morgan Fedosiewich!Morgan shares about her career experiences, leading her to working with the Boston Red Sox. She started working in client services in February 2025, and used to work in sales with the club. In her role, she oversees clients in the premium spaces at all 81 home games. She plans different events for premium members, coordinating with the sponsorship team too Prior to working in the MLB, she started as a freshman goalie and played every game at Babson College with their soccer team. She played her grad year at Seton Hall, earning her MBA in Business Analytics.Connect with Morgan on LinkedIn

Front Office U welcomes Abby Haling!Abby joins the podcast to share about her career, where she currently works in graphic design and photography for the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Abby graduated from Western Illinois University in 2023 with a degree in Graphic Design, Marketing. Connect with Abby on LinkedInAbby's email: [email protected]

Front Office U welcomes Hunter Kirsch!Hunter is the CEO of a full-service sports agency, serving both high school and collegiate athletes at Lionheart. After starting in October 2023, he has helped place athletes into universities, build brands on the marketing side, and helped them learn financial and NIL literacy. He shares advice on being a genuine, authentic guy, looking to do right by the athletes. Connect with Hunter on LinkedIn Hunter’s email: [email protected]