I was never the person who had everything figured out early on. I always looked at people who knew exactly what they wanted to do and kind of wished I had that clarity. I ended up at Grove City College and chose Marketing after seeing it during my Senior Preview Day. It wasn't some big, perfectly planned decision. It just felt like the right next step at the time.
What really changed things for me were the people and opportunities along the way. Through networking and a mentor who invested in me, I landed an internship with the Dallas Cowboys. While I was there, people on the ticket sales team told me, "You'd actually be really good at this." I hadn't seriously considered sports sales before that, but that moment stuck with me. It gave me the confidence to lean into something I hadn't originally planned for myself.
From there, I naturally started helping other people figure things out. Interns, colleagues, and students trying to break into sports would reach out with questions about resumes, interviews, networking, and understanding how the hiring process actually works. After helping a Graduate Assistant at Liberty University land a role with the Chicago Blackhawks, I realized this wasn't just something I did on the side. It was something I genuinely cared about and kept coming back to. That realization eventually became Sports Career Launch.
The idea for Sports Career Launch didn't come from a business plan. It came from years of conversations with students, interns, and young professionals who were trying to break into sports and didn't know where to start.
One thing I noticed over and over again was that many people had a completely different picture of what sports sales actually is. They imagined being around athletes, watching games, and living out a dream job. The reality is that sports sales is a profession built on relationships, communication, persistence, and a willingness to put in the work. It's incredibly rewarding, but it's also a grind. The problem is that most students don't learn that until they're already in the interview process.
I also realized that while universities and career centers do a great job providing general career guidance, sports sales is a niche industry with a unique path. Unless students actively seek out mentors and industry professionals, many are left trying to figure it out on their own. That's the gap I wanted to help fill.
Sports Career Launch exists to give aspiring sports professionals the guidance, preparation, and support that I wish more people had access to. My goal isn't just to help someone land a job. It's to help them understand the industry, develop confidence in themselves as candidates, and leave with the tools to navigate their career long after their first opportunity.
While sports have shaped much of my career, they are only one part of who I am.
I grew up around football and still consider myself a football guy through and through. I played at Grove City College as a fullback, and I am a loyal Browns (for better or worse) and Ohio State fan. These days, you'll still find me in the gym before sunrise most mornings. Staying disciplined physically has become a habit that carries over into every area of my life.
Outside of work, my wife and I stay involved as youth leaders at our church, where I have the opportunity to work with high school boys. Those relationships have become one of the most rewarding parts of my life. My faith continues to shape who I am, how I lead, and how I serve others. It reminds me that success is important, but character, humility, and investing in people matter even more.
When I'm not working, there's a good chance I'm hiking in the Virginia mountains, grilling something on the back patio, or watching a UFC card on a Saturday night. I'm also probably in bed by 10 p.m. most nights and perfectly happy about it. Despite working in sales, I'm naturally introverted and recharge best through quiet time, close friendships, and being home with my wife. She keeps me grounded, challenges me when I need it, and is a big reason I'm the man I am today.
Whether you're exploring sports sales for the first time or preparing for your next opportunity, you don't have to navigate the process alone. My goal is to help you gain clarity, build confidence, and take meaningful steps toward a career in sports.