Stay Sporty

Mastering the Game of Sports Sales: Insights from Jaron Coney of the Oklahoma City Thunder

In this episode of Stay Sporty, Sporty interviews Jaron Coney, an account executive with the Oklahoma City Thunder and University of South Carolina alumnus. Jaron shares his journey from Allen University to earning a master's degree at USC, then breaking into sports sales with the Memphis Grizzlies before being promoted to the Thunder. He discusses the demands of inside sales, relationship-building strategies, fan experience initiatives, and technology tools like virtual venue tours. Jaron also advises students to pursue graduate education, engage intentionally in campus opportunities, and develop strong work ethics to succeed in the competitive sports industry. * Jaron Coney's educational background and career journey in sports management. * The importance of pursuing advanced degrees for career advancement in sports. * Insights into the role of an account executive in professional sports. * The challenges and skills required in inside sales within the sports industry. * Strategies for building and maintaining client relationships in sales. * The significance of creating memorable fan experiences to encourage loyalty. * The impact of technology on the sales process and client engagement. * The diversification of responsibilities beyond basketball, including other events. * The upcoming new arena for the Oklahoma City Thunder and its implications. * Advice for students on maximizing academic opportunities and preparing for careers in sports. ------------------------ Ready to turn your passion for sports and entertainment into a high-impact career? Stay Sporty is just the beginning of the journey; at the University of South Carolina’s College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management (HRSM), you can step out of the audience and into the industry with world-class faculty and unmatched networking opportunities. Visit the College of HRSM today (www.sc.edu/hrsm [https://sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/hrsm/]) to explore our residential and online degree programs and discover how we can help you build the experience that sets you apart from day one.

Behind the Scenes with Brandon Ruth

In this episode of Stay Sporty, Brandon Ruth, Vice President of Team Operations for the Atlanta Falcons, shares his journey from college to the NFL. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship, networking, and building relationships in the sports industry. Brandon discusses the critical role of team operations in ensuring the success of the organization and how a positive culture can be fostered through supportive leadership. He also highlights the logistical challenges of team travel and the significance of effective communication within the organization. In this conversation, the speaker discusses the critical role of people in team operations, emphasizing the importance of support and communication. They share a real-world example of crisis management during a travel issue after a game, highlighting the need for quick thinking and collaboration. The speaker also elaborates on their leadership philosophy, which prioritizes caring for team members and their personal growth. They touch on the future of team operations, particularly the integration of technology, and offer valuable advice for aspiring professionals in the sports industry, concluding with a poignant life lesson about being present in the moment. Takeaways * The University of South Carolina played a crucial role in Brandon's career. * Mentorship is vital for career growth and development. * Building relationships is key in the sports industry. * Team operations serve as the glue that holds the organization together. * Effective communication is essential for successful team operations. * Understanding logistics is critical for team travel and operations. * A positive culture is fostered through supportive leadership. * Team operations must adapt to the needs of various departments. * Networking with third-party vendors is essential for success. * Creating a family-like atmosphere enhances organizational culture. It's about the people and how they treat each other. * Crisis management requires quick thinking and collaboration. * Presence is key in leadership and team operations. * Caring for team members is essential for effective leadership. * Technology is rapidly changing team operations. * Experience in smaller organizations can be more valuable. * Networking and building relationships are crucial in sports. * Be proactive in seeking opportunities and gaining experience. * Life is about the present moment; be where your feet are. * Invest in the growth and well-being of your team.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Brandon Ruth and His Journey 05:52 The Role of Mentorship in Career Development 11:53 Team Operations: The Glue of the Organization 17:58 Building Relationships with Third-Party Vendors 23:57 Creating a Positive Culture in Team Operations 28:36 The Importance of People in Team Operations 30:51 Crisis Management: A Real-World Example 37:16 Collaboration Across Departments 39:48 Leadership Philosophy: Caring for People 43:49 The Future of Team Operations and Technology 47:44 Advice for Aspiring Sports Professionals 52:12 Life Advice: Be Where Your Feet Are

From Receptionist to EVP: Adina Erwin's Journey

In this episode of Stay Sporty, Adina Erwin, Executive Vice President of Operations for Brooklyn Sports Entertainment, shares her remarkable journey from a receptionist to a leader in sports management. She discusses the challenges faced as a female leader in a male-dominated industry, the importance of mentorship, and her commitment to lifting others up. Adina reflects on her successful tenure at the Fox Theater, her strategies for building cohesive teams, and the innovations at Barclays Center. She emphasizes the significance of work-life balance and offers valuable advice for aspiring professionals in the sports industry. Takeaways: * Adina's journey began as a receptionist and evolved into a leadership role. * She faced challenges as a female leader in a male-dominated industry. * Mentorship played a crucial role in her career development. * The Fox Theater taught her how to manage a business effectively. * Building cohesive teams requires understanding individual strengths and weaknesses. * Communication is key to managing multiple teams successfully. * Barclays Center focuses on customer-centric experiences to compete in the market. * Innovations at Barclays Center aim to enhance the guest experience. * Work-life balance is essential, and knowing your non-negotiables is key. * Doing what you love will lead to success in your career. Chapters: 00:00 Adina Erwin's Journey in Sports Management 09:16 Overcoming Challenges as a Female Leader 12:23 Mentorship and Lifting Others Up 15:09 Success at the Fox Theater 18:24 Building Cohesive Teams 21:28 Managing Multiple Venues 23:14 Competing in a Crowded Market 26:47 Innovations and Renovations at Barclays Center 31:29 Skills for Success in Sports Management 34:05 Work-Life Balance in a Demanding Industry 36:44 Advice for the Next Generation 38:17 Memorable Events and Experiences 41:38 Meeting Celebrities and Maintaining Professionalism

Bigger Than Basketball: Betsy Mack on Community, Purpose, and the Charlotte Hornets

Betsy Mack is Senior Vice President of Community Impact and Executive Director of the Charlotte Hornets Foundation, known for her innovative approach to sports philanthropy and her unwavering commitment to community alongside her leadership in the NBA community ecosystem. In this episode, Betsy discusses her journey from nonprofit roots to leading community impact for the Charlotte Hornets reveals how intentionality, storytelling, and authentic connections fuel real change. Most importantly, she shares the blueprint for turning passion into purpose—an inspiring guide for young professionals, aspiring leaders, and anyone committed to making a difference through sports and community work. Imagine a career path that’s anything but linear but filled with pivotal moments, bold pivots, and meaningful milestones. Betsy’s story proves that diversifying your experience and creating a strategic checklist can propel you from small-town roots to a regional and national influence. From raising a million dollars during a recession to revamping the Hornets’ community philosophy, her insights demonstrate how sports teams can be powerful catalysts for systemic change. You'll discover how her team reframes community efforts from "serving" to creating lasting impact—championing the next generation, empowering communities, and leading with care.We break down the core pillars driving genuine community impact—shifting from traditional "community relations" to a results-oriented strategy that uses storytelling, strategic partnerships, and intentional action. Betsy shares specific tactics: how to tell authentic partner stories without the self-serving narrative, maximize resources on a spectrum of impact, and keep player involvement meaningful. Insightful examples—including impactful moments like bringing a family courtside during a terminal illness or supporting breast cancer survivors—highlight how sports can elevate voices and foster systemic change. This episode also explores how to develop effective career fundamentals such as relationship-building, humility, patience, and authentic mentorship that can elevate your leadership journey.Focusing on the stakes—staying relevant in a fast-changing social landscape—Betsy explains why sports teams must go beyond showing up to leading with a purpose. In a climate demanding authenticity, her approach emphasizes shifting from check-the-box CSR to creating deep, measurable community outcomes. The conversation underscores the urgency of authentic storytelling, strategic resource allocation, and building trust-based relationships—less transactional, more transformational.If you're a young professional, community leader, or sports enthusiast eager to leverage platforms for positive change, this episode is your playbook. Perfect for current and aspiring sports executives, nonprofit leaders, and anyone passionate about inclusivity, systemic impact, and authentic leadership. Betsy’s insights will inspire you to craft your own route toward purpose-driven leadership while reminding us all that impactful moments often come from listening, caring, and showing up. Get ready to be motivated, inspired to act, and equipped with actionable frameworks to magnify your impact—whether in sports, community work, or your personal career journey. This is more than a podcast episode; it’s a call to lead with purpose, lift others, and never underestimate the power of authentic connection. Don’t miss this vital conversation for creating meaningful change in your community and beyond.

From College Intern to NFL Manager: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities in Sports Operations

In this episode of Stay Sporty, Sporty interviews Madison Butler, a University of South Carolina Sport and Entertainment Management graduate and Manager of Operations Planning at the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium. Madison shares her inspiring career journey, from discovering her passion during a high school stadium tour to landing a TikTok-discovered internship with the Dolphins. She discusses her day-to-day responsibilities, cross-departmental communication strategies, the unique year-round demands of Hard Rock Stadium, and the growing role of AI in operations. Madison also offers valuable advice: network boldly, avoid comparison, and always "control the controllable." In this episode:  * Career journey from high school to professional role in sports management * Importance of internships in building a career in sports and entertainment * Experiences working at major sports and entertainment events * Challenges and rewards of venue management * Role of communication and collaboration in operations planning * Use of technology in managing stadium operations * Emphasis on guest experience and customer service * Leadership lessons learned in the sports industry * Networking and personal growth advice for aspiring professionals * Work-life balance and personal interests outside of work