Professional Bowlers
Association
Official Microsoft Proposal
“Strike out your competition with the PBA.”
Prepared by: Hailey Billitier
Meghan Grassadonia Blake Johnson
Alex Lamontagne
Rebecca Pongetti
Jacquelyn Sparks
Phil Spencer Executive for Xbox Division
Microsoft 1 Microsoft Way
Redmond, WA 98052
Dear Mr. Spencer,
Thank you for taking the time to meet with us and view our proposal about a
sponsorship between Microsoft and The Professional Bowlers Association. After several meetings with some of your colleagues, we strongly believe that the proposal we have developed will greatly benefit Microsoft through this
partnership.
This proposal illustrates the process we feel will maximize the potential of your product, specifically focusing on the Xbox component of Microsoft. Included you will see what we believe are your strengths as well as your weakness, and how
we plan to take on and solve each weakness individually as well as build off of your strengths. Our goal is to gain the greatest amount of brand exposure for
Microsoft and Xbox as well as increase your revenue. Our multi level sponsorship package includes elements such as: increased advertising and publicity for Microsoft as a brand; fan exposure to Xbox products and services;
the development of a community outreach program.
If you have any questions or concerns after our meeting, please feel free to contact me at anytime via phone or email. I can be reached by phone at (224) 422-6693 and by email at [email protected]. I am truly confident in the success
that this partnership will bring both Microsoft and the PBA. After looking through our proposal and hearing our presentation I hope that you feel the same.
Best Regards,
Jacquelyn Sparks, on behalf of the PBA
Jacquelyn Sparks Director of Marketing The Professional Bowlers Association
55 East Jackson Blvd., Suite 401 Chicago, IL 60604
Table of Contents
Executive Summary ........................................................................................................ 4
Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 6
Observed Needs of Microsoft ........................................................................................ 7
Product Overview Official Document.......................................................................... 9
Benefits & Rewards....................................................................................................... 11
Potential Objections ..................................................................................................... 12
Advantages ..................................................................................................................... 15
Vision of Partnership.................................................................................................... 16
Community Outreach Program .................................................................................. 17
Financial Statement ...................................................................................................... 19
Terms of Use and Conditions ...................................................................................... 22
Professional Bowlers Association Personal Bios ................................................... 25
Executive Summary
The Professional Bowlers Association strongly believes that it can offer
Microsoft an innovative and original sponsorship package that differentiates the
PBA from other sport organizations. While the PBA may be a small company, it
prides itself on having a diverse fan base and successfully operating as a
professional league for the past 57 years. As the sport industry continues to
change and expand, the PBA believes in redefining itself as an organization, and
redefining bowling as a sport. After extensive evaluation and research, we are
confident that Microsoft and the PBA partnership would be equally beneficial.
The product we are proposing is a multi-level sponsorship package that
will last three years and cost $1.5 million. The first level of the package will make
Microsoft the title sponsor of the PBA. This includes having the logo placed
throughout each tour’s venue, including the World Championship Tournament.
The PBA will also feature Microsoft in an array of advertisements and promotions
through different mediums. This will give Microsoft the opportunity to enter a new
demographic of consumers, especially the youth market segment, nationally and
internationally.
The PBA will utilize Xbox’s already established market by taking
advantage of our already existing partnership with Concrete Software and
establishing an Xbox compatible game. This game will be included free of charge
and will be pre-downloaded on to each Xbox that is purchased throughout the
Experience Centers where local bowlers can try out our game and get a feel for
Xbox. Highlighting Microsoft’s products and services allows both Microsoft and
the PBA to target the youth market. This in turn will help increase revenue for
both Microsoft and the PBA. By aiming our marketing strategies at the youth will
increase their lifelong brand loyalty towards Xbox.
The final part of our sponsorship includes a community outreach initiative.
This program will be called Strike for the Stars and will have a similar mission as
the Boys and Girls Club of America. Strike for the Stars will take place in PBA
Experience Centers nationally and eventually internationally. The purpose of the
program would be to provide kids with an another after school opportunity. The
children who participate in Strike for the Stars will become familiar with the Xbox
and the Microsoft Surfaces’ products and services at the PBA Experience
Centers. This program will offer children the opportunity to do their homework,
bowl, and partake in more interactive learning activities.
Strike for the Stars allows children to become familiar with Microsoft’s products
and services while simultaneously growing their lifelong brand loyalty. This
partnership will help Microsoft expand its brand awareness in an underdeveloped
market, as well as with a league that will allow it to grow. The PBA wishes to
build upon Microsoft’s international success and help maintain it’s strong revenue
stream, which Xbox greatly contributes to.
Introduction
The Professional Bowlers Association is the only major league for
professional ten-pin bowling within the United States of America. Our
organization has been successfully operating for the past 57 years. As the world
of sport grows within the 20th century, we as the PBA continue to redefine who
we are as a organization. The PBA wants to expand our diverse niche market
and also increase our brand exposure through partnering with a company who
has similar values and missions. After extensive evaluation and research, the
Professional Bowlers Association is confident Microsoft is the right partner.
We would like Microsoft to be the one to endorse our league in order to
make a lasting statement in the sport industry. This opportunity for Microsoft will
broaden its demographic in America as well as globally, and attract new
consumers of all demographics. Our job as an organization is not only to focus
on our benefit, but also the benefits we could potentially gain from Microsoft.
Our goal for our partnership with Microsoft is to engage in the organization’s
assets in new and innovative ways in order to generate revenue for both parties.
The Professional Bowlers Association believes that this partnership with
Microsoft will help it engage youth in bowling and give them access to Microsoft’s
products and services. As Microsoft moves forward throughout our proposal, the
PBA will extensively explain the services being offered and the benefits Microsoft
can retain from partnering with the league.
Observed Needs of Microsoft
The Professional Bowlers Association has identified the specific needs of
Microsoft through many phone calls and meetings throughout this process. We
have identified three main areas that will help engage Microsoft excel within the
sport and technology industry.
Xbox & Youth
One of Microsoft's top priorities is Xbox and creating new interactive
games in order to compete with competitors like PlayStation. The PBA will be
adapting its already existing app for the computer into an Xbox game called the
PBA Bowling Challenge. Through our existing partnership with Concrete
Software, the PBA will create an exclusive bowling package for Xbox. When an
individual purchases an Xbox, the bowling game will be pre downloaded within its
software for free. The goal of this exclusive feature would be to boost revenue.
Our main goal is to target the youth. This game gives the children an
interactive simulation bowling experience while growing their interest in the
enjoyment bowling has to offer. The game can be played in the comfort of one’s
own home with friends and family.
Also at PBA Experience Centers we will have a kiosk where there is an
Xbox for fans to try out the bowling game. Being able to gain a consumer at a
young age increases the chance of the consumer being a brand loyalty
consumer for life.
International Exposure
Increasing Microsoft’s exposure internationally is a crucial part in
Microsoft’s ability to reach the level of success the company hopes to gain in the
future. The PBA Tours and Championships within Europe will increase exposure
for Microsoft and its products throughout many countries. The PBA consists of
many players not only from America but also from Europe, South America, and
Asian countries. The PBA will create Experience Center’s across the globe for
players and fans to interact with. Within these centers, kiosks with the PBA
Game will be displayed for all to play. Having a first-hand experience within the
PBA Experience Centers and with the PBA Bowling Game will drive consumer
awareness through its innovative features. Another advantage Microsoft would
have is the PBA Network, a fairly new addition to the league that would create
massive fan viewership around the world. The PBA Network displays news and
up-to-date information regarding Championships and Tours accompanied by live-
streaming feed and videos on their YouTube channel.
Product Overview Official Document
The Professional Bowlers Association will be offering a broad sponsorship deal
to Microsoft. Included in the proposal is the following:
Microsoft will be the official title sponsor of the PBA league; meaning when
PBA Tours are aired on ESPN, Microsoft will gain exposure through the
“Brought To You By Microsoft” introduction of the PBA. Microsoft will also
be present in all PBA Experience Centers across the country through our
various promotions, advertising, marketing strategies. Professional
bowlers of the league compete not only in national PBA tours, but
international PBA tours as well, allowing their name seen across the
globe. Microsoft will also appear on the PBA official website and all forms
of PBA social media.
The PBA will integrate its already existing PBA app into a Xbox compatible
software. This will feature a three-way partnership deal between Microsoft,
the PBA, and Concrete Software. The PBA will take care of and cover all
communication and costs relating to Concrete Software. Microsoft will
incur no charge and the game download will be included in every Xbox
sold throughout the partnership.
Xbox kiosks will be placed in all PBA Experience Centers across the
country. The Experience Centers provide local bowlers the opportunity to
bowl on the same lane conditions as professional bowlers from the PBA.
Our PBA Bowling Game will already be downloaded on the Xbox gaming
devices in these experience centers.
The PBA will open new Experience Centers in Europe where Xbox kiosks
will be exclusively feature our PBA Bowling Game. This is a similar
initiative as the United States
As an added benefit and a part of both companies’ corporate social
responsibility initiatives, PBA is offering a community outreach program,
Strike for the Stars. Strike for the Stars is an alternative after school
program to get kids off the streets and into a safe, educational
environment.
Benefits & Rewards
There are a plethora of benefits that Microsoft will gain from this
sponsorship with the Professional Bowlers Association; one of which is entering
a new demographic of consumers, and most importantly targeting the youth
market segment. By having young age groups become more familiar and
ultimately interested in using Microsoft products, specifically Xbox, the likelihood
of them using the products throughout their life greatly increases. As the naming
rights sponsor of the PBA, Microsoft’s brand will be further developed through
marketing promotions and signage during tournaments throughout the season.
Microsoft will also have the naming rights to the PBA World Championship. The
naming rights of the PBA will include advertising space during broadcasted
tournaments, greatly proliferating Microsoft’s advertising and publicity Microsoft.
Players and potential consumers get the opportunity to try out Xbox, and
ultimately increase Microsoft’s revenue when we place the Xbox and PBA
bowling game at the PBA Experience Centers. Through this exposure, the PBA
believes the revenue for Microsoft products will grow.
Along with increasing Microsoft’s profits and revenue, the PBA will also
help revamp Microsoft’s image, which is often viewed as “outdated.” By gaining
more exposure through promotions and marketing, Microsoft’s brand and image
will no longer be considered “outdated.” Prospective customers will change their
opinions on Microsoft’s products based on the positive experience they had while
playing with and learning about the Xbox, its features, and the PBA bowling
game.
Potential Objections
Source:
Microsoft needs to gain partners in a larger, better known market than the PBA
in order to gain more exposure of their products. Because the PBA does not gain much
media exposure, especially on TV, both Microsoft and the PBA will have to work harder
to increase exposure through promotions and marketing. Working with a niche market
such as ours will allow Microsoft to increase their exposure to a new demographic of
people and especially adults. Because the PBA has international players in every
tournament, and even has a plethora of tournaments overseas, Microsoft would
additionally be gaining international exposure by simply being a sponsor of the PBA.
Similarly, working in a small market means there is room for growth. Microsoft will
demonstrate to consumers and non-consumers worldwide that they are not afraid of
branching out especially to new sports with a diverse demographic.
Product:
The Xbox game already being pre-downloaded will not generate enough ROI or
revenue. Having the PBA Xbox game will not be enough of an incentive for people to
buy an Xbox. People don’t care enough about the PBA to feel that the game is an added
benefit when they buy the Xbox. Having a title sponsorship will not generate enough
buzz about Microsoft and especially Xbox as we are looking to create. We know that the
PBA does not have a lot of Tours aired on ESPN and other popular sports networks, so
how does having the title sponsorship benefit us when it comes to the media?
The Surface doesn’t belong in PBA Experience Centers. The Surface is a high
quality, expensive piece of technology that should be revered as something to cherish
and protect, not put out for anyone of any demographic to use. Also, the Surface should
be monitored when kids are using it. If we are going to give our Surfaces out for children
of such young ages to use, then they should be closely supervised.
The PBA feels as though having the Surface in the PBA Experience Centers is the
best way to allow kids and bowlers have a hands-on opportunity with the Surface. In
addition to having the Surface in the centers, we would also strategically place an Xbox
with the re-vamped PBA game on it for people to play and test out. Once they see how
easy to use and valuable both the Xbox and Surface are, they will undoubtedly choose
your product over those of Sony and Apple. We also feel that these people will
appreciate being able to use the products in a different environment outside of the
Microsoft store. By making the Xbox and Surface more accessible to different
demographics and in different types of locations, your consumers and non-consumers
will see Microsoft's values.
Price:
Will we have a good return on investment if we buy your package? Why should
we pay $1.5 million for your product? Why do you value your product so low? We only
see value in the game and even with just the game we don’t feel that it is worth our
time or effort. We fear we may end up spending more on this package than we would
make from it over the three year partnership.
By partnering with the PBA, Microsoft will actually be exposing their products
and services to a new diverse demographic, specifically the youth market segment, and
giving them the opportunity to try out the products. Through trialing the products, we
predict that potential consumers will see how Microsoft products are tech savvy and
just as new and innovative as Apple products. This will make the consumers want to buy
Microsoft products because they had a positive experience with them and therefore will
increase Microsoft’s revenue.
We have priced our proposal at $1.5 million because we feel the value will grow
as our league grows throughout the three year of our partnership. With the customer in
mind, we price our products and services lower than average because we would like to
see our partners’ return on investment high.
Advantages
By partnering with the Professional Bowlers Association and becoming the
official title sponsor of the PBA, Microsoft will be able to expand and reach new
target markets. The Professional Bowlers Association understands that Microsoft
would like to focus on expanding their youth and international markets
specifically within the Xbox Department. The PBA feels that its proposed
sponsorship will be able to accomplish Microsoft’s goals.
The Professional Bowlers Association’s athletes and tournaments can be
used in a variety of ways for Microsoft; for example, commercial use, social
media, and public relations would all give Microsoft’s products the recognition it is
looking for, nationally and internationally. Within the sponsorship, Microsoft’s
brand will be showcased on ESPN when PBA events are being aired on the
network.
As a small league, Microsoft will be challenged in all the best ways. The PBA has
already worked with other well-established companies such as Geico and
Wheaties and has formed long lasting, strong relationships with them. In these
past and present partnerships, the PBA has showcased its ability to take an
already well-established company and continue to develop the company in ways
unimaginable. The PBA finds the connection between both companies, three of
Microsoft’s former executives who are now owners of the PBA, is the strongest
representation of how Microsoft and the PBA’s relationship will look moving
forward.
Vision of Partnership
The Professional Bowlers Association sees an opportunity for a strong
strategic partnership that will benefit both Microsoft and the Professional Bowlers
Association through Microsoft’s well-established company and the PBA’s room for
growth and development within the sport industry. The PBA will introduce a new
youth demographic, in addition to a new international demographic; while Microsoft
will allow the PBA to increase its brand exposure.
Although the PBA and Microsoft do not have previous business relations, the PBA
feels a sense of connection through the three former Microsoft executives that are
now on the Board of Directors and partners of PBA. The three former Microsoft
executives are Chris Peters, Rob Glaser and Mike Slade. They fully back our
proposal and would vouch for us as a company and partner. Since they had such
great success with Microsoft and are currently succeeding within the PBA, the PBA
believes that having these three men in common will make the partnership a
favorable one.
Community Outreach Program
The Professional Bowlers Association shares the same visions and values
as Microsoft regarding community outreach. For seven years now, Convergence,
Microsoft’s community outreach program has made a lasting impact in every
area it has visited. The Professional Bowlers Association is looking to add
another great community outreach program that will reap similar results that
Convergence has had in the past. The program will be called Strike for the Stars
and will have similar initiatives and goals as the Boys and Girls Club of America.
Strike for the Stars will take place in select PBA Experience Centers across the
nation and eventually around the globe. The purpose of the program would be to
offer kids an alternative after school opportunity where Microsoft’s products
would be featured. Through Strike for the Stars kids would be able to expand
their knowledge on technology while being involved in a safe and educational
after school activity.
Kids who take advantage of Strike for the Stars would be able to
familiarize themselves with the Surface at the PBA Experience Centers. These
Surfaces would have pre-downloaded, child-friendly, educational, and fun apps.
Kids in Strike for the Stars would be able to finish their homework and partake in
more interactive learning activities, which mostly require the Surface.
Along with being able to work with the Surface, the children in Strike for
the Stars would have access to an Xbox with the pre-downloaded PBA game. By
playing the Xbox, the children would be exposed to its multiple features and
characteristics thus increasing Microsoft’s brand exposure and possibility of
lifelong consumers. These children would not be working with Xbox’s competitor,
PlayStation, which means Microsoft’s brand exposure to the children would be
high. Due to the emphasis we place on staying active and children’s’ education,
time spent working with the Surfaces and bowling would be unlimited for the
children once they have completed their homework for the day.
However, time spent playing with the Xbox itself, would be limited.
Children would only be allowed to play with the Xbox once a day. When certain
children are not playing with the Xbox, they would be given the option to work on
the Surfaces or bowl, or do other types of educational activities.
Strike for the Stars is a fantastic initiative because it emphasizes the importance
of education, safe after school activities, staying active, and the advancement of
technology. Children from third to eighth grade would be allowed to participate in
this program. We, the Professional Bowlers Association, feel that this would be
such a great opportunity for both companies involved. This community outreach
partnership would increase each company’s exposure and more importantly
impact children’s lives in such a great way.
Financial Statement
The Professional Bowlers Association will sell the rights for the Title
Sponsorship of the Professional Bowlers Association, which includes the PBA World
Championship and Tours. Our proposed deal and value of this partnership is worth
$1.5 million for three years.
Our pricing of this sponsorship is relatively inexpensive in relation to other
contract; however, the Professional Bowlers Association strongly believes that this
inexpensive pricing does not reflect the projected value that would result from this
deal with Microsoft. The Professional Bowlers Association’s vision is to create a
long-term relationship with Microsoft. Ultimately, the PBA would like to see continued
growth and development of both organizations through the products and services the
PBA is offering to Microsoft. If Microsoft wishes to renew this partnership after the
initial three years is complete, the Professional Bowlers Association would further
discuss the partnership as a whole.
Years of Partnership
Cost to Microsoft ($) Benefits to Microsoft
Minimum 3 years $ 1.5 Million Exposure to a diverse and broad demographic of Microsoft and Xbox
Microsoft brand introduced to more youth
International Exposure of Microsoft and Xbox
After 3 years (negotiable length)
$ 2.5 million or higher (negotiable)
Increased exposure among youth
Continued international exposure
Xbox Bowling Game popularity and ratings increases each year
Sponsorship Levels
Strike Package ($500,000)
This sponsorship package includes:
Being the title sponsor of the Professional Bowlers Association league
Microsoft name in PBA Experience Centers, Microsoft name on national
television broadcasts, will be represented internationally through tours and
tournaments, be a part of various advertisements and promotions on all
social media and official PBA website
Have Microsoft Surface tablets replace all computers in PBA Experience
Centers across the country (77 centers nationally)
Integrate our already existing PBA app. into an X-Box accessible,
interactive game. In the game, you can compete against friends, play
against PBA stars, and get the interactive bowling experience all through
X-Box
Be the key member in our Strike for the Stars community outreach
program held at the PBA Experience Centers. Strike for the Stars is an
after school program for underprivileged youth to get them off the streets
and using technologies. This would allow for children to be involved in a
safer after school activity during the school year and during the summer
Spare Package ($250,000)
This sponsorship includes:
Being a partnering sponsor of the PBA league
Microsoft name on national television broadcasts, will be represented
internationally through tours and tournaments, be part of some
advertisements and promotions on all social media and official PBA
website
Integrate out already existing PBA app. into an X-Box accessible,
interactive game. In the game, you can compete against friends, play
against PBA stars, and get the interactive bowling experience all through
X-Box
Be the key member in our Strike for the Stars community outreach
program held at the PBA Experience Centers. Strike for the Stars is an
after school program for underprivileged youth to get them off the streets
and using technologies. This would allow for children to be involved in a
safer after school activity during the school year and during the summer
Terms of Use and Conditions
The Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) services are offered to you
conditioned on your acceptance without modification of the terms, conditions,
and notices contained herein. Your use of the PBA services constitutes your
agreement to all terms, conditions and notices. Additionally, the PBA web site
may contain additional terms that govern particular features or offers such as
promotions, forums, chat services and other features.
Trademarks & Copyrights
All content of the Professional Bowlers Association including but not limited to
text, graphics, logos, images, digital downloads, data compilations and software
is property of the PBA exclusively.
PBA, PROFESSIONAL BOWLERS ASSOCIATION and other marks indicated on
the PBA website or within Championships and Tours are registered trademarks
of the PBA or its affiliates. The PBA graphics, logos, are trademarks of the PBA
and can only be used in conjunction if they are an affiliate or sponsor to/of the
PBA. Trademarks are only to be used with the permission of Professional
Bowlers Association. Duplication of the PBA including its merchandise or website
is strictly prohibited.
PBA & Third Parties
PBA and Third Parties are responsible and held liable for all content made or
distributed by either party. Third Parties have the access to use PBA logos and
images as a means of advertising and marketing only with signed permission and
agreed upon terms of use of the PBA logo or name.
Notice of Copyright Infringement
Copyright of the PBA in any form will result in being reported to local authorities
and courthouses for the purposeful misuse of the PBA name or logo. Also, If you
believe that your work has been copied in a way that constitutes copyright or
trademark infringement, please mail the following information to Copyright
Infringement Department, PBA, 719 Second Avenue, Suite 701, Seattle,
Washington 98104 (phone: 206.332.9688)
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TO AND SAVE AND HOLD HARMLESS the Professional Bowlers Association
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Professional Bowlers Association Personal Bios
Hailey Billitier
Vice President of Communications
Financial Advisor
I am a current junior studying Sport Management at Syracuse University in the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, with an area of specialization in Media
Communications. I am involved in an array of extracurricular activities, including
being a member of the Syracuse Women’s Rugby Team, where I am the current Fundraising Chair, previously the Social Chair.
I have built a strong foundation through my studies and experiences, and
have truly found my passion in communications, especially with being able to connect with audiences and viewers through means such as video, photography,
and online media. I look forward to gaining new experiences in the sports industry
through new ventures with various organizations, teams, and committees.
Through working with the Professional Bowlers Association, I have found myself in an exciting role as being a part of the team to bring the PBA to the next
level. We are continually working to expand our reach through communities across
the country, as well as around the world. In my previous position as Director of Communications for the Syracuse Crunch, I was able to work with a smaller
organization and league and grow the team to be more prominent in the hockey
world. I am looking forward to continue working with the PBA to become a respected league with a large fan following.
Meghan Grassadonia
Vice President of Community Outreach
Financial Advisor
I am a sophomore at Syracuse University and I’m majoring in Sport
Management and minoring in Political Science. My classes at Syracuse University
have exposed me to marketing, sales, finance, communications, and technology within the sport industry. Additionally, I have become proficient in Microsoft and
Adobe products.
While at Syracuse, I am a marketing intern for the Syracuse University
Athletic Department and through this internship I have experience the behind the scenes action at any sporting event. I have also learned how to work in a fast-paced
environment and communicate with a team that has different working styles. I am the Vice President of Community Service for Sport Management Club. For this
position I work with local non-profits and find community service for club members
while also developing skills that are helpful with public and community relations. Additionally, I am the Secretary of Women in Sports and Events (WISE) where I
work on any executive duties. These positions have taught me how to use my
organizational skills immensely and I have learned how to communicate with a variety of people while developing as a leader.
While working at the Professional Bowlers Association as VP of Community
Outreach and a Financial Advisor I have been able to be a part of growing company within the sport industry, which has been extremely exciting. My skills obtained from
VP of Community Service for Sport Management Club prepared me for my position
as Vice President of Community Outreach for the Professional Bowlers Association. I truly enjoy this job because I am able to give back to the community while working
with sports at the same time. Finance classes I have taken at Syracuse University
prepared me for my role as a Financial Advisor. So far it has been a great opportunity working for the PBA.
Blake Johnson
Director of Events/Promotions
Financial Advisor
I am a junior & student-athlete at Syracuse University majoring in Sport Management
in the David B. Falk School of Sport and Human Dynamics with an area of specialization in Event Planning. Right now, I am focusing on developing a strong
background in the sport industry through my college classes, D1 soccer team,
extracurricular activities, volunteer work and other opportunities I am presented with.
I am looking for a career in community relations or social responsibility because of my love for reaching out to those in need and giving others the
opportunity to succeed. I feel that organizations, players, coaches, and everyone in
the sports industry are people who are often idolized and respected. Athletes, coaches, owners, and sport industry professionals are in high profile positions which
grants them many opportunities to to extend a helping hand to their communities.
Through working in Events and Promotion for the PBA, I have found myself in a great position to help grow and develop other companies. It is through my
opportunity to address milestones, accomplishments, and issues within the PBA and
within their partnerships with other companies that I have found my passion and dream job. My previous position as Head Sales Executive for the American Fencing
League, I am fully equipped with the necessary skills to sell a small, not well known
league. With the American Fencing League, I was able to use and grow my assertiveness, time management, organization, and public speaking skills.
Alex Lamontagne
Director of Sales for PBA
I am currently in my first year of university and will be graduating with my
Bachelors of Sport Management Degree from the David B. Falk College of Sport and
Human Dynamics in 2018 at Syracuse University. As a student-athlete I’ve been able to develop many skills that will help me be successful in the real world and
especially in the work world. The skills I have developed being a student-athlete are time management, organization, communication, discipline, leadership, trust,
patience, confidence and many more.
Throughout my four years at Syracuse University I will continue to be a
student-athlete as well as become more involved within the community. I will continue to further my learning in the classroom and use the tools learned as an
athlete to help guide me forward to be able to be successful.
While working in sales for the PBA, I have found myself in a position to help
grow and develop other companies, especially the PBA. It is through my passion for selling and being connected with people and forming relationships that I have found
my passion to be in sales leading me to the PBA which is a perfect career. My
previous position as the director of sales at Toronto FC, has given me valuable knowledge and skills to make me successful and a great leader. At Toronto FC, I
was able to grow as a person and sales associate, learn time management, gain
confidence and show how passionate, dedicated and persistent I am. That translates to the PBA and will help me with any challenges I may have and help to overcome
them.
Rebecca Pongetti
Director of Customer Relations for PBA
I am currently in my second year of university and will be graduating with my Bachelors of Sport Management Degree from the David B. Falk College of Sport and
Human Dynamics in 2017 at Syracuse University. Being a student-athlete has helped me be able to develop many skills that will help me in the real world and
especially in the work world. The skills I have developed being a student-athlete are
time management, organization, communication, discipline, leadership and more.
Throughout my four years at Syracuse University I will continue to be a student-athlete as well as become more involved within the community. I will
continue to further my learning in the classroom and use the tools learned as an
athlete to help guide me forward.
Jacquelyn Sparks
Director of Marketing for PBA
I am actively pursuing a career in the sport industry. As a junior sport
management major, I will also be minoring in marketing and Spanish. My
coursework at Syracuse University has helped me develop strong skills in marketing, sales, and sponsorship, which have allowed me to obtain great opportunities with
different sport entities.
Throughout all my experience in the industry as well as being a full time student, I’ve learned how to manage my time and get things done in an efficient way.
As a Marketing Intern for Syracuse Athletics I have worked in high pressure and fast
paced situations, teaching me to be adaptable. Interning with the New York Lizards allowed me to develop my verbal and written communication skills by working with
customers and other employees. Most importantly, I am an extremely driven
individual who has a strong love and passion for sports.
With my work in marketing at the PBA, I have developed stronger skills in brand management. By building and promoting the PBA’s brand, I am able to
express my love for not only my job but also sports. I was previously the Associate Brand Manager for Warrior Lacrosse, and I have first hand experience with
managing our partnerships as well as identifying opportunities for growth. Working at
Warrior helped me utilize my communication, negotiation, and time management skills.
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