Connect & learn more about Darren McKee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenmckeesales/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ijuo4NZ2jkw

If you need branded solutions for your events, giveaways and employee engagement, check out Club Colors: https://www.clubcolors.com

In this episode, the discussion revolves around the varying experiences and challenges faced by former student-athletes, specifically those who went pro versus those who didn't, and their continued engagement with their alma maters. The conversation delves into the significance of the equipment manager in maintaining connections with alumni athletes. The impact of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) on collegiate sports is thoroughly examined, revealing its potential in revenue generation and the resulting complexities in university fundraising dynamics. Additionally, KC Smurthwaite elaborates on his teaching experiences at Utah State University, emphasizing hands-on, real-world learning for students in journalism and sports reporting. The episode also highlights successful branding and licensing projects, including jersey sales and apparel deals, that aim to enhance fan engagement and drive revenue for athletic programs.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Experiences of Former Student-Athletes: The discussion highlights the different challenges faced by former student-athletes, especially those who went pro versus those who didn’t, and how they continue engaging with their alma maters.
• Role of Equipment Managers: The importance of the equipment manager in maintaining strong connections with alumni athletes is emphasized as a key factor in alumni relations.
• Impact of NIL: The episode delves into the growing influence of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) in collegiate sports, showcasing its potential for revenue generation while complicating university fundraising efforts.
• Hands-on Learning in Journalism: KC shares his teaching experiences at Utah State University, focusing on providing real-world, hands-on learning opportunities for students in journalism and sports reporting.
• Branding and Licensing Success: Successful branding and licensing initiatives, such as jersey sales and apparel deals, are discussed as effective strategies to enhance fan engagement and drive revenue for athletic programs.

QUOTES

• “What does that even mean? We don’t have aviation at our school... this person who's probably never played football in their life... was so adamant going, no.”
• “It’s a fun fan experience. You’re tapping into nostalgia. It’s always a win in market. Emotional heartstrings.”
• “At athletics admin we speak various campus languages. We speak bookstores. We speak the licensing and marketing. We also speak what Coach says.”
• “It doesn’t really cost that much to create an experience. We have a great game plan and athletics admin. We are working backwards. Let’s define success. Let’s do quantifiable things and we’ll get there.”
• “What does that even mean? We don’t have aviation at our school... this person who's probably never played football in their life... was so adamant going, no.”
• “It’s a fun fan experience. You’re tapping into nostalgia. It’s always a win in market. Emotional heartstrings.”
• “It doesn’t really cost that much to create an experience. We have a great game plan and athletics admin. We are working backwards. Let’s define success. Let’s do quantifiable things and we’ll get there.”

Connect and learn more about KC Smurthwaite.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/smurf/

If you enjoyed this episode of In the Club Podcast with Club Colors, please leave us a review on your favorite podcasting platform!

Club Colors: https://www.clubcolors.com/

In this episode, host Chris Jaeger welcomes guest KC Smurthwaite from Athletics Admin who shares insights into his 15+ years in higher education and athletics, covering roles from fundraising to corporate partnerships. They discuss the unique challenges of balancing work life and the creative strategies employed to enhance donor experiences and revenue opportunities. KC emphasizes the importance of customized donor cultivation, the significance of playing the 'long game,' and the need for a game plan akin to playing chess rather than checkers. They delve into innovative approaches such as personalized merchandise for donor engagement and the critical role of understanding each institution's and donor's unique needs. Throughout, the discussion highlights the essence of building genuine relationships and the impact of tailored contributions to the success and experience of student-athletes and the broader university community.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Extensive Experience: KC Smurthwaite shares insights from his 15+ years in higher education and athletics, covering various roles including fundraising and corporate partnerships.
• Work-Life Balance Challenges: The discussion highlights the unique challenges of balancing work and life in this field.
• Creative Donor Strategies: KC discusses creative strategies to enhance donor experiences and revenue opportunities, emphasizing the importance of customized donor cultivation.
• Playing the "Long Game": He stresses the significance of long-term planning, comparing the approach to playing chess rather than checkers.
• Innovative Donor Engagement: Personalized merchandise is one example of innovative strategies for engaging donors and strengthening relationships.
• Understanding Unique Needs: Tailoring strategies to the specific needs of institutions and donors is critical for success.
• Building Genuine Relationships: The conversation underscores the importance of building authentic, meaningful relationships, which ultimately benefit student-athletes and the broader university community.

QUOTES

• "In higher education, you’re playing the long game. It is always relationships. It is making sure you're being a good steward to all the folks across campus. And it takes time."
• "We want to be in there. We want to be known. We want to be in the meetings. Now, if they don’t want us in there, we're not going to. But at the end of the day, we want to augment anything that's being done already within the department."
• "The crazy thing was, all the people I sent that shirt to would wear it to games... you took the mailer and you're wearing my shirt that Isent you, has proof of concept."
• "Chess, not checkers... you have to be thinking moves ahead, and you have to be able to pivot and provide solutions to your clientele, and they all come in different ways, shape or form."

Connect and learn more about KC Smurthwaite.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/smurf/

If you enjoyed this episode of In the Club Podcast with Club Colors, please leave us a review on your favorite podcasting platform!

Club Colors: https://www.clubcolors.com/

In the episode In The Club powered by Club Colors, we continue the conversation with Mike Wilkinson, the Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs at the University of South Alabama. Mike shares his journey of adapting to a new campus environment and the importance of being genuine and authentic in both personal and professional life. He emphasized the need for higher education institutions, especially within student affairs, to effectively tell their stories and connect with students through digital media and social platforms. The conversation delves into creating impactful student experiences, highlighting efforts like the return of the homecoming concert and the development of a new Student Involvement Department. The discussion also touches on the significance of mental health awareness, the importance of team leadership, and building strong collaborative relationships across campus. Furthermore, insights about leveraging branding for community building and future goals of personal growth, including aspirations of becoming an NCAA basketball referee, are shared.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Community and Leadership: Emphasizing the importance of genuine leadership and fostering community within student affairs.
• Mental Health: Highlighting the critical role of mental health support and breaking the stigma associated with it.
• Social Media Presence: Encouraging student affairs professionals to utilize social media to tell their stories and engage with students.
• Event Management: Discussing the significance of student engagement through events like homecoming concerts and pre-game tailgate concerts.
• Collaboration: Stressing the power of partnerships and collaboration within the university, especially between student affairs and athletics.

QUOTES

• "Tell your story, the good, the bad, the ugly, how you got to where you're at is a key part of it."
• "We don't tell our story, especially in student affairs… you don't find them. They're a ghost."
• "We have to have courage. We have to have bravery, um, in these walks that we walk."
• "Being genuine is key. That's key. I take a lot of pride in being genuine and being authentic."
• "Hire good people, give them the resources that they need to do their job, and then get the heck out of their way."

Connect and learn more about Mike Wilkinson.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelwilkinson7/

If you enjoyed this episode of In the Club Podcast with Club Colors, please leave us a review on your favorite podcasting platform!

Club Colors: https://www.clubcolors.com/

In the episode In The Club powered by Club Colors, we are joined by Mike Wilkinson, the Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs at the University of South Alabama. Mike shares his unconventional path into higher education, starting from his freshman year at the Air Force Academy and his early aspirations of a career in sports. He discusses the pivotal moments that shifted his focus towards student affairs, including personal challenges such as his mother's health struggles and his transformative experience with the Houston Rockets. Mike emphasizes the importance of core values like family, trust, empathy, and creating happiness, and how these values guide his approach to supporting students. The conversation also explores the role of student affairs in enhancing the student experience and the critical skills gained outside the classroom. Mike shares insights on overcoming imposter syndrome, balancing career and personal life, and the significance of storytelling and visibility in higher education.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Career Journey: Mike Wilkinson's transition from aspiring sports professional to a leader in higher education demonstrates adaptability and resilience.
• Personal Adversity: Personal experiences, such as his mother's illness and recovery, significantly influenced his career in student affairs.
• Student Affairs: Emphasizes the importance of holistic education that includes both academic and extracurricular activities, instilling critical life skills in students.
• Leadership: Attributes like empathy, trust, and the ability to handle imposter syndrome are vital for effective leadership in student affairs.
• Community Engagement: Strong student leadership and storytelling are essential in promoting student involvement and success.
• Work-Life Balance: The dedication to student affairs often involves long hours and personal sacrifices, highlighting the commitment required in such roles.

QUOTES

• "Ultimately, people are on this earth to help each other, to lift one another up."
• "If you can swim in three feet of water, you can swim in 30 feet of water, you can swim in 300 feet of water. It's all about your form."
• "Creating opportunities for people and platforms for people to thrive—that’s something that's important to me."
• "The best conversations, the best moments in my career happened behind closed doors, one on one with students."
• "We play a critical role in the university experience and the life experience of these students."

Connect and learn more about Mike Wilkinson.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelwilkinson7/

If you enjoyed this episode of In the Club Podcast with Club Colors, please leave us a review on your favorite podcasting platform!

Club Colors: https://www.clubcolors.com/