Blog - Networks Sports Consulting

NetWorks Small Business Profile – Intelligent Ethos

September 6, 2011 by Angela Taylor

The NetWorks Sports Small Business Profile is a brief vignette that provides a closer look at companies founded by individuals who have been involved in the sports industry at some point in their career. These business owners will share their journey as an entrepreneur as well as insight for those of you interested in starting your own venture.

NetWorks Small Business Profile on Intelligent Ethos and its founder, Dana Winbush

Name: Dana Winbush

Title: CEO & Chief Strategist

Company Name: Intelligent Ethos, Inc.

Company Website: www.intelligentethos.com

Blog/Twitter/Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Intelligent.Ethos

When did you start your company and what was your inspiration for starting it?
Intelligent Ethos was officially incorporated in May 2010. I am very passionate about entrepreneurship, and I had been trying to find my place along this path for some time. After a long career in the workplace, with many ups and downs, I finally concluded that launching my own business was the only option that was acceptable for me. I am equally passionate about seeing other entrepreneurs find success, and my company is designed to do just that.

What’s your Elevator Pitch?
Intelligent Ethos is a proven and efficient resource that substantially impacts short-term success and long-term growth of small businesses by generating steady and consistent revenue for you. Exhibiting the highest standards of excellence, we create tangible results in the form of business relationships and contracts.

What is your favorite part of owning your own business?
My favorite part of owning a business is having the freedom and flexibility to execute my vision every day and to conduct business with people that I choose.

Tell us about your career before you became your own boss.
After beginning my career in account management for national and global telecommunications companies, I transitioned into business development and sales for small businesses in 2002. Representing a human resources outsourcing firm and a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) provider, I have cultivated extensive relationships in the small business community, federal government contracting market, and the professional and trade association sector.

Were you previously involved in the sports industry? If so, what capacity?
My sports history includes being the Head Manager for the Vanderbilt University Women’s College Basketball Program in 1994-1998 under Head Coach Jim Foster. During that time, we achieved one SEC Tournament Championship, one Elite Eight, and two Sweet Sixteens. I was also a team manager for the USA Basketball Training Camp for the World University Games and the Jones Cup in 1997.

What was your goal when starting the company? Has that changed? What is your long-term vision for your company?
When I started the company, my purpose was to help small businesses generate revenue so that they could survive, grow, and stabilize their businesses. The intent is to do this by building and managing customer relationships. At this time, in order for my own company to stabilize quickly, I need to work with more established companies. So, my current offering is more ideal for companies that have been in business at least 3-5 years instead of start-up companies. My long-term vision is to be able to support both types of companies.

What is it like running your own company? Give us a “day in the life.”
I absolutely love running my own company. I love it! It’s all mine. I choose what I do every day. I work harder and I am more focused than ever. Each day, these are the things that I am focused on:

- Client Services and Client Satisfaction
- Positioning for Growth
- Financial Responsibility
- Investing in Relationships
- Building Solid Infrastructure

What are the greatest challenges of owning your own business?
The challenge of owning a business is that it’s a never-ending juggling act. You must review your priorities each and every day. There is no such thing as ‘coasting’. It’s always a grind.

What has been the biggest surprise you’ve had in being an entrepreneur/business owner?
One of the biggest surprises I’ve had in being a business owner is my feeling guilty or uncomfortable about taking ‘breaks’. For the first couple of weeks, I literally would rush through meals because I was so anxious to get back to work. I have now created mechanisms to make sure I take care of my physical health, not letting the business run me down.

What are the greatest rewards of entrepreneurship & business ownership?
The greatest rewards of owning my own business are freedom of creativity and business strategy, flexibility to change direction or priorities at any time, and choosing and controlling my work environment.

Is there a mentor (or mentors) that has helped you along the way?
I have many, many mentors that have helped and continued to help me along the way. The majority of these mentors are business owners or CEOs of large and small companies and non-profits. I have learned about their styles, and I know which mentor to talk with based on the particular need I have at any time. These mentors have greatly accelerated my professional growth, they have helped to shape my ability to make strong decisions, and they inspire me to continuously move forward and to aim for very big goals.

Please share any advice for readers who are considering starting their own business.
If you are considering starting a business, these are my three recommendations for you: - Start sharing your business ideas & plans with potential customers as soon as possible. Knowing that you can get customers right away boosts your confidence in making the jump into entrepreneurship. - Set-up your basic business infrastructure well in-advance of providing services or selling products. Infrastructure includes your business entity (Corp, LLC, etc), Federal Identification Number, Bank Account, Corporate Credit, and other related things.  - Set-aside and stockpile as much CASH as you possibly can. Cash flow is King (or Queen) in early business survival.  - Study pricing to make sure that you set your pricing appropriately. You do not want to undervalue what you do or what you are selling.

Favorite Book: The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann

Favorite Movie: Gladiator

Hobbies: Cooking and Swimming

Favorite Place to Vacation: Beaches in the Caribbean or Mexico

What’s playing on your iPod: I don’t have one. Otherwise, Pink

Android or iPhone:

Mac or PC: PC

Favorite TV Show: Criminal Minds

Favorite Restaurant: Oyamel in Washington, DC

Favorite Quote: Carpe Diem

For more information on Dana, log on to www.intelligentethos.com

Sign up for the NetWorks Sports “Changing the Game” Newsletter today!!

Filed Under: Blog, Uncategorized Tagged With: Career Advice, Dana Winbush, Elevator Pitch, Entrepreneur, Intelligent Ethos, Minority Business, Small Business Owner, Small Business Profile, Vanderbilt

NetWorks Sports Rising Stars – Shalynn Leonard (@Ballihoo_Sports)

September 6, 2011 by Angela Taylor

NetWorks is committed to supporting young professionals looking to get their foot in the door in the sports industry. Our team has received an extraordinary amount of support throughout our careers and are truly impressed with the generation of young leaders who are ready to help take the sports industry to all new heights. If you know of any individuals like this, please let us know about them. If you are in a position to hire or recommend these NetWorks Rising Stars, please contact us and we will put you in touch with them. They are our future!

Today’s NetWorks Sports Rising Star is Shalynn Leonard

Shalynn Leonard

“Shalynn is a very talented individual with tremendous experience in marketing and player relations with the NBA. She is someone who is willing to go the extra mile to make sure that all aspects of a project have been taken care of and is interested in continuing to learn & develop her leadership skills. She is passionate about the sports industry and will be a tremendous asset to any organization.“
–Angela Taylor, President & CEO – NetWorks Sports Consulting

Name: Shalynn Leonard

College(s): Norfolk State University (Undergraduate) and Los Angeles Fashion Institute of Design and Manufacturing

Degree(s): Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies. A.A. Apparel Manufacturing Managment

Twitter: www.twitter.com/Ballihoo_Sports

Resume Available: Yes, upon request (send email request)

Tell us a little about your background.

I was born and raised in the rainy city of Seattle, WA. I’m a HBCU graduate who had the opportunity to play basketball at the D1 level.

What type of work experience have you had?

My work experience consists of many different fields outside the sports industry. Upon graduation, I had the opportunity to be in the Hertz Management Training Program, after 6 months was then promoted to an Insurance Liaison. I have many years in Sales at both Nike and the NBA specialty stores. As well as experience as an Administrative Assistant at Highline Community College.

What type of job(s) are you seeking?

I’m looking to capitalize on my sports marketing experience in a position where I have an opportunity for growth while adding value to the organization.

What is your greatest strength?

My greatest strength would be my strong interpersonal skills. I have an extraordinary ability to interact professionally and build a rapport with exclusive and global clientele.

Tell us about a project that you completed successfully.

My most recent project that I’ve completed successfully would be the 2011 NBA All-Star weekend in Los Angeles, CA. I worked as a Marketing Associate for the Community & Player Program department. I supported the staff in planning player appearances leading up to and during the All Star weekend.

What experience (if any) do you have in the sports industry?

My experience in the sports industry consists of working for the NBA in the Community & Player Program Department. I supported the staff with marketing duties for up coming projects. I assisted in facilitating player appearances for current and former NBA players, worked with internal and external marketing partners and sponsors, as well as contract preparation and negotiation. I also coached girls basketball with my alma mater Rainier Beach High School and Highline Community College.

Why do you want to work in the sports industry?
Working in the sports industry has always been my endeavor. Not only is sports my passion, but having the experience as a student athlete gave me the work ethic and confidence to thrive in this industry.

Who has had the biggest influence on your life?

My biggest influence is God and my family. They believe in me and continue to push me to my purpose. My mother always told me to “Go after my passion and the money will follow,” that statement has always stuck with me to this day.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In 10 years, I see myself as one of the leading women executives within a sports management organization. I will be a mover and a shaker who continues to strive for excellence.

Anything else we should know about you?

I will be pursuing an MBA in Sports Business in the Spring of 2012. In the Summer of 2012, I’ll be coordinating my first annual girls basketball camp in various cities. I also had the chance to attend high school with the NBA likes of Jamal Crawford, Nate Robinson, and Terrence Williams.

For more information about Shalynn or to request a resume, please send an email to info@networkssports.com

Follow NetWorks Sports on Twitter at @NetWorks_Sports

Filed Under: Blog, Future Leaders, NetWorks Newsletter Tagged With: future leaders, NBA, Shalynn Leonard, Sports Business, Sports Careers, Young Leaders

NetWorks Sports Small Business Profile: Black Sheep Consulting

September 6, 2011 by Angela Taylor

NetWorks Small Business Profile on Black Sheep Consulting and its Founder, Jay Mayes

Jay Mayes, President of Black Sheep Consulting

Name: Jay Mayes

Title: President

Company Name: Black Sheep Consulting

Company Website: www.thebettersheep.com

Blog/Twitter/Facebook: http://www.twitter.com/JaysBetter

When did you start your company and what was your inspiration for starting it?
I started Black Sheep Consulting in late 2010 after what I like to explain as my “Jerry Maguire Monument”. After over 7 years working on the business side of professional sports and moving across the country 3 times to work my way from a part-time intern with an NFL team to a Corporate Executive with a NBA franchise I suddenly, became underwhelmed with the direction of the professional sports industry and specifically with my role in professional sports. Over my years working in the sports industry, I had become pretty good at creating programs that helped my clients sell their “stuff” to fans and consumers. Many of the programs I created focused on ways to generate more revenue for my clients.

I woke up one day and decided, “I wanted to invest my time and skills in people”. Instead of creating those programs to just generate revenue I wanted to create programs that would help to generate change.

So I went in search of a role that allowed me to use my skill sets and experience in Sports and Entertainment, but also would allow my to help others. I would probably still be looking for that job if it wasn’t for a friend who suggested that I write out the description of my perfect job that might help me narrow my search, so, I did. I sat down one day and wrote exactly what I wanted in a role… Sports Marketing + Cause Marketing.

But instead of continuing my search, I decided to start a firm that did just that.

What’s your Elevator Pitch?
As more organizations begin to focus on Cause Marketing, it is our mission to create programs and partnerships that bring together what we call the “Big Three” causes/non-profits, companies and athletes into integrated programs that achieve real results and the create real change in the lives of the people they touch.

What’s the company’s Mission Statement?
We Aim to be industry innovators; we will continually work to challenge the “status quo” by building partnerships based on innovation, trust, and common goals. We will create uniquely customized programs, ideas, and partnerships that work to do GOOD and yield measurable and meaningful results for our clients.

What is your favorite part of owning your own business?
Here are my 7 favorite aspects of running Black Sheep Consulting:

1) Creating my own work schedule…. there’s nothing like it!
2) Doing conference calls in my PJ’s
3) Being able to do what I love all the time!
4) Working with GREAT people (I love my team) #teamblksheep
5) Watching the morning edition of Sports Center twice as I do my morning calls and emails
6) Not having to wear a suit everyday
7) Knowing that what I am doing is going to make a difference in someone’s life!!

Tell us about your career before you became your own boss.
My career before becoming my own boss was great, I had the opportunity to work with some amazing people across various levels of sports. I have been able to work with and learn from some of the best in the industry. I have also had the opportunity to travel the county, learn, and sell for an eclectic group of sports properties, and sports agencies. I have learned the importance of teamwork, communication, honesty, dedication, and passion in your life’s work. And I have also learned that if you love what you do, it never feels like work!

Were you previously involved in the sports industry? If so, what capacity?
My career has given me experience both on the agency side and team side of professional sports, which has provided a great foundation and vision for Black Sheep Consulting. My experience includes NFL, NBA, WNBA, NLL, MLL, WPGA, Motorsports and Professional Horse Racing. While Mayes’s agency work includes a stint with A. Bright Idea Sports Marketing, and consulting relationships with Clutch Media, Hands On Sports & Entertainment, Networks Sports and TOAW Modern Marketing. I have learned many lessons of the course of my career that I believe have prepared me for this next career challenge.

What was your goal when starting the company? Has that changed? What is your long-term vision for your company?
From the outset, I wanted to start a company that I was proud of. I wanted to be able to wake up and do something that I loved every day. My goal was to use my gifts and talents to do good in the community, build meaningful Cause Marketing partnerships and programs that linked companies, causes, and athletics in a way that accomplishes specific goals and objectives for each. Our long term goals included becoming leaders in the cause marketing industry. To create innovative cause marketing + sports marketing programs and partnerships that work to help make real change in the lives of others.

What is it like running your own company? Give us a “day in the life.”
It’s the most fun I have ever had, but it’s also the biggest challenge that I have had professionally. Every day is different, but I have learned over the last 10 months that building a structured day and week is critical in staying on task and making sure that projects are completed on time. My day typically begins early with emails, research and catching up on the “biz”, this includes reading articles on causes, athletes, and trends within the sports marketing + cause marketing industry. Many of my weeks are set around pushing particular projects forward, Sunday nights are my time to lay out my weekly plan around each project. From there I prioritize need actions and place them in the appropriate order. After my morning emails and research, I dive into each day’s plan, which might include, meetings, phone calls, program generation, presentations, and business development for the company. My late afternoon is reserved as “ME” time, this is my time to relax, workout, reconnect with friends or run some personal errands. I think it’s important to do something for yourself every day. I think sometimes we get some caught up in taking care of everything and everybody else that we forget to do what makes us happy. After dinner, I typically do a few more hours of proposal work or research on the couch or outside on the deck (weather permitting) before bed.

What are the greatest challenges of owning your own business?
One of the biggest challenges in owning your own business is realizing that you may not be able to do it all. I have learned that we all are good at something, but no one is good at everything. So I decided that I was going to stick to doing what I do best and surround myself with great talent in those other areas and that is what I have done. This has truly allowed me to work to move projects forward while letting my team do what they do best.

What has been the biggest surprise you’ve had in being an entrepreneur/business owner?
How a small team of dedicated people can pull off a great program and change peoples lives!

What are the greatest rewards of entrepreneurship & business ownership?
Doing great work with great people!

Is there a mentor (or mentors) who has helped you along the way?
I have many mentors.

Please share any advice for readers who are considering starting their own business.
My advice for anyone who is considering starting their own business is DO IT!

Create a great plan and stick with it!

Surround yourself with great people!

Don’t be afraid to ask for help!

Learn from the mistakes of others.

Favorite Book: Rules of the Red Rubber Ball – By Kevin Carroll

Favorite Movie: Love Actually

Hobbies: Lacrosse, Fishing, People Watching

What’s playing on your iPod: Drake, Little Wayne, Kanya, Kid Cudi, Wiz

Android or iPhone: Android

Mac or PC: Mac

Favorite TV Show: Always Sunny

Favorite Restaurant: I prefer to grill at home!

Favorite Quote: “While everyone is trying to make a dollar, we are trying to make a difference”

For more information on Jay Mayes & Black Sheep Consulting, log on to www.thebettersheep.com

To find out about other small businesses, sign up for the NetWorks Sports “Changing the Game” Newsletter today!!

Follow NetWorks Sports Consulting on Twitter at @NetWorks_Sports

Filed Under: Blog, NetWorks Newsletter, Small Business Profile, Uncategorized Tagged With: Black Sheep Consulting, Cause Marketing, Consulting, Jay Mayes, Small Business Profile, Sports Careers, Sports Consulting, Sports Industry, Sports Sponsorships

NetWorks Book of the Month – Rework by Jason Fried (@JasonFried) & David Hansson (@37Racer)

September 6, 2011 by Angela Taylor

This week’s NetWorks Sports’ Recommended Book is Rework by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson.

As with many busy corporate executives and small business owners, finding time to read for leisure is a challenge. Despite the challenges we all face in carving out valuable time to do something that is relaxing & edifying, every now & then you come across a book that offers a refreshing new perspective on an aspect of your life that you have dedicated an inordinate amount of time. Not surprisingly, we all have a lengthy list of books (or authors) that we want to read when we have a moment.

Rework is one of those books. Recommended by a close friend, Jennifer Azzi (Olympian and current Head Coach at the University of San Francisco) a year ago, it was easy to go online & order the book immediately with the hope that I could find the time to dive into the book at some point. The first few pages of Rework were so fascinating that I immediately went out and purchased copies for friends & colleagues who I felt would be inspired by reading it as well.

The best thing about Rework is that it isn’t your typical business book that dispatches career advice that we have all heard incessantly. The authors actually challenge you from the jump and want you to get a bit uncomfortable with your normal way of thinking or approaching your life and carer endeavors.

Rework, written by the founders of 37 Signals (online platforms for CRM and productivity tools), is another powerful book that can be read from cover to cover in one sitting. As the title suggests, the authors want to compel readers to “rework” their old methods of doing business and challenge what other standard business books suggest that you spend an inordinate amount of time on (from business plans to hiring staff). Over the course of these easy flowing chapters, they share their advice for rewriting the rules we have all learned “should” help lead us to successful business endeavors.

If you are an entrepreneur, this is a must read. But the book’s lessons aren’t limited for those who are looking to venture out on their own. The simple strategies & rules are applicable in any situation and for anyone who is willing to buck the system & think outside of the box a bit. Many times, we find ourselves operating under the same principles over and over and it takes a new voice to awaken our creativity.

After reading the book, you may not be compelled to follow all of the advice, but you will certainly look at things differently. If you are interested in a new perspective on how to move forward with your business and are willing to challenge the way you currently do things, you’ll enjoy this new and unique guide to reworking your business!

Follow NetWorks Sports on Twitter @NetWorks_Sports

Filed Under: Blog, NetWorks Book of the Month, NetWorks Newsletter Tagged With: 37 Signals, Booke Review, David Heinemeier, Jason Fried, Rework

NetWorks Sports Spotlight Interview with Curtis Symonds, CEO of The HBCU Network (@HBCUNetwork)

September 6, 2011 by Angela Taylor

NetWorks Sports Spotlight Interview with….Curtis Symonds, CEO – The HBCU Network
By Tracey Savell Reavis

Curtis Symonds (foreground), CEO of The HBCU Network

Are you ready for some football? SWAC or MEAC Conference football? Then get ready for blanketed coverage, as the new HBCU Network, set to launch later this month, will air a full slate of games such as the Howard vs. Morehouse rivalry, and more. And we have network CEO Curtis Symonds to thank for it.

Symonds is a cable-broadcasting and marketing veteran, who has been an executive producer, a VP and a COO for such companies as BET, ESPN and the WNBA, in a career that spans more than 25 years. He wants to bring attention to the 105 historically Black colleges and universities situated in 20 states mostly across the mid-Atlantic and south. He’s hoping to capitalize on the fact that no one else is providing programming on HBCUs for an HBCU audience. Aimed at African American students, young adults and HBCU alumni, the 24-hour cable channel will provide sports, entertainment and original programming, and help create awareness of the culture of HBCUs. In addition, the schools themselves will hold a 20 percent interest in the channel, providing incentive for its success. Symonds, an Oberlin, Ohio, native hopes with this month’s ‘soft launch’, and some much-needed grassroots support and word of mouth, the channel can count 10 million subscribers by the Feb. 2012 official launch.

We caught up with the busy executive, who’s been collecting a ton of frequent-flyer miles traveling between his home in Fairfax, Va., and Atlanta, Ga. where the cable channel is based. Symonds talked about how passion, sweat equity and confidence led him to this opportunity at this point of his career.

What are we going to see when the HBCU Network launches?
Sports will make up about 28 percent, with live game coverage. But it won’t be just sports. There will also be entertainment programs, lifestyle programming. We want to create more exposure for historical Black colleges. We want a platform of programming that really focuses on the history, the legacy, the lifestyle, the culture of historically Black colleges. We want to be authentic, we want to be aggressive, and we want to be audacious in our programming.

Why is it so important that there be an HBCU Network?
Because there is a lot of heritage there. This is our heritage. We feel that the fact that no one is really doing anything on historically Black colleges and universities, that we have a big window here.

And would you say not enough is being shown now, or is it that it’s not being shown in the right way?
I don’t think it’s being done at all. Right now ESPN does some Black college football and basketball games. But sports is only one element of historical Black colleges. There’s so much more than that. With this network and the programming, we want to expose why it makes sense to go to a North Carolina A&T, which has one of the best engineering divisions, or a Hampton, which has one of the best NASA programs in the country. We want people to become more aware of how great these places really are.

So your research has showed there is an audience for this?
No question. I think what is overlooked is how really big that audience is. The cable operators don’t understand how big the alumni base is across the country. I think this channel has the opportunity to be one of the biggest history makers in cable television that there has ever been.

What’s the vision of the HBCU Network, and what do you want to accomplish with the channel?
Really, we want to create more exposure for historical Black colleges. We want to showcase the 174-year history and heritage of HBCUs. We want to increase distribution, and drive more revenue to the colleges.

You sound pretty passionate about what you’re doing? Why do you believe so strongly in this channel, and why this project now?
The reason I believe in it is because I’m a baby of HBCUs. My mother taught at Central State University for 40 years, I graduated from Central State. I’ve always believed in historically Black colleges.

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in trying to launch this and how have you been successful in overcoming them?
The challenges have really been educating white cable operators on the value of this network and why this product makes sense. Many of them are not willing to take a chance, or they’re not willing to put themselves out there politically. It amazes me that in today’s world of cable television, no one has a problem with multiple Hispanic channels. And yet they want to limit the African-American channels to single digits.

What, if anything, would you say has been a key to your successful career?
There’s one thing that I can point to over my lifetime, one thing that has driven me. Back when I was in high school, I didn’t make the basketball team. And I told the coach then that was not going to stop me from playing college basketball. And it didn’t. I played four years. And that just told me that if I really want to do something, if I really put my mind to it, I can do it. That’s the same objective that I have for my life. I don’t stop striving because no one can tell me no.

What advice do you give young people starting out about how to reach their career goals?
First of all, today’s kids feel a certain sense of entitlement. They don’t understand sweat equity. But that’s what it’s about. I worked my ass off to be where I am today. No one gave me anything. I had to earn it. Today’s kids think, “I got a four-year degree, you owe it to me.” No I don’t. I don’t owe you shit. At the end of the day, you have to show me why I should hire you.

What do you think young people needed to focus on most starting out in their careers?
I tell kids to connect with people who can help you down the road on your career path. And sometimes that means stepping out of your comfort zone. Building your network is key. And investment. At the end of day it’s about ownership. Instead of dumping a million dollars on that house, invest in our community. We have to start thinking ownership.

You’ve worked for BET, ESPN, the WNBA, and I’m sure had a number of accomplishments along the way that you are proud of. What would you say has been the highlight of your career?
Well a highlight certainly was what I was able to do at BET. But I’d have to say this is it. This is what I’m proud of. To be able to run my own cable network … this is lager than life. I don’t think there’s a better opportunity out there. This is history making.

GET TO KNOW CURTIS
Daily Newspaper: Washington Post & USA Today
Top Vacation Spot: Hawaii
Favorite Place to Visit: Chicago
Favorite Sport(s): Football and Basketball
Favorite Type of Music: Jazz
Favorite Musician: Grover Washington, Jr.
Favorite Movie: Remember the Titans

Follow The HBCU Network on Twitter @HBCUNetwork and find out more about what he’s doing on his website www.hbcunetwork.com. You can show your support for The HBCU Network by Signing the Roll!

Follow NetWorks Sports Consulting on Twitter @NetWorks_Sports and sign up to receive the “Changing the Game” Newsletter today!

Let us know what you think of this NetWorks Sports Spotlight Interview with The HBCU Network CEO, Curtis Symonds, in the Comment section below!

Filed Under: Blog, NetWorks Newsletter, Spotlight Interview Tagged With: BET, Curtis Symonds, ESPN, HBCU, HBCU Network, HBCU Sports, WNBA

In Their Own Words with Romone Penny, National Tax Associate Rotator @Ernst_and_Young

September 6, 2011 by Angela Taylor

In Their Own Words profiles former student-athletes who have leveraged their experiences on the field, court, and in the pool to buoy their professional careers. They’ve had success in the classroom & in their sport, and now are enjoying tremendous success in various sectors around the world.

In Their Own Words with Romone Penny

Romone Penny - National Tax Associate Rotator, Ernst & Young

Another success story from John Rice’s Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT) program, Romone Penny grew up in Minneapolis and as a result of his academic & athletic success now runs with the elite in Washington, DC.

In 2002 & in partnership with the MLT Program, NBA All-Star Kevin Garnett (then with the Minnesota Timberwolves), handpicked Romone to take part in the inaugural program under his 4XL initiative. Penny was one of two students who participated in a weekend-long immersion into the business aspects of the NBA. That experience, coupled with his stint playing on the hoops squads at Florida State and American University, has served as a strong foundation for his current success as a finance executive with Ernst & Young.

What is your current title and how long have you been in this position?
I am currently a National Tax Associate Rotator at Ernst & Young in Washington, DC. I transferred to EY’s National Tax Division in November in 2010. I interned with E&Y in 2007 and had worked with the organization in Business Tax Compliance since 2008 prior to moving into my current position.

Tell us what your specific role is with the organization?
I assist the National Tax office with Accounting Methods and Inventory. In this division, we focus on what is currently impacting business operations, and we’re asked to anticipate future political, legislative and regulatory changes. We help companies prepare for the issues that are likely to have an impact in the future. We provide our national EY offices and clients with a deeper analysis of congressional and IRS actions. A normal day for me includes extensive research and formulating advice on complex technical issues, and reviewing to EY’s national practice offices, and reviewing tax accounting methods applications.

What is your favorite part of the job?

Meeting every other Tuesday for our Federal Tax Services (FTS) Knowledge Sharing lunch meetings. Some of the country’s top practicioners share what they are working on and we chime in to help solve issues, ask questions, and also share what we have learned in the previous weeks, all while enjoying free lunch. Sometimes a few of the partners (that are attorneys) get into deep discussion and small debates as if they were in court….it gets pretty intense lol, but more importantly makes me want to step my game up so I can be able to do that in the near future…

What was your first “REAL” job?
My first “REAL” job was with Ernst & Young. I started in 2008 shortly after college. I accepted the position during my internship with the firm in 2007. I am still with the firm, just in a different position/role. One lesson that I learned was to always be proactive and get your work done asap, never procrastinate because more work will pile up quickly.

Has being a competitive athlete helped you in your current role or during your career? If so, please tell us in what ways.
As my mentor, John Rice says, you can tell the type of person that someone is by the way they play. I believe that is true for me. I am very passionate and competitive. I like to share the basketball and I am a considerate individual off the court. Most importantly I am a solid team player that tries to have good communication skills, adapting to unfamiliar situations, and never giving up. I feel like there is a direct correlation to my skill set on the court and my approach with my career. I am always willing to help others out, I am proactive, and always asking questions at work becuase you can always learn from others – just like in sports.

What do you miss and what don’t you miss about being a competitive athlete?
I miss listening to the fans/crowds. I miss practicing and traveling with my teammates. I miss coming up with songs or a motivational saying to get my teammates pumped up!..I miss talking trash…I do not miss sitting on the bench haha…

What was your most memorable moment as an athlete? What was your most embarrassing moment?
Playing in the 2008 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament vs Tenn Vols. The game was on national television and everyone at my barber shop (Eddies, Washington, D.C.) was cheering for me/us!….My mentor and old coach flew out to make the game so that was a great experience. We lost, but at the end of the day I was happy becuase that was my dream to play in the NCAA tournament as a D-1 student-athlete.

How often do you workout? What type of things do you do to stay active?
I play bball 2-3 times a week…try to lift 2-3 times a week…do pushups almost everyday. During the summers, I practice with the WNBA’s Washington Mystics. When I am not doing that, I am playing with my friends in local gymanaisums in NW Washington, D.C. I also train kids for a program called “1 on 1 basketball” so I try to do drills with them.

Do you have a mentor (or mentors) who has helped you along the way?
Yes, Rex Holland – a father figure, mentor, and good friend. Took me under his wings since I was about 11. He is a very successful business man, hard worker, and trustworthy.

John Rice – like an older brother, a mentor, and friend. Helped me realize my talents and potential. Introduced me to so many successful individuals that support me in all of my endeavors. Created a home away from home while I was in college. Gives me adice on various issues from sports, to business, to women…

Martin Gruenberg – friend and mentor. Fairly new relationship, but has been extremely supportive and made me feel like family. I coach his son, Paul in basketball, and Marty and I have conversations about sports, life, and family. Gives me advice on careers and keeps me grounded. I also learn from him by his characteristics of being personable and patient.

If you knew then what you know now, is there anything that you would do differently in your career?
Yes, I would have watched more film including practice and games. I would have saved money instead of spending it on stupid things when I was in college. I would have reached out and stayed connected to more Alumni and donors from my schoools…..

Who has had the biggest influence on your life?
Rex Holland, John Rice, Phyllis Tines (mom)

Do you have any advice for young professionals and/or former student-athletes hoping to have a successful career after sports?
START NOW!!!! and use your resources/contacts…

Favorite Book: The Blind Side and The Alchemist

Favorite Movie: Tombstone

Hobbies: Reading, Swimming, Coaching, Writing, searching for underground music, dancing, laughing

Favorite Place to Vacation: Florida

What’s playing on your iPod? J. Cole, Jay-Z & Kanye “Watch the Throne”, Big Sean

Android or iPhone? Blackberry

Mac or PC? Mac

Favorite TV Show: ESPN

Favorite Restaurant: Bonaparte Washington DC

Favorite Quote: “Be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind” ~ unknown

To read more “In Their Own Words” on student-athletes doing great things after graduation, sign up for the NetWorks Sports “Changing the Game” Newsletter today!!

Follow NetWorks Sports Consulting on Twitter at @NetWorks_Sports

Filed Under: Blog, In Their Own Words, NetWorks Newsletter, Uncategorized Tagged With: American University, American University Men's Basketball, Ernst & Young, former student-athlete, john rice, Management Leadership for Tomorrow, Martin Gruenberg, Minneapolis, MLT, Rex Holland, Romone Penny, Sports Business, Watch the Throne

NetWorks Sports Poll of the Week – Should Texas Stay or Should they Go?

September 5, 2011 by Angela Taylor

Just when we were all settling in to watch another exciting college football season and getting used to seeing Nebraska mentioned as a Big Ten school or Utah actually being in the conversation for a BCS berth, the folks in the Burnt Orange started flaunting their new Longhorn Network. As a result, their rivals to the east, the Texas A&M Aggies started to make headlines as rumors swirled about their desire to leave the Bix XII and the SEC’s interest in adding them to make a mega-conference.

After several days of fiction, the SEC Presidents came out and said that they were not interested in adding another school…just yet! Well, that is sure to change as A&M has notified the proper folks of their plans to “SEC-ede” from the Big XII Conference and the consensus is that they will soon announce that they will land in SEC country.

While Twitter went ballistic tonight as Under Armour and the Maryland Terrapins debuted one of their 32 iterations of uniform combinations (let’s hope the other 31 look much better), the main topic of conversation this weekend involved the great state of Texas. If you’re a fan of sports, you’ve had this discussion at the water cooler, via Twitter, and at your family BBQ…

Take our poll: If the SEC opens it’s arm to Texas A&M, what will Texas (and in essence, Oklahoma’s) response be. Should the Longhorns stay in the Big XII or should they go elsewhere?

[polldaddy poll=5427824]

Filed Under: Blog, NetWorks Newsletter, Poll of the Week, Uncategorized Tagged With: Big XII, College Football, conference realignment, ESPN, Longhorn Network, NCAA, Oklahoma Sooners, Pac-12, SEC, Texas, Texas A&M

NetWorks Sports Industry News – Girls Who Run the World (Sports World, that is)!

August 2, 2011 by Angela Taylor

Girls Who Run the World (or Sports World)
Written by Angela Taylor

This goes out to all my girls
That’s in the club rocking the latest
Who will buy it for themselves and get more money later

Who Run the World? Girls!

This goes out to all the women getting it in,
Get on your grind
To the other men who respect what I do
Please accept my shine

Well, there’s no doubt that Beyonce Knowles is certainly one of the entertainers who is running the world these days as is evidenced by her latest hit song (lyrics listed above) Girls Who Run the World.

Hope Solo

Following in her footsteps, it seems like several female athletes have taken Beyonce’s lyrics to heart and are trying to put their own stamp on the sports world.

While the sports industry remains a male-dominated industry and the support for women’s sports (team & individual) is modest at best (but growing), a few women have leveraged their athletic skills to demonstrate their marketability, which may eventually allow them capitalize financially.

The summer of 2011 has seen two injured stars re-acquaint themselves with the winner’s podium (Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova), a young hoops star captivate the attention of the best to have ever played (Maya Moore & MJ), a tennis star captivate a country (Li Na), and a team (USWNT) compel Americans to actually enjoy watching more than one soccer game in a week.

As a result, corporate marketing departments are opening up their vaults to a group of athletes who had only seen modest endorsements opportunities in the recent past. Now, not to get ahead of ourselves, because the market & ability for female athletes to garner the eight figure endorsements that their brethren make is no where near, but we are making progress.

Here are a few of those individuals who are leading the charge and dancing to the beat of Beyonce’s hit song.

Maya Moore

In May, the #1 Draft Pick in the WNBA Draft, Maya Moore, signed an endorsement deal with Brand Jordan. Moore, handpicked by Michael Jordan and his Brand Jordan team, was the 1st women’s basketball player to sign on to the brand. That fact didn’t go unnoticed around basketball circles. The WNBA and Maya’s representatives are hoping that such a commitment from the legend himself will provide her with an extraordinary platform to build her brand on a global basis.

Women’s tennis has had a huge boost to its portfolio, as the Top 3 highest earning female athletes (according to Forbes) are all tennis players. The top earner is Maria Sharapova who, it is estimated, earns approximately $24 million per year in endorsements & prize money. Serena Williams, who is reportedly #3 on the list, is making a bit of a comeback on the tennis circuit after missing a year due to multiple medical issues. She recently won the championship at the Bank of the West Tournament in Stanford, CA, which could propel her back to the top of the tennis world and certainly carve into that ranking over 100.

The person who recently leapfrogged Serena to take the #2 spot of the list of highest earners is Li Na, who after winning the French Open earlier this summer has had her phone ringing off the hook with endorsement opportunities. According to her agent Max Eisenbud (also Sharapova’s agent), she has signed 7 deals worth about $42 million over the life of the deals. These deals include contracts with Mercedes-Benz & Taikang Life Insurance Co.

Yani Tseng

Then there’s newcomer & relatively unknown, Yani Tseng the 22 year-old Taiwanese golfer who has quickly burst on the scene in what is promising to be one of the most dominant golf careers (male or female) that we’ve seen in decades. With her recent victory at the British Open (winning that title for the second straight year), etched her name in the history books as the youngest golfer – male or female – to win 5 majors. These praises had been reserved for Tiger Woods, Annika Sorenstam, and Michelle Wie.

But probably the biggest story to follow will be Hope Solo’s. In her two weeks since the Women’s World Cup Final loss to Japan, Solo was on the cover of Sports Illustrated, has driven the pace car at the Brickyard 400, has been on what has seemed like a continuous media tour, had her Twitter followers multiply 30x, and secured multi-year endorsement deals with companies Gatorade and Bank of America.

Solo’s teammates, Abby Wambach and Alex Morgan, have also capitalized on the momentum.

Undoubtedly, more stars will shine as we are a little over a year from the 2012 Olympic Games in London. The Olympics always has a way of generating a few household names. Maybe even putting them on boxes of Wheaties…just ask Mary Lou Retton!

All in all, this is certainly good news for women’s sports. The added attention & increased dollars being spent marketing these athletes should help to bolster attention & support for their sports here in the United States and around the world.

Who runs the world…for the time being, these five girls (or women) are doing their best to make sure that future generations of female athletes will have the chance to take their talents to the biggest stages in sports!

Follow NetWorks Sports on Twitter @NetWorks_Sports and Angela Taylor @AFTaylor22

Filed Under: Blog, Industry News, NetWorks Newsletter Tagged With: 2012 Olympic Games, Abby Wambach, Alex Morgan, Annika Sorenstam, Bank of the West, Beyonce, Brand Jordan, Brickyard 400, Gatorade, Girls Who Run the World. Hope Solo, Li Na, Maria Sharapova, Mary Lou Retton, Max Eisenbud, Maya Moore, Mercedes-Benz, Michael Jordan, Michelle Wie, Serena Williams, Sports Illustrated, Tiger Woods, USWNT, Wheaties, Women's World Cup, Yani Tseng

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