FORD PUGH
Charlotte,NC
Summary
Results-driven sports marketing executive with 3 years of experience in the motorsports and NIL industry, specializing in corporate partnerships sales, brand management, and national activation. Proven expertise in driving revenue through innovative marketing programs, forging strategic alliances, and leveraging data insights. Adept at cultivating relationships with key stakeholders and delivering exceptional client experiences. Self-motivated, team-first individual with a proven track record of cross-functional communication in order to execute and drive company success.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager, Partnership Sales
Fenway Sports Group/RFK Racing
05.2022 - Current
- Hired as the youngest sales manager under the FSG portfolio to develop strategic partnerships between the RFK property and brands looking to maximize exposure through corporate sponsorships of a celebrated NASCAR Cup Series team
- Maintain an active and full schedule of regional and national sponsorship prospect appointments/meetings to exceed our $30 million annual revenue mark
- Maintained partner accounts and cultivated relationships with current sponsors: including Kohler, King's Hawaiian, Wyndham, Fastenal, Castrol, Celsius, BuildSubmarines.com, etc
- Led meetings with the Creative and Brand Solutions teams to develop dynamic sales pitches with presentations that incorporated research showing a clear understanding of the prospective partner's goals and objectives
- Entertain customers and prospective clients at events both on and off NASCAR/RFK/Fenway Sports properties-which ultimately led to landing 2 new partners in HOIST and Consumer Cellular that generates $6.65 million dollars in revenue for our team from 2024-2026
- Worked with Tickford Racing and RFK/Fenway Sports Group leadership on building a pipeline of global sponsorship prospects to bring over Australian Supercars Champion Cam Waters to NASCAR's Cup Series for a select number of races in the 2024 season
- Provide accurate, reliable information for sales forecasts on a weekly basis to leadership.
NIL Corporate & Brand Marketing Associate
LAA Sports & Entertainment
12.2021 - 05.2022
- Assisted in the sourcing of local/national marketing and endorsement NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals under LAA Sports & Entertainment
- Scouted and contacted brands that were active in NIL and aligned with the interests of both the clients and agent
- Built out customized marketing presentations to help promote clients on behalf of agency
- Communicated with brand/business executives and participated in meetings to discuss marketing opportunities for athletes
- Organized and maintained track of all client outreach/engagement under assigned agent.
Recruiting Journalist & Creative Intern
Rivals.com (South Carolina Gamecocks)
12.2021 - 05.2022
- Worked freelance to provide weekly coverage on South Carolina Gamecocks football, basketball, baseball, and University sports news for the new Rivals domain as needed
- Integrated our outlet with the South Carolina football and basketball recruiting landscape, covering high school camps, visitors and all things USC recruiting
- Interview current Gamecock targets, commits, and former/current players
- Managed all social media accounts across all platforms, producing and editing content.
Legal Courier
Richardson, Plowden & Robinson, P.A.
06.2017 - 06.2022
- First job that I started my senior year of high school and maintained throughout my 4 years of college
- Provided administrative support to 40+ attorneys
- Delivered materials to judicial and professional offices statewide
- Managed inventory of office supplies and directed office mail
- Executed daily operations of filing, generating, and mailing invoices, notices, subpoenas, etc
- Tracked and entered data into law practice management software, increasing efficiency and productivity among paralegals and attorneys in firm.
Legislative Aid
South Carolina House of Representatives
Columbia, SC
05.2018 - 08.2018
- Met with constituents to gather information about their concerns and suggestions for new legislation
- Researched topics related to pending legislation, gathered background information, and prepared analyses of potential impacts
- Prepared agendas and minutes for meetings of committees
- Prepared reports for members of Congress about committee and other legislative activities
- Coordinated with members of Congress on scheduling and other administrative matters.
Education
B.S. - Sport and Entertainment Management, Political Science
University of South Carolina
Skills
- Sponsorship Sales and Partnership Execution
- Brand Marketing & Public Relations
- Client Relationship Management
- Interpersonal Communications
- Industry Knowledge and Trends
Leadership Experience
Recruitment Chair, Sigma Alpha Epsilon - Delta Chapter: Elected by fraternity members to represent the chapter and lead all new member recruiting efforts. Created and directed events and managed budget for formal fraternity recruitment events. Networked and developed relationships in order to effectively market the organization to 450+ participants.
Affiliations
- Carolina Sales Institute Member
- Charlotte Young Professionals Group Member
Accomplishments
- Cum Laude Graduate 2022: Recognizes students that graduate with a cumulative GPA of 3.50-3.749.
- SC Life Scholarship Recipient 2018-2022
Timeline
Manager, Partnership Sales
Fenway Sports Group/RFK Racing
05.2022 - Current
NIL Corporate & Brand Marketing Associate
LAA Sports & Entertainment
12.2021 - 05.2022
Recruiting Journalist & Creative Intern
Rivals.com (South Carolina Gamecocks)
12.2021 - 05.2022
Legislative Aid
South Carolina House of Representatives
05.2018 - 08.2018
Legal Courier
Richardson, Plowden & Robinson, P.A.
06.2017 - 06.2022
B.S. - Sport and Entertainment Management, Political Science
University of South Carolina
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