Joseph Hart
South Bend,IN
Summary
Experienced business professional bringing over 29 years of experience in the sports industry, having served in sales, customer service, ticketing, contract negotiation, staff development, and food & beverage. Experienced in both launching and re-establishing existing franchises. Executive with success in implementing plans to meet current and future needs.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
President
South Bend Cubs
01.2012 - Current
- Hired to lead and oversee resurrection of an underperforming franchise.
- Developed, led, and accomplished plans to regain profitability of the organization.
- Manage an overall financial budget that drives over $11 million in revenues.
- Responsible for public speaking, media appearances, and all other public relations matters.
- Oversaw development/construction as owner representative for $23 million apartment development located outside Four Winds Field.
- Managed over $8 million in stadium renovations since 2012.
- Rebuilt and trained front office staff to reflect goals, desire, and passion of ownership with focus on growing business both financially and from a public relations standpoint.
- Developed and implemented new strategies and policies to establish long-term business objectives and provide strong and sustainable organizational leadership.
- Cultivated strong relationships with external partners to foster collaboration and maximize resources. Responsible for securing stadium naming rights, Performance Center naming rights and Rooftop naming rights agreements.
- Prepared annual budget forecasts and monitored performance.
- Developed and implemented new strategies and policies in conjunction with team executives to establish and achieve long-term business objectives, providing company with strong and sustainable organizational leadership.
- Established a culture that is customer service-focused.
- Oversee and manage all day-to-day organizational operations.
- Team liaison with the City of South Bend and Chicago Cubs.
General Manager
Ripken Baseball- Charlotte Stone Crabs
08.2008 - 01.2012
- Lead and guided launch of franchise in a new Florida market.
- Drove profitable bottom line in each of my three seasons with the organization.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning.
- Collaborated with Tampa Bay Rays while running MLB Spring Training games on their behalf. Included sponsorship sales, group tickets, and food & beverage operations.
General Manager
Nashville Sounds
11.2007 - 08.2008
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Responsible for selling corporate sponsorships along with group outings
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Performed and sold corporate sponsorships
- Team liaison between organization and Milwaukee Brewers.
Asst. General Manager - Operations
Nashville Sounds
11.2005 - 11.2007
- Responsible for all stadium and facility operations; such as routine maintenance, cleaning, and general upkeep.
- Evaluated department conditions and operations to determine strengths and areas for improvement.
- Coordinated with the General Manager on different operational issues and promotional activities.
- Controlled spending on overhead and equipment by devising and executing cost-management procedures.
- Engaged team members and improved performance by delivering daily updates and conducting regular meetings to obtain feedback and convey new policies.
Account Executive
Nashville Sounds
07.2001 - 11.2005
- Built and strengthened relationships with new and existing accounts to drive revenue growth.
- Qualified leads, built relationships and executed sales strategies to drive new business.
- Sold both corporate sponsorships and group outings.
- Executed successful sales strategies to convert leads into customers.
- Resolved issues promptly to drive satisfaction and enhance customer service.
- Gained understanding of goals, objectives and processes to meet client business needs.
General Manager
Fresno Grizzlies
09.2000 - 09.2002
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
- Maximized efficiency by coaching and mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, company procedures, and technology systems.
- Team liasion between organization and San Francisco Giants.
Director of Food and Beverage
Fresno Grizzlies
09.1999 - 09.2000
- Planned operations to effectively cover needs while controlling costs and maximizing service.
- Hired and led a seasonal staff that consisted of over 100 individuals.
- Delivered in-depth training to workers in food preparation and customer-facing roles to promote strong team performance.
- Identified team weak points and implemented corrective actions to resolve concerns.
- Set and enforced performance and service standards to keep consistent, high-quality environment devoted to customer satisfaction.
- Handled all ordering and food inventory.
- Responsible for delivering maximum profitability by watching all cost and revenue centers.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Sport Management
West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV05.1996
Skills
- Sales Growth and Implementation
- Developing Strategic Partnerships
- Budget and Financial Planning
- Event Management
- Operational Excellence
- Public Speaking
- Contract Negotiation
- Financial Management
- Sales and Marketing
Accomplishments
Florida State League Executive of the Year - 2011
Midwest League Executive of the Year - 2013
Recognized as the Outstanding Young Business Leader by South Bend Chamber of Commerce - 2014
Timeline
President
South Bend Cubs
01.2012 - Current
General Manager
Ripken Baseball- Charlotte Stone Crabs
08.2008 - 01.2012
General Manager
Nashville Sounds
11.2007 - 08.2008
Asst. General Manager - Operations
Nashville Sounds
11.2005 - 11.2007
Account Executive
Nashville Sounds
07.2001 - 11.2005
General Manager
Fresno Grizzlies
09.2000 - 09.2002
Director of Food and Beverage
Fresno Grizzlies
09.1999 - 09.2000
Bachelor of Science - Sport Management
West Virginia University
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