Michael Sedlak
Avon,Ohio
Summary
Accomplished sales and marketing professional with a 35-year history of success in Northeast Ohio. Specializes in strategic sponsorship, business development, and event management. Leads planning and execution of concerts, sporting events, and large-scale productions. Expertise in sponsorships, marketing, advertising, promotions, media relations, public relations, community relations, and group sales ticket campaigns. Managed accounts for venues like Rocket Arena, IX Center, Wolstein Center, and professional sports teams including the Cleveland Cavaliers, AHL Cleveland Monsters, Cleveland Charge, WNBA Rockers, and AFL Gladiators. As Sponsorship & Marketing Director at Cleveland State University Wolstein Center for over a decade, drove revenue growth through innovative initiatives enhancing engagement and streamlining operations for diverse events and sponsorships.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Partnership Sales
Oak View Group/Cleveland IX Center
01.2022 - Current
- As the Director of Partnerships, I focus on driving revenue by establishing and maintaining corporate partnerships across all business lines, including intellectual property rights, experiential marketing, media, branding, signage, hospitality events, social media, and promotional campaigns. With a primary focus on evening nights for the building.
- Rebuilding Partnerships Post-Closure: Following the IX Center’s 18-month closure and reopening in 2021, I prioritized reengaging former partners while cultivating new business relationships to meet annual revenue targets. Beginning at $0 dollars and in a short period, growing that to $500k in sponsorship by the end of year one.
- Strategic Sponsorship Development: Conduct in-depth research and “needs analysis” meetings to identify partnership opportunities that align with corporate objectives, market strategies, category potential, activation opportunities, and financial goals.
- Corporate Partnership Management: Foster long-term relationships with major sponsors, including Pepsi, Yuengling Beer, Ohio Lottery, Car Parts Warehouse, NRG, and other regional businesses. Oversee sponsorship fulfillment, ensuring brand objectives are met through direct engagement, social media integration, and tailored corporate hospitality.
- Event Revenue Success: Successfully achieved revenue goals by securing “Presenting Partnerships” for the IX Center’s flagship events—Piston Power Show and Trick or Treat Street, generating over $150K in combined revenue.
Senior Manager, Franchise Partnership Marketing and Sales
Cleveland Cavaliers/Monsters/Charge/Gladiators
06.2012 - 12.2021
- Sponsorship Growth & Management: Led the growth, implementation, renewal, and upsell of 40+ partnerships totaling over $2 million annually for nine consecutive years, across Monsters, Cavaliers, Charge, and Gladiators franchises, driving sustained revenue growth and brand engagement. Fostering strong relationships to ensure full activation and delivery of all partnership Key Performance Indicators.
- Cross-Team Collaboration & Operations: Successfully navigated multi-team operations within Rocket Mortgage Arena, collaborating across departments—including hospitality, marketing, finance, facilities operations, ticketing, community and public relations, to deliver seamless sponsor service and problem-solving solutions.
- High-Value Sponsorship Development, Retention & Activation: Developed, managed, and activated 40+ partnerships worth over 2 million dollars in sponsorships annually for nine years, securing high-profile partnerships with Ohio Lottery, Marathon Oil, Subway, First Energy, NovaCare, University Hospitals, and Brewdog Brewery. Achieved a renewal rate of over 95% for directly managed partnerships, ensuring long-term growth and retention.
- Strategic Partnership Management: Oversaw the full sponsorship program for the Monsters' presenting partner, Constellation Energy, valued at over $500K, handling all aspects of implementation and activation, including hospitality, community relations, in-game promotions, and marketing.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration & Problem-Solving: Effectively coordinated across three different sports teams within Rocket Mortgage Arena and multiple departments including hospitality, marketing, finance, facilities, ticketing, community relations, public relations, and operations—to provide superior service and strategic solutions for existing and prospective sponsors.
Director of Sponsorship
Summit Motorsports Park
08.2010 - 06.2012
- Budget & Partnership Management: Oversaw a sponsorship department budget exceeding $1 million at one of the premier NHRA drag racing facilities in the nation. Directed sponsorship renewals, prospecting new accounts, selling VIP suites, and coordinating group sales for corporate events.
- Program Development & Sales Strategy: Designed and implemented new sponsorship programs, budget strategies, and sales goals. Created marketing materials, including brochures and proposals, to drive sponsorship engagement.
- Hospitality & Event Coordination: Collaborated with the Food & Beverage Manager to ensure top-tier catering and hospitality standards were met. Exceeding Summit Motorsports Park high standards and expectations.
- Major Sponsorship Deals: Developed and strengthened partnership programs with major brands, including KeyBank, Budweiser, Pepsi, the U.S. Army, and the Ohio Lottery. Secured and finalized a three-year, $550,000 sponsorship deal with UNI-Select, the second-largest agreement in track history.
Director of Sponsorship and Marketing
Cleveland State Wolstein Center/SMG
07.1999 - 07.2010
- Sponsorship Development: Revamped the sponsorship program by setting new goals, creating sales brochures and proposals, retaining current partners, and securing new clients.
- Increased sponsorship revenue by 100% from 1999 to 2003 ($151K to $302K).
- Continued directing sponsorship through 2010, growing cash revenue to $500K and trade value to $210K.
- Secured pouring rights with Anheuser Busch and Pepsi and negotiated concession sponsorships with Domino’s Pizza, Pizza Hut, and Mr. Hero.
- Cleveland State Basketball Partnership: Supervised two additional representatives during the 2001–2003 seasons, maximizing arena sponsorships, promotions, and ticket sales.
- Assisted CSU Men’s & Women’s Basketball programs in cross-promoting their games through arena events, newspaper ads, and digital platforms like Cleveland.com.
- Marketing & Promotions: Marketing Leadership: Led all marketing activities, including advertising, media relations, community engagement, group sales, and internship management in collaboration with Cleveland State University.
- Partnered with event promoters to create advertising campaigns, negotiate media placement, and coordinate sponsor participation.
- Represented the facility at industry conferences and trade shows, prospecting for new business opportunities.
- Media & Public Relations: Developed marketing collateral, including brochures, TV commercials, promotional videos, and social media content.
- Built strong relationships with local and regional media, serving as the primary press contact for the arena.
- Drafted press releases, arranged interviews with major acts, and coordinated press conferences for concerts and sporting events.
- Major Event Collaborations: Collaborated with Destination Cleveland and the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission on major events, including: 2004 U.S. Olympic Box-Offs, 2005 USA vs. Ireland vs. Italy Boxing Exhibition, 2005 Cliff Keen National Wrestling Duals.
Business Development Manager
Cleveland Cavaliers / Gund Arena
01.1995 - 01.1999
- Promoted to Supervisor and led the design, development, and implementation of a new Telemarketing Ticket Sales program for Gund Arena’s transition.
- Recruited, trained, and supervised a Telemarketing team that grew from 8 representatives (1994-96) to 16 representatives (1997-1999).
- Developed and managed the Inside Sales Manual, along with daily, weekly, and monthly sales reports.
- Worked closely with the Director of Sales to ensure sales goals were met, generating an average of $2 million in ticket & group sales from 1995-1997.
- Managed the season & group ticket sales campaigns for the inaugural 1997 WNBA Cleveland Rockers season.
- Led team morale and sales efforts through the challenging 1998-99 NBA Lockout, sustaining Cavaliers group ticket sales, partial plans, and other Gund Arena events.
Ticket Sales Representative
Cleveland Cavaliers / Gund Arena
01.1992 - 01.1994
- Top-performing sales representative during the 1993-94 "Gateway Guarantee" Season Ticket campaign.
- Generated over $300,000 in revenue during the 1993-94 season ticket & group sales campaigns, including major events such as NHL Hockey, Disney on Ice, Ringling Brothers Circus, WWF, Harlem Globetrotters, and the World’s Toughest Rodeo.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Sports Management
Baldwin Wallace University
Berea, Ohio05-1992
Skills
- Customer engagement
- Sales management
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Multitasking Abilities
- Excellent communication
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Relationship building
- Client relationship management
Timeline
Director of Partnership Sales
Oak View Group/Cleveland IX Center
01.2022 - Current
Senior Manager, Franchise Partnership Marketing and Sales
Cleveland Cavaliers/Monsters/Charge/Gladiators
06.2012 - 12.2021
Director of Sponsorship
Summit Motorsports Park
08.2010 - 06.2012
Director of Sponsorship and Marketing
Cleveland State Wolstein Center/SMG
07.1999 - 07.2010
Business Development Manager
Cleveland Cavaliers / Gund Arena
01.1995 - 01.1999
Ticket Sales Representative
Cleveland Cavaliers / Gund Arena
01.1992 - 01.1994
Bachelor of Arts - Sports Management
Baldwin Wallace University