The legend of #SalesHawks began in February 2018 when thirteen UISRM students, accompanied by four faculty members, traveled to Cleveland for the Sports Sales Workshop and Job Fair (SSWJF). Five years later and for the first time since 2020, the #SalesHawks were back on the road to Cleveland, competing for desirable positions in the front offices of professional sports organizations and building on the legend created in 2018.

Hosted by TeamWork Online and the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on February 3, the event is a premier training and hiring opportunity for aspiring revenue generators in professional sports. At the 2023 event, more than 70 professionals from 30-plus teams from the NBA, NHL, NFL, and NBA led training sessions for the 120 attendees from around the country to develop skills around opening conversations and converting sales.

Just as important as the professional development sessions is the opportunity for attendees to interview with sales managers for full-time revenue generation positions and internships. Of the ten UISRM students to participate, the #SalesHawks collectively participated in 108 interviews. More impressive is that teams made thirteen total offers to the #SalesHawks at the event, with more negotiation and offers taking place since.

When asked about the experience, here is what two of the #SalesHawks had to say about the SSWJF:

Eric Skala (ex. BS 2024, pictured right): Cleveland was a great experience. It was my first step into sales and really changed my view on sales in sports. Sales in sports is all about building a connection with the person on the other end of the phone and being genuinely curious to find what packages work best for their lifestyles. Going into this workshop as a Junior, I didn't get any job offers, but I did get to build numerous connections with brilliant professionals in the industry and receive referrals for internships. I am currently going through the interview process for a Junior Sales Intern position with the Milwaukee Bucks. 

Cody Parrish (ex. BS 2023, pictured bottom right): This was truly an experience of a lifetime, and I am so grateful for all the connections made and the incredible coaching from the sales professionals in attendance. A huge thank you to Anna Jensen, Packy Moran, and Jeremy J. Parrish, for the incredible support and coaching that took place before and during the workshop. This would not have been possible without you all!

UISRM faculty members Anna Jensen, Jeremy Parrish, and Packy Moran connected the 2023 #SalesHawks with alumni who had been through the process with the SSWJF. Conversations helped make the drive from Iowa City to Cleveland useful and maybe go by a little faster.  

“Our group worked hard to prepare,” Moran said. “But hearing from alumni, who had taken advantage of the same opportunities they were about to have, was very impactful. The #SalesHawks culture is alive and well and showed well this week.”   

Alumni Rob McColaugh, Blake Wilshire, Sam Novak, Breanna Kellogg, Abimael Cruz, Scott Schneider, Michael Nieckula, Tanner Natzke, Kyle Zajdel, and Nathan Tauke were among those who were there with a hand extended back to this year’s students.

Congratulations to #SalesHawks Ethan Darby, Alex Robinson, Tyler Craig, Eric Skala, Marc Cortez, Cody Parrish, Nathan Morse, Charlie MacKimm, Jaxton Boyer, and Nick Watson for representing the program with professionalism and earning opportunities within the sport and recreation industry.