Interview with Go Healthy
Sports Industry Spotlight
Featuring:
Eric A. Mader
VP Sports/General Counsel
Go Healthy, Inc.
If possible, could you summarize your role?
I am the VP of Sports and General Counsel for “Go Healthy” – we have nutritional products created by Dr. J. Robert Cade – the inventor of Gatorade. We are currently in start-up mode as a company and I am essentially the only paid employee. As such, I am in charge of production (i.e. raw materials and packaging, purchasing, co-packer negotiation and procurement). I handle all marketing efforts, website development and implementation, all sales efforts in the “sports” industry, which includes high school, college and pro sports volume purchasing, club purchasing and all retail sales direct to consumer. I also negotiate and review all sponsorship contracts. I handle payables/receivables and basically run the day-to-day operations of the company.
If you were to be talking to someone for the first time about your business and your role, how would you describe what you do (if #1 does not apply)?
I am a Swiss Army knife – I do it all.
How did you get your start or how did you break into the sports industry?
My first introduction into the sports industry was as a college football player. I subsequently graduated with an Industrial Engineering degree, but was unhappy and unsatisfied with that line of work. Prior to law school, I was a personal trainer and worked for a company assisting high school athletes with the college recruiting process. I went to law school with the intent of becoming a player agent, but as I learned about that side of the business, I determined that I could not financially survive without a law firm funding my efforts. Post law school, I determined that a faster track into sports was on the team side and started out as an intern in Arena Football and Canadian Football.
What are the biggest challenges you face in your role?
Logistics issues, managing inventory and controlling capital.
What are the biggest rewards you get out of your role?
I know virtually every Strength Coach and Trainer in the college and pro team arena. They are a great group of people who strive to get the most out of their players and I help them with that goal.
What key skill set(s) do you believe to be the most valuable in your role?
Hard work, good sales skills(a good sales person will always find a job in sports)
What does your companies/team org chart look like in terms of possible entry points for a young professional looking to get his/her start? Non-existent at the moment, but could change as volume and sales increase. Internships in sales mostly then.
In addition to the basic educational credentials, what intangible qualities are most important to success in your field? SALES skills – if you can make me $$$$, I can find a spot for you.
What trade associations/forums/networking groups or seminars do you or your company attend that may make sense for someone to attend?
None
What is the most successful networking tip that you have used that you would be willing to share with others.
I sent out a cover letter and resume to EVERY sports team in the nation -150 plus letters, looking for any job opportunity – it was a high volume “shotgun” effort, but it resulted in 6-8 opportunities and countless other connections. This was 15 years ago, so with the changes in technology, it could be easily done on an even great scale.
What are the top 3 qualities you look for in hiring someone?
Demonstrated ability to work hard and efficiently in an industry that translates to the sports nutrition industry.
What advice have you been given that you would pass on to others looking to break into a career in sports?
Do whatever you can to gain whatever experience you can – you’ll never know when you impress somebody enough to get your next break and it always looks good on your resume.
If you could teach a course, as part of a sports leadership degree program, what would it be and why?
Sports is a BUSINESS – remember to treat it that way.
What did you do during your interview process that separated yourself from others in line for the same job?
See question 10
What has a candidate done, while interviewing with you, to stand out from the crowd?
I haven’t formally interviewed anybody yet, but a background in sales combined with participation on a high level of sports makes a difference to me.
To provide my viewers with a realistic snapshot into your specific industry segment; what is one misconception about your field that you would like to clarify?
Sports supplements can make a significant difference an athlete’s success – my product lines have been used exclusively by over 60 National Championship teams, numerous pro teams and a great many Olympic medalist/athletes.
What is the top reason you decided to pursue a career in the sports industry.
More fun than working as an engineer!
Who mentored you while you were breaking in the field and how did you secure that mentor.
Craig Tartasky – met him at an international sports summit and he offered to talk to me after the summit and made a few calls and directed me to some of the right people. He even hired me part time.
If you were to advise a young professional (or college grad student) who is about to embark on a career search for a role within the sports industry, what 5 strategies would you suggest they implement?
1. Network your butt off in any possible way you can think of,
2. If you can afford it, intern for free in whatever position you can find,
3. Once you make a connection, ask for any introduction to any other sports professional they might know,
4. Persistence is king,
5. Follow your passions, they will always lead you down the right path.
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