🏆 Career Insights: The Intersection of Business & Soccer

Finding the Intersection of Business & Soccer

Growing up outside Philadelphia, Nick’s love for sports was evident early on, excelling in basketball, soccer, and track. His passion for a career in sports solidified during his time at the University of Richmond, where he earned a degree in accounting while managing the men’s basketball team. “Being around a Division I team every day for practice and games was probably the coolest thing I’ll ever do,” he recalls. After graduation, Nick began his career at PwC in Philadelphia, applying his accounting degree to audit and advise Fortune 500 companies while studying for his CPA license. After 2.5 years, he transitioned to boutique investment firm, FS Investments, where he helped run financial reporting for a number of the firm’s alternative investment funds.

However, his passion for sports remained unfulfilled. Taking a leap of faith, Nick pursued an MBA at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business to realign his career with his long-term goal of working in sports. During business school, Nick immersed himself in the sports industry, working with Duke’s athletic department on projects for the football and women’s soccer teams. He also interned at Nike as a Global Marketing Finance Intern. “It was like a dream come true,” he says of his time at Nike’s HQ in Beaverton, Oregon. Despite his success there, Nick decided to explore opportunities on the team side of sports during his 2nd year at Duke, completing projects with the Arizona Coyotes and a consulting role with Manchester United. Nick’s current role at the Fire came about serendipitously during a spring break trip to Japan, when he stumbled across the job posting on LinkedIn. “You never know how it’s going to work out or when you will learn about an opportunity, so you have to tackle every angle,” he advises. Now, under President Dave Baldwin’s leadership, Nick is helping to revitalize the Fire’s business operations. The team has seen tremendous growth in the past 2 seasons - doubling the club’s season ticket member base, tripling the number of corporate partners, and setting the record for the highest-grossing match in MLS history.

Work Ethic, Self-Awareness, and Positivity

Nick believes success is built on three pillars: work ethic, self-awareness, and positivity. “Anyone I’ve been around who’s really successful… they’re getting 1% better each day.” Whether at PwC or the Fire, Nick has seen firsthand how hard work and passion drive progress. Self-awareness is equally crucial. Acknowledging weaknesses and amplifying strengths allows individuals to delegate or automate tasks effectively. “People who are self-aware of their shortcomings can figure out ways to overcome them,” he explains.

For Nick, positivity completes the equation. “It’s free to be nice and free to be positive,” he says, highlighting that optimism and confidence inspire teams. He seeks out teammates who are curious, flexible, and quick to act. “People who are curious dig deeper and uncover insights,” he says. Flexibility and speed are equally important, especially in the fast-paced sports industry. “The more flexible you are, the more successful you’ll be in pivoting priorities.”

Overcoming Setbacks: Embracing the Journey

Nick’s career hasn’t been without challenges. He’s faced rejection for roles he felt suited for, learning that success is rarely a straight line. “Sometimes you dream about roles, visualize life in a new city, and then it doesn’t happen,” he shares. His approach is to allow himself time to process disappointment before refocusing on the next opportunity. “Just give me 48 hours to get over it, and I’ll be fine,” he says.

These moments have become valuable learning experiences. “You need some struggle; you need some obstacles… it makes you stronger,” he says. Viewing setbacks as part of a compelling career story has helped him navigate ups and downs with resilience. “Think about any movie – there’s always some kind of conflict or struggle. That’s what makes the story compelling, otherwise it would be boring.”

Family and Community: The Driving Force Behind the Work

Nick’s “why” is deeply rooted in the sacrifices of his family. His father, a printer for a Philadelphia newspaper, worked night shifts while still being present for school pickups and practices. His mother, a NICU nurse, devoted herself to caring for critically ill newborns despite the challenges of long shifts and a demanding commute. Their selflessness and dedication inspires Nick to pursue his dreams with purpose. “Whenever I think about taking it easy, I remind myself – they didn’t do all that for me to coast or not go after what I want.”

Beyond his family, Nick finds fulfillment in the communal impact of sports. For him, sports are more than games; they provide joy, connection, and a sense of belonging. “At first, I just loved sports, but then I realized why I loved sports – it’s because of the happiness and connection it brings to people,” he explains. Through his work at Chicago Fire FC, Nick strives to create experiences that unite and inspire communities. “I want to be successful for myself, for my team, and for the community we’re building.”

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