🏆 Career Insights: The Intersection of Sports and Media

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From Ohio State to Sports Media

A proud graduate of The Ohio State University, Alex earned both a B.A. and an M.S. in Sports Management. Initially envisioning a career in collegiate or professional sports, he pursued numerous internships with organizations like the Columbus Clippers, the Great Lakes Collegiate Summer League, and Ohio State’s Athletic Department. However, a part-time job selling ads for the school newspaper to make extra money introduced him to the art of sales. This experience sparked a realization: he could combine his passion for sports with his talent for ad sales. “I was on 100% commission and really had to hustle, but I found I was quite good at it and developed a true passion for sales,” Alex recalls. “I then tried to figure out how to merge the worlds of ad sales and sports to create a career. That led me to apply to companies like ESPN, Turner, and others after grad school.”

Alex started as a Digital Services Representative at Turner Sports, and quickly rose to Sales Planner. He then expanded his expertise at Hearst, 247Sports, and Fandom, sharpening his ability to sell integrated partnerships. In November 2020, Alex joined Sinclair Inc. as the Director of Branded Content Sales for its newly formed Sports Group. Now serving as AVP of Brand Partnerships, Alex oversees digital, social, and audio assets for sports and news while spearheading Sinclair’s talent-led content division, contributing to original shows such as Unfiltered Soccer (hosted by Landon Donovan and Tim Howard), The Triple Option (hosted by Mark Ingram II, Rob Stone, and Urban Meyer) and Throwbacks (hosted by Matt Leinart and Jerry Ferrara).

The DNA of Success & Hiring

In every role Alex has held, one thing stands out: the power of a great team. “The best teams I’ve been part of shared three things: a clear goal, trust, and the drive to get 1% better every day,” Alex explains. He lives by the mantra, “Willing to do what others won’t so we can have what others can’t.” This ethos has guided him through challenges like establishing the sales division at 247Sports or promoting Sinclair’s assets in a competitive marketplace.

When hiring for his team, Alex seeks individuals with intrinsic drive, sales acumen, and a collaborative spirit. “In sales, I look for someone with a strong track record of success in selling integrated partnerships, who is personable, detail-oriented, and truly listens to clients. Creativity and resourcefulness are key to solving client problems,” he says. Alex also values team players who embrace collaboration with colleagues.

Overcoming Challenges & Utilizing Mentors

Throughout his career, Alex has faced challenges, such as selling assets for companies that weren’t “must-buys” like ESPN or CBS. To succeed, he leaned on creativity and a deep understanding of his company’s assets to deliver standout solutions. By cultivating strong client relationships and thinking outside the box, Alex turned obstacles into opportunities.

He credits mentors like Marc Steir and Eric Welles for shaping his professional growth. Marc taught him the art of consultative selling—understanding a client’s business so thoroughly that solutions become transformative. “Marc’s guidance helped me go from an ‘average seller’ to a ‘great seller,’ and I still apply those lessons today,” Alex says. Eric, meanwhile, highlighted the difference between excelling as a seller and leading as a manager. “Eric taught me how to think strategically, creatively, and collaboratively, and how to instill that mindset within my sales team,” he shares.

Family as the Driving Force

While Alex’s career achievements are significant, his ultimate “why” lies with his family. His wife Mallory and their three children—Mason, Hudson, and Weston—are his greatest motivation. “They drive me every day to wake up, be successful, and provide the best life I possibly can for them,” Alex says, demonstrating a commitment to balancing professional success with personal fulfillment.

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