I spent the first part of my career in the sports marketing and media industries where I had the privilege of working with, and learning from, some of the most innovative minds in sports. Those sounding boards that fueled my love of sports and my desire to absorb everything I could about the value an association with sports can bring to brands. The second part of my career, with a few stops in between, has been spent in the durable goods/consumer-packaged goods (cpg) industry.  During that time, I’ve closely followed, and lived, the strategies that have transformed durable goods, cpg, and lifestyle brands into market leaders. At a high level, here’s how those product categories differ…

If you love sports, storytelling, and a little bit of music mixed in, Bill Schoening’s Stories, Sports and Songs is an enjoyable read. Bill, best known as the voice of the San Antonio Spurs, shares a bunch of personal anecdotes from his life behind the mic. What makes the book feel special is how genuine it is. He writes the way he speaks, so it feels like you're just sitting down with him over coffee, listening to him tell stories about the characters and moments he’s encountered throughout his career.

If you’ve ever wondered just how deep the mantra “follow the money” runs in sports, Hot Dog Money by Guy Lawson is a must-read. Lawson’s book dives into the real-life story of Marty Blazer, a financial advisor who, after getting caught mismanaging his NFL clients’ money, became an undercover FBI informant. What he uncovered was a world of bribes, secret deals, and exploitation, all happening behind the scenes at some of college basketball’s biggest programs.

I’ve always been intrigued by why people care so much about the success or failure of the sports teams they follow, professional or collegiate.  For some, I’d imagine, it’s to maintain ties to the school they attended or the community they grew up in.  Perhaps they’ve moved across the country and it’s a way to feel closer to home, friends, and family.