Nov. 11, 2008

1.) Name: Rob Stewart

2.) Current Position & Employer:

Director of Marketing; Texas A&M Athletics

3.) # Years in current position: 4

4.) Why/when did you decide to pursue a career in college athletics?

I was a sophomore in college and, ironically, was getting cable installed in my dorm room. The gentleman hooking everything up and I started talking about sports and he mentioned that his father worked for the Athletic Department here at Texas A&M and that I should give him a call. I did and was passed along to the Promotions & Operations Department. I was fortunate enough to get to volunteer at several events. That was when I knew I wanted a career college athletics. From that point on it was a matter of getting as involved in as many events and opportunities as possible.

5.) Who do you consider to be your role model in this industry?

Drew Martin

6.) What are your career aspirations?

To continue my career in athletics and be a part of something that contributes to the experience of the fans and the student athletes. Whether as an Athletic Director or a member of an executive staff, I do not want to loose sight of those two groups.

7.) How important do you feel your involvement is with NACMA in terms of continuing to grow your career?

Incredibly important. The best way to learn new ideas is by meeting new people and seeing how they do things on their campuses. I am always amazed at the variety of ways that Athletic Departments approach, package and evaluate their marketing efforts. The more you know the more you can keep things fresh and continue to add value to your fans, student athletes, recruits, sponsors, etc.

8.) What is your favorite memory from your job, or project you are most proud of?

About four years ago, or department expanded the number of workers that we employ within the Marketing Office. We will typically have 20-25 students throughout the year. Each of the are charged with researching, implementing and evaluating a marketing plan for one of the sports offered at Texas A&M. It has been very rewarding to see these students come in with little/no experience and leave college with two years of incredible experience. Many of these students have gone onto great careers in sports. It is great to know that our office played a role in the start of those careers.

I only have to choose one, right? The biggest blunder happened a few years ago at our Midnight Madness event (which we call Maroon Madness). Since it was a Friday night before a home football game we did not want to compete with Yell Practice so we decided to set up a temporary court on the football field and add the Maroon Madness to the Yell Practice itinerary. We pulled out all the stops with video boards, spotlights, music and pyro - well, sort of...

The videos, spotlights and music were great! The pyro was another story. We laid out a great plan choreographed to music and everything. Unfortunately, one of the units was not set up properly and tipped over...causing and open flame and making several people run away from the area as well. In addition to the scene, the flame left a nice burn mark on the field (which thanks to some exceptional work by our grounds crew was not too visible on the nationally televised broadcast the next day).

10.) Who has been your favorite coach to work with? (either present or past job):

This is a tough one. There have been many that I have worked with that I have liked for various reasons. Our current softball coach, Jo Evans, has to be on the short list. She truly views her support staff as a family, cares about them personally and is genuinely appreciate of the contributions made to help her program succeed.

11.) What do you feel is the most important quality for those early in the profession to posses?

Assuming that everyone has the DESIRE and COMMITMENT to succeed...Communication. Marketing and Game Presentation is becoming larger and larger each year and the ability to communicate to various groups (i.e. Co-workers, other departments, fans, donors, staff, etc.) becomes more and more important.

12.) What advice would you give to those who are looking to venture into the field of collegiate athletics marketing?

Take time to enjoy what you are doing. This job requires a lot of time, commitment and sacrifice. If you don't take the time to appreciate the role that you are playing in the lives of those around you and recognize that you are a part of a bigger cause then the true gratification of this industry may pass you by.

13.) In your opinion, where is collegiate athletics marketing headed in the future?

It has already started, but it will no longer be marketing a sport. We are marketing an experience. Each year we will find new ways to make our games into events. Facilities, video boards, pregame and postgame activities are just a few ways to do so. And because of the increase cost to supply increase the entertainment value, marketers will be charged to find more cost effective ways to get the word out to potential fans and entice them to support your school.

14.) What is the best advice anyone have ever given you?

It's easy to smile and go the extra mile when you are working on something fun...the people who stand out are the ones that have a smile on their face no matter what they are asked to do.

15.) Who are the people who have influenced you the most?

Mike Caruso, Jeff Schmahl, my family