Front Office Features

In this episode we welcome Chad Estis, EVP, Business Operations with the Dallas Cowboys. Chad discusses the beginning of his career as a telemarketer for the Cleveland Cavaliers. We dive into, "getting your foot in the door through sales." We walk through what Chad and his team look for in resumes with entry level, mid-level and senior level positions. He basically tells you what to say in the interview! Career Momentum is a term Chad uses that Rob is 100% going to steal moving forward. We end our conversation with what it is like working for Jerry Jones on a daily basis. A fun episode for sure! Please, share, rate and review! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We welcome Brian Gainor, VP of Innovation of Legends. Brian is a great example of there are more options to work in sports other than the four major professional leagues. He talks about getting his start by volunteering at the University of Florida. We discuss how he decided to get his Masters at Ohio University. Many of you are asking the question, should I go get my Masters. Brian gives you his insight. We discuss what he does every day and where sports is growing. Give a listen and please rate and review! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Buenos noches amigos! Chris recaps his hell week at his house that included the stomach bug and a flooded basement. Rob may. be jet setting off to Barcelona for his 15th wedding anniversary. We dive into the World Baseball Classic and discuss the momentum Baseball can capitalize on from the epic showdown of Ohtani vs Trout. Amazingly, the WBC Final was the most watched Baseball game ever. With the bankruptcy of Diamond Sports and the demise of the Bally Sports Networks, we discuss the future of the Regional Sports Networks. This may be finally where we see the Leagues consolidate their rights and sell them as a package deal, similar to the NFL. Chris has a warning for job seekers out there based on his last few weeks of interviews for the FSM Associate program. He found there to be a clear differentiation between the "haves" and "have nots" when it came to experience folks were able to garner while in college. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jake Hirshman, Manager of Business Solutions for the Arizona Diamondbacks and host of Life in the Front Office podcast, joins Rob on the show. Jake is an interesting cat. He has two masters degrees, is a two-time author plus a STICK on the golf course. Rob can't wrap his brain around how he has a family, important job, done everything he has done and is a 5 handicap. WILD. For the first time in public, Jake tells a story about how he was fired from a baseball operations job and it needed up being the best thing to ever happen to him. We also discuss how the phrase "data and analytics" has made its way from the team operations side to the business side. What does Jake do on a daily basis focusing on the "data and analytics?" What does his day to day look like? He answers that and more during our conversation. Please rate, review and share! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's school vacation week and Chris and his family headed up to New Hampshire for the Weekend where they partook in some of Rob's nightmare activities that involve the cold. The guys agree that anything that requires being outside in cold weather is not for them. Also, Rob has a bone to pick with a local department chain. Chris recaps his yearly Super Bowl adventure that entailed The Killers, Machine Gun Kelly, and The Chainsmokers. Chris once again also may or may not have complained about having to go to next year's event in Las Vegas. Rob makes a MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT as he proclaims he wants to go see a movie.... Air, the Nike story, when it comes out. Chris ranks this as a Top 3 announcement in FoF history and agrees to go on.a date with Rob. We also unveil an amazing newly crafted theme song for our new hit game, LinkedIn Roulette (thanks Pat Story). We also play another great version and breakdown the hits and misses on the world renowned LinkedIn roulette! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We welcome another guest to the show from the Boston Celtics who is hiring! Kate Sullivan who is the Celtics Inside Sales Manager is looking to hire you! Kate tells her very relatable story about how she started her career in the Inside Sales Department with the Boston Red Sox and the steps she took to make that a reality. Kate and Rob hit on Front Office Features mantra 'Effort and Attitude' and telling your why. Why do you want a career in sports? And ENOUGH with the "I just want to get my foot in the door." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We have a guest! Rob's friend and Celtics colleague, Max McGonigle joins the show. We discuss, Max's background, networking internally and externally, what Max does on a day to day basis and Max is currently hiring. The job opening Max is looking to fill has more than 1,000 applicants - 1,000!! How do you separate yourself from over 1,000 people? Max gives you the answers to the test! Plus Rob sings to Max and tells a story about how Sid Bream made him cry as a 9 year old. Please give a listen and share! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We start off by diving into Chris's recent promotion to Vice President at Fenway Sports Management. Chris shares his appreciation for all those who have helped get him here including his parents, colleagues, and this podcast. Rob shares the LinkedIn note from Alex Littlejohn that helps us keep going with this podcast. Appreciation and gratitude makes it much easier for us to find the time. We dive into whether and when it is appropriate to take a call from a recruiter in regards to a new job. A listener struggled with the timing and was concerned based on not being in their current role long enough to consider leaving. We bring back LinkedIn Roulette and have a great laugh. We then had another great laugh as Chris educates Rob on a new term he recently heard.. Cheugy! Plus... go try ChatGPT and be astonished.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Happy New Year! We are back and of course better than ever. A lot has happened in the world of sports and Rob and Chris's world since we last did a Podcast. Rob had his best day ever with his daughter at a Celtics game and Chris ran the gauntlet of events with the Bowl Game, Winter Classic and now Frozen Fenway. Rob also had his best New Years Eve with kids while Chris and Rachel pounded Chinese food for 10. We address the conundrum of having missed out on any sports job or intern experience in college and what you should do now to course correct. Rob drops one of his famous T-Shirt 1 liners. A topic reared its ugly head around folks who are afraid to fly the nest and leave their home geographical area. If that is you, find a way to overcome that fear and take a chance.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris has a beef to pick with one colleague and is calling for a promotion of another. The World Cup is off to a roaring start and the US found their way into the next round. Rob gives the most half assed apology based on our last podcast when he went in on the kid who wrote an article on him. We debate if this is really an apology or just Rob trying to feel better about what he said. The Royal Family is in town this week and throwing Chris's Friday into a tizzy. The Red Sox and FSM announced their jersey partch partner with MassMutual today at a big press event. Rob attended a techno wedding on Long Island but didn't find his way to the dance floor. We then break down LinkedIn messages Rob received and provide real time feedback on what to do and what not to say.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rob made a trip to his alma mater, Springfield College to enlighten tomorrow's sports executives. He was also interviewed for the school newspaper that sent him into a tizzy. A long overdue "Rob Rant" was brought out by the ass-end of the spectrum of kids. We dive into how it's OK to be vulnerable and admit you don't have all the answers. Coming with more poignant questions is more impressive than trying to prove you know it all. Chris had an epiphany while emptying the dishwasher that led to him having empathy for current college students with a looming recession after just getting through a pandemic. Rob's advice is to just get back to the basics and ride it all out. We play a fun game of guess that salary as NY has new laws that require salary ranges for job postings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This could be dubbed the Adam Sandler podcast as we somehow kept finding our way back to the Sandman as Chris saw him live at the new MGM Music Hall last night. Chris recaps his trip up to Montreal as he and Rob discuss how crazy it is that he is now colleagues with Jack Tipton. Highly recommend seeing an NHL: game in Montreal if you ever have the opportunity. Also, a shout out to Matt Ferry of the Yankees as Rob recently caught up with him on a Springfield College networking call. We find out Rob also hates to reach but has recently gotten into audio books. He has some recommendations for our listeners. We dive into the effect Covid has had on younger folks in regards to experiences they've missed out on and social skills that are lacking. We give some solutions on how to fix that and also separate yourself from the proverbial pack. We then go off the rails for a little bit as Chris highlights his call with a kid who was high on their call! Jack Tipton Front Office Features Interview -https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/front-office-features/id1477731022?i=1000455374067 Matt Ferry Front Office Features Interview - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/front-office-features/id1477731022?i=1000459180925 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Happy 3 Year Anniversary! FoF turns 3 and we have our most special guests to date as the wives of Front Office Features join the guys to celebrate the milestone. Prior to Amy and Rachel jumping on, we discuss 2 quick topics around surrounding yourself with smarter people and Rob's fear of social posting. We take a trip down memory lane and hear the wive's take on the start of FoF and their initial thoughts when they first heard about the idea of it. We finally hear Amy's side of the story on her time spent in Battle Creek which of course has a must hear story regarding a hotel stay that would make the most comfortable person squirm. Rachel shares her thoughts on their stop in Albany and the ultimatum that sent them back to Boston. This is a must hear podcast for anyone looking to learn how NOT to communicate with their significant others. And of course learning about Rob's concert going experience as we attended Buno Mars this past weekend at the new MGM Music Hall. THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR A GREAT 3 YEARS! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a long hiatus Rob and Chris get back at it and pick up like we never left. We recap all that has happened over the past 2 months; spoiler alert, it's a lot. Rob had the golf trip of a lifetime as he hit up Pinehurst for a few days and played 7 rounds, including a few barefoot. Also, we learn Rob actually found a show he enjoys as he's hooked on the F1 Netflix show. Chris went to Jersey and Vegas which likely means his fist pumping was in full swing. He also landed Covid for the second time which relegated him back to the porch. We discuss LIV Golf and what it means for the future of the PGA plus dive into what is the best month of the year. We dissect Rob's first partnership deal with the Celtics and how it all came to fruition. Angry Rob didn't make an appearance this time around as his informational interviews have been on fire lately. We promise (sort of) not to go another 8 weeks again! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We recap the month that has been since our last episode that kept Chris and Rob busier than ever. Chris turned 40 and had Paul McCartney sing Happy Birthday to him, Rob went to the NBA Finals, and the US Open came to Boston which netted Chris a new driver from Rory McIlroy. Throughout his NBA Playoff experience, Rob reflected on how far he has come from his days in Battlecreek. Rob goes on an all-time rant as he receives 2 LinkedIn messages that trigger him. He is FIRED up and you have to hear what sent him off. We discuss how you can become a leader without having to have the title no matter how early in your career you are. Chris discusses how he wants to take more advantage of his surroundings and shared a message he had David Ortiz record for Zach upon his Kindergarten graduation. Plus hear the polar opposite story about Rob's encounter with Barry Bonds as a kid in Pittsburgh.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We are finally back! The Crain and Valente households went through Covid hell as everyone came down with it in their family causing a bit of a delayed return. Plus Rob has also been a little busy with the NBA Playoffs and Chris has made a return to more games at Fenway Park. We dive into Rob's assessment of the key differences between working in the minor leagues and what it is now like to work in the major's. He finds the main difference to be the process that includes more individuals on the back end and also with the client. Rob is headed to Miami to watch Game 5 for his first big work trip. We promise not to go 5 weeks in between podcasts again!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HUGE NEWS!!! Rob is joining the Boston Celtics as their new Sr. Director of Corporate Partnerships. Rob shares insight into his decision and how this came to be after a long road of networking and relationship building with the folks at the Celtics over the course of 3 years. In what has been a long journey throughout his career, he has landed with an iconic franchise in a role that he loves. This also was a prime example of how much your name and brand matters as evident by the outpouring of support by Rob's peers to advocate for the Celtics to hire him. Chris complains about his hard life once again having to travel around the world to Liverpool for an awesome experience. Plus he got to hang out with Paddy the Baddy,. The podcast is going a bit of hiatus as Rob gets his new gig up and running and Chris launches the MLB season.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris and Rob break down the important stuff to kick off this week in regards to whether or not chimichangas are overrated or not. Rob also then shares his workout regime and breaks down the difference between Pilates and Yoga. We also learn Rob was on time "that guy" at a craps table breaking his own rule. Chris is relieved that the MLB and MLBPA had cooler heads prevail that allows him to get his life back on track. In other food news, Rob does not appreciate that Capri Sun has not updated their straw process. Chris also points out Capri Sun not in the pouch tastes way different than in it. We eventually lead to a conversation on some rough informational interviews that brings out the determination that not everyone is cut out to work in sports. Rob shares a recent story where he was inconvenienced leading Chris to recall advice he received when he was younger.. 'the key to success is being inconvenienced."  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris and Rob are back at it. After discussing some of their favorite meals and Chris complaining about how many steaks he's been eating they dive into what it's like to be an employee going through a lockout. Chris shares how invested emotionally you can be as it directly ties to your livelihood. But then also sheds some light on the perspective that you need to have with a country like the Ukraine going through what they are. We discuss Gene from Turnkey's interview and how he encourages people to reflect on their career as it moves along. Also, he provides great advice that you should use your worst days to make yourself better.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gene DeFilippo joins Front Office Features to discuss his long career in College Athletics. Gene was the long time Athletic Director for Boston College. Gene walks us through what it takes to work in College Athletics and how to navigate career pitfalls. Gene takes us deep into the inner workings of BC's Athletic Department when they moved from the Big East Conference to the ACC. He describes, in detail that process and gives advice to Texas and Oklahoma's athletic departments who are in the midst of this giant undertaking. We dive in to Gene's current role at Turnkey Search and he ends the podcast with some of the best advice ever given on the pod. Please share and give a listen! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris has escaped his 10 day quarantine and survived the Super Bowl trip to LA. Chris recaps his Covid experience that consisted of old school video games, dropped off meals at the backdoor, and lots of binge watching. After escaping his porch, he headed out to LA for the Super Bowl to rub elbows with the industry and kiss some babies. From seeing Shaq DJ on stage to sipping tequila with athletes, it was a successful Super Bowl weekend trip. Rob and Chris discuss how much they enjoyed the Super Bowl halftime show and how it sent some other folks into a tizzy. We dissect why no one is watching the Olympics and wonder where all the stars have gone. Rob is headed to Seattle for TopGolf live at T-Mobile Park and also hit up the Eddie Vedder museum.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rob is on his own tonight as Chris is out with COVID and relegated to the porch (GREAT Pearl Jam song) in case de Valente. Good news is he is feeling good, and better news is we have a great guest! Bob Lynch started this career in media which lead to the Miami Dolphins, Brooklyn Sports and Entertainment and now running SponsorUnited which is the go-to tool (not an ad) in the sports business world. Bob talks about how it all started, where it is growing and Sponsor University. Their program helps thousands of up and coming sports executives (like you!) get a leg up on the competition through intensive trainings, goal setting and personal development. Give a listen and share! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We go OFF the rails early and often in this episode. Chris sends us down a crazy path after Rob brings up his recent promotion that you need to hear to believe. Let's just say Chris sings a song about a Nun that leaves Rob in tears. After going down multiple rabbit holes from Twitter vs Instagram to other random thoughts, we get somewhat back on track and tackle real life stuff. Looking to change jobs internally? We lay out the process you should follow prior to the job being posted and what you should do afterwards. Rob touches on not over using your political capital on every job that you see open. Plus, if you are looking to leverage a current job offer into more $ at your current organization then you better be ready for the answer on the other end. Rob then closes the show with another golden rule....the U-Haul Rule. Depending how many U-Hauls you need to rent should dictate whether you should move or not.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

True to our word we have someone on the podcast this week who knows what the hell they are talking about in the world of social media and sports. Will Walsh, Fighting Irish alum, joins us to give us amazing insight into the realities of working in Digital and Content for a sports organization. Will shares a great anecdote on his first day on the job and how his Mom kept him moving in the right direction once again proving Mom knows best. We touch on the importance of a recommendation and how that helped Will land the LAFC role. Rob admits to a Film and TV major that he doesn't watch movies or TV and hilarity ensues. But Chris is disappointed to learn Will has never seen The Office. Will dives into the evolution of social media departments through the years and how each platform presents its own set of challenges and skill requirements. Will is on board with the notion that a social media and content department is the team's "Marketing Department" and that those looking to work in sports marketing, that may be your best bet. We briefly explore the Metaverse and what the future may hold for sports teams in this new age of technology. And we couldn't not tell Will about Rob selling out his social feed to post grape prices! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Happy New Year! Rob and Chris are back at it and feeling better than ever. We hear about Rob's Italian feast that he made on Christmas day where Chris makes him an honorary Ginzo. We hear the backstory on why the Wasabi Fenway Bowl was canceled and the ripple effects it has on the people involved. We discuss the AMAZING story of Michael Gartner, the former owner of the Iowa Cubs, and how he presented his former employees with massive checks as a thank you for their efforts over the years. This sends Chris on a rant to encourage people to be more of a Michael Gartner in their career if they ever have the opportunity to. We explore the world of a social media manager at a sports organization and how their world may not always be so glamorous from the inside. There has also been a massive exodus recently of people in these positions and we dive into our theory of why and how that needs to change.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Happy 40th Birthday to our Founder, Rob! The FoF crew went out and celebrated the big event this past weekend at Night Shift Brewing with Rob's friends and family while his wife Amy surprised him with a tribute video. We announced 2 weeks ago that we had the biggest news of Front Office Features yet. In the spirit of full transparency, we walk the listeners through the decision that almost came to end Front Office Features as a podcast. While using our own advice and assessment of our "Why" we realized overall it wasn't time to call it quits but rather get back to basics. We are re-energized and refreshed and have no intentions of stopping anytime soon because we truly care about helping our listeners. We have an amazing and classic Rob Crain story about how a Mayor tried to shake him down for a Police Cruiser. Lastly, we dive into the Endeavor news of them buying 10 MiLB teams and how they can plan to monetize that.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris and Rob are back after a hiatus and a Thanksgiving break. Big news out of Fenway Sports Group as they announced they purchased the Pittsburgh Penguins. A huge move by the organization as it adds an NHL team to an already impressive portfolio. Chris dives into some behind the scenes processes and thoughts on how this all came together and what the future holds for Fenway. We then discuss the future of ESPN and streaming with the announcement by Disney that they will pour $33 billion into content in the next year alone. Plus a big announcement in store for Front Office Features this December!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Crain and Valente household made their way into Boston this past Saturday for an Italian dinner in the North End followed by Topgolf Live at Fenway Park. It was Chris's first experience playing Top Golf and quite possibly Rachel and Amy's first time swinging a golf club. The crew had a blast that was capped with more fun at the Cask N Flagon. Rob details the business model behind Top Golf Live and all the logistics that goes into the traveling road show. Callaway, Rob's parent company who owns Top Golf, reported their earnings today and had a record Quarter mostly thanks to Topgolf. Chris shares the story behind landing the Fenway Bowl Title and how relationships play such an integral role in the world of sponsorships.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Happy Halloween! Rob has a hilarious story as someone stole his table that his family put out to distribute trick or treating. Rob also shares a fun fact on meteorology that he learned today. We have an update on a listener who had received the worst advice we had ever heard in regards to landing a coaching gig. Great news is he is on the right track now. Bobby Valentine is running for Mayor and released an amazing rap video asking people to vote for him. Plus Chris shares a fun fact that Bobby V claims to have invented the wrap sandwich. The whole scenario could be a Seinfeld episode. We then revisit an important topic given how the sports job market is booming. We give you the answers to the test on how to separate yourself and stand out from the proverbial pile. Don't want the job... TAKE THE JOB!. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris's wild MLB Playoff run came to an end this past week as the Red Sox fell to the Houston Astros. We touch on how Fenway has never been more electric and was all made possible by a much younger audience. Rob gets HUGE news that his basketball games are coming back and Chris starts the countdown to Rob's inevitable ACL tear. We take a deep dive into the world of sports and TV viewership. The NFL dominates on an annual basis as they own roughly 95% of the top 100 watched shows on TV throughout the year. MLB has had a major issue with the majority of cord cutters unable to watch their games due to the fact the YouTube's and Hulu's don't carry the Regional Sports Networks. Chris breakdown the future of MLB TV and how in the near future you'll likely be able to purchase your local RSN no different than you do HBO Max. Lastly, we explore the MASSIVE reach of Liverpool FC around the Globe and how their number or fans and viewers dwarfs all US Sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris is at Fenway Park all week with the Red Sox in the ALCS. Go Sox! And Rob is headed out of town to Philly for Topgolf meetings. With all that, we figured we'd try something new. WE are reaching into the Front Office Features Vault and re-sharing our discussion with Sam Kennedy, the President and CEO of the Boston Red Sox. Sam gave phenomenal advice on getting your career started and what he looks for when adding to the Front Office of the Boston Red Sox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Boston Red Sox are in the ALCS again. Chris and Rob played a HUGE role in making that happen by cheering them on and putting the $ in the organization's pocket. :) We dissect what quite possibly be the worst sports job advice we've ever heard. A prospective sports job seeker looking to work as an Assistant Basketball Coach was told the famous "get your foot in the door with anything and work your way to the bench." WRONG! We get a great email which always helps remind us on why we do this podcast. Always much appreciated. We keep exploring the world of sports betting and the ramifications around DraftKings potentially expanding into Europe. Rob watched a movie! Chris is blown away by Squid Game and needs to talk to someone about it. Rob wants none of it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sox vs Yankees. Does it get any better? The MLB Playoffs are here as the regular season has concluded and now the fun begins. We go behind the scenes and discuss the economics and inner workings of the difference between the regular season and playoffs. We learn how the crown jewel events become MLB run with the majority of revenue going towards revenue sharing. Rob will be on hand with Chris tomorrow evening to capture riveting content for FoF's social channels. Rob shares a great promotion that can be replicated across minor league parks, the Craft Beer and Food Festival that took place this past weekend at the WooSox stadium. Great way to utilize the ballpark on a non-gameday. Rob took a boat trip and didn't crash the boat!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rob and Chris make their triumphant return as Champions of the World in Golf's most important tournament to happen this past month, the Larry Tanker Invitational. The Ryder Cup can't hold a candle to this tan jacket. Rob and Chris rundown a crazy few weeks of sports before diving into reminding people why they are actually in college. Make sure to find some time to network with that alumni base and not make the same mistake as Rob. Don't end up in the Enterprise managers training program! We then go down memory lane and find out Chris had some crazy experiences being in an Oscar movie (The Fighter) and hanging with NFL Legends to watch football games at Fox NFL studios. Rob also puts Chris back in his place when he starts to complain he has to attend the Bucs-Pats game this weekend. "Don't be that guy".  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We are back after a short hiatus with Rob returning from Texas for his first week on the job with TopGolf. We learn Rob's approach to starting a new job and what he deems to be a successful approach. He encourages listeners to ask questions and advice from those around you. In typical Rob fashion, we learn some interesting "sayings" that only Rob would know. Chris is digging out from his household quarantine that had him Dad duty and juggling work with Rachel secluded on the porch. We discuss the massive business that is the golf world and uncover that over 500 million rounds of golf were played in the US during 2020. A great time to join a golf company don't ya think? Also a HUGE Happy Birthday to Front Office Features on our 2 year Anniversary. Also, a huge milestone of our 150th episode all time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Rob Crain farewell tour continues on. Rob joined the WooSox Golf Tournament as a guest today and realized for the first time the team will be just fine without him. We then surprise Rob with a special guest to take it all back to Battlecreek. Martie Cordero, Rob's mentor, father figure, and the person he credits the most for his success, joined Chris to give us a look back on the journey of our beloved Rob Crain. We learn about the origin of the moniker Boston Rob, which Rob contests afterwards. We also find out Rob went full Bama and had a mullet and Blue Ford F150 pickup truck. Rob also HATES snakes. In the most shocking revelation of this podcast possibly to date, Rob divulges he had no idea what a group ticket was when he first took the role with Martie. Big happenings in the Crain and Valente household this week as well; Chris and Rachel's 8 Year anniversary, Zach and Maddie are headed to Kindergarten, and Nolan turns 1.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We breakdown Rob's farewell tour that had nothing but amazing moments over the past week. Rob was fortunate to have a former employee make the journey to Worcester to bid adieu to Rob and showcase his appreciation for the impact he had on him and his family. In the truest display of the power of sports we all possess to impact people's lives for the positive, this shines through as a key moment. Rob declared the Friday night game as one of the most fulfilling games of his career. Zach, Chris's son and Rob's number one fan, finally got to meet Rob at his final game on Saturday. Rob dropped an all time line in regards to how close his seats were in that he could "smell the umpire's farts!" We dive into the major news in the trading card world around Topps and Fanatics and the future of the business. This transitions into the NFT explosion and if crypto and NFT's are a safe bet. Finally, if you are ever wondering where you stand with your boss... just ask the question but also be prepared for the answer and open to criticism. For all those wondering about the future of FoF.. we put that question to bed emphatically. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

OUR BIGGEST PODCAST NEWS EVER IS HERE. Rob is leaving Minor League Baseball after 17 years with one of the most impressive resumes you can find. 3 Ballpark Builds, Team President of the Yankees AAA team, CRO of the Red Sox AAA team, and countless lives impacted. We walk you through the whole process on how he decided to leave MilB to join Topgolf as their new Regional Director of Global Partnership for the Northeast. Rob's epiphany came on New Years Eve this past year when he closed a deal for the WooSox leading to his realization that corporate partnerships is where he wanted to be. We talk through the interview process with Topgolf and the avenues Rob went to skip the proverbial line to get an interview. We also dive into how Rob left on good terms and is leaving the right way. A huge congrats to Rob and all that the future holds for him and family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris and Rob are back at it after Chris's week of concerts at Fenway Park that left him feeling old and tired. Chris insists Rob watches the Woodstock 99 documentary to take him back to the 90's. Rob wants to get something off his chest about hiring managers over selling you on what your job responsibilities will be when applying for a minor league sales role. When you hear you will be working in the community, helping with marketing, and having a well rounded day.... it's all about you selling tickets. Get ready to still be printing flyers! We dive headfirst into promotion season and the best way to go about landing one in your current company. If you are thinking about approaching your boss for that raise or promotion then this episode is for you. We also hear how Martie told Rob to pound sand when he did it the WRONG way early in his career. PLUS A MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT COMING NEXT WEEK!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aloha! Chris is back from vacation and the guys hit the ground running. While Chris was swimming with the turtles, Rob was busy with his 5 year old Daughter's birthday party which also entailed flooding in his basement. The Olympics are underway but no one is watching... The guys think it is the same issue as the bubble last year as taking away fans hurts the viewing experience on TV. Rob encourages the listeners to find a way into the Olympic and World Cup committees as the host cities prepare for the upcoming events in 2024 and beyond. Chris details how attending marque sporting events like the Super Bowl can lead to great connections and opportunities by meeting the right folks. They also cover the dilemma of what happens when you accept a role and then immediately a better opportunity presents itself. Should you stay or should you go? Find out what Chris and Rob did in their own personal experiences.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rob and Chris are back together for the first time in a while..., and A LOT has changed in the sports world since they last spoke. Rob shares the life of a SVP in the Minor Leagues after a week of rain, cold, and fireworks. Rob ranked it as the top 3 worst moments of his life. We take a deep drive into the ever changing world of the NCAA and how NIL is here to stay. The market was open for business right away with athletes signing deals at a breaktaking pace. Chris is fed up with the NCAA and how unprepared they were for the rule changes. Rob sees a major whitespace for young people to pave the way in a brand new industry. We also discuss the Olympics and the recent controversy around the mairjuana regulations. Chris is also on the side of the Olympics not happening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode Rob is flying solo. He discusses a great article written by his colleague about finding your passion in sports business. Then Rob Googles "How do I get a job in sports?" Rob, shouting to himself, disagrees with many of the first articles that pop up on the Google machine.

You've graduated with a sports management degree and now what? We always get asked where do I look for jobs. Well Matt Morrison, CEO and Founder of Openly HQ is changing the game and has created a Glassdoor type site for sports job seekers. We dive into where the idea stemmed from and how he differentiates himself from the other traditional job boards. They've taken an approach of ensuring quality over quantity and providing resources for job seekers such as resume tips and interview prep. One of the fascinating parts of our interview is discussing what goes into being an entrepreneur in the sports world and what type of challenges he has faced along the way, For everyone out there currently looking for their dream job, they need to head over to Openly HQ and sign up for an account.

Rob is headed in early to Polar Park to open the doors to 5,000 police officers to honor a fallen Worcester officer this past week. We dive into how important a role sports plays in healing communities during times of need and how much our society has missed this aspect over the past year. Rob asks Chris about his former boss, Lou Lamoriello, the current GM of the Islanders which takes Chris down memory lane. Chris claims Lou to be the most intimidating human on the Planet and has trouble describing how his presence can just change a room. Also, he is known as one of the most fiercely loyal people to work for and Chris is now on time for everything in life thanks to his practices. We then dive into a hot button topic... sports and salaries of the front office. Before doing that we learn of Rob's hatred of cats and Chris drops some cat killing stats that are mind blowing. A great return to normalcy in the world of FoF! 

Chris tried to take his family to a Red Sox game and it turned into a picnic in the suite due to the rain all Memorial Day Weekend. Zach got a ball thrown up to him by the Marlins and immediately tried to throw it back in true 5 year old fashion. Rob and his wife headed out on the town for their first date night in over a year leading to Rob drinking raw eggs for an after dinner drink as only Rob could. We then dive into why there was no podcast last week and the future of Front Office Features. This was a true raw episode with Rob sharing his feelings and thoughts on the current status of FoF and what the next iteration would or could look like. We wanted to provide the listeners authentic insight into our thoughts as well as ensure we find ways to make this better for you, our listeners. The burden of life sometimes gets in the way of our best laid plans. Plus a HUGE Thank You to all our listeners for helping get us to our 50,000 download milestone! Twitter - @FOFeatures Instagram - @frontofficefeatures LinkedIn - Front Office Features

Rob is back on the same day Massachusetts announces the return of fans to 100% capacity at the end of the month. Chris gets a reprieve in this episode as Rob does an amazing job on bringing us truly behind the scenes on the weeks leading up to Opening Day at the WooSox. This is an absolute must listen for anyone looking to work in sports with a blow by blow account of each day and every issue that can go wrong before the first pitch. In true Rob fashion, he has a rabbit story before we actually dive in. Chris apparently isn't the only one with animal stories. This episode may be the truest and most in depth peak behind the curtain we've done to date as it makes you feel as though you are living each moment with Rob. Plus, hear how Rob lost his temper on the fireworks vendor due to the amount of time it took to start the show after the Friday game. Lastly, Rob answers Chris's question as to why Polar Park wasn't built with the same dimensions as Fenway. Follow us! Twitter @cvalente08 @_RobCrain @FOFeatures LinkedIn - Front Office Features Instagram - @frontofficefeatures

Chris rides solo again as Rob has Game 2 of his 12 game homestand. We hear a great story about the WooSox Opening Day ceremony that featured a 92 year old Bob Cousy quite literally stealing the show. As promised, we have Sam Marteka join us to take us behind the scenes on his current job search as he gets ready to graduate from Syracuse in a few weeks. Sam shares some the mistakes he has made along the way and how he continually is improving his process. While he still hasn't landed his dream role, we are pretty confident if he stays on his path, it will be a matter of when and not if. Chris reminds everyone that working in sports is a privilege and to ensure you take some time to remember the next few weeks when you land your first role in this great industry. Rob is back next week with more details on the WooSox Opening Day and all of his obstacles to get there.

Chris rides solo for the first time ever as our good buddy Rob is ensuring the WooSox Ballpark is all set for Opening Day next week. If you have a moment, send him a message and let him know you are thinking of him with all the stress he is dealing with for the THIRD time. Chris speaks directly to the upcoming graduating class and congratulates them on their amazing accomplishment and reminds them to stay on course to land their dream role. Too many people succumb to the pressure from friends, professors, or parents to take the first role offered to them to appease others. Trust you gut, take your time, and let the good come to you. You've invested 22 years of your life to get to this point, don't start down the wrong path because someone has told you "this is the right way." Plus we are going to begin having volunteers join us to discuss their journey and share what obstacles they have encountered along the process thanks to a great suggestion from Sam Marteka. Chris also goes behind the scenes and provides the anatomy on a sponsorship deal that he was able to land today after TWO years of initial outreach.

SPECIAL CO-HOST ALERT! Rob is off doing his day job and breaking the news to WooSox season ticket holders around Opening Day protocols. Returning guest, Brian Specia fills in admirably with Chris as the two old friends pick up where they left off. Chris quickly touches on the "Super League" that came and went in the blink of an eye while watching the Red Sox vs Mets in the background. Poor DeGrom. Brian and Chris dive into the NFL draft which airs tonight and the amazing power behind the event as it has evolved throughout the years. Chris knows one of Brian's pet peeves is the nepotism that happens in our industry and how it can negatively affect an organization. Chris explains how Fenway Sports is now hoping to combat this with new policies geared towards helping diversity. Brian provides great insight into the world of expansion and talks about what is happening with the Kracken and his own experience and days in Vegas. Chris closes the loop on Owl Gate.

Sports Jobs are back! Chris and Rob get back to the basics and provide you the answers to the test to help you nail your interview and land your dream job in sports. We touch on separating yourself from the pack by bringing the heat in your interview. Want to get yourself out of the dreaded pile? Listen to this episode and you'll immediately be in a better position to secure a spot in our crazy world. If you still say "get your foot in the door", want to work in marketing but are applying for a sales job, or feel frustrated by your lack of direction... this episode is for you. Beyond this important topic, Rob and Chris have their patented diversion from the topic and explore the checkmark crowd vs the X crowd. A trip down memory lane of the 90s ensues and hilarity follows. Plus Chris was challenged in an informational interview by the one that got away from Rob.

Chris is back at Fenway after 18 months of not seeing a baseball game live. He describes his experience and how it felt like he never left. We also learn Rob likes go to really fast in a car. Also we are all in agreement that MLB has a great rule change with the runner on 2nd Base to start extra innings. Chris shares some backstory on the new Red Sox city jerseys that honors the Boston Marathon and how it is a great marketing tool to reach a younger generation. We dive into the MLB All-Star Game decision to move it out of Atlanta and how that will have a ripple effect in a lot of key areas. We also have a ROB RANT alert when we discuss the cliche of a "strategy job" right out of college. Word of advice... don't tell Rob you are looking to come to work for him and set the strategy for the organization before you learn to tie your shoes!