As we have begun to settle into the Manhattan Sports
Business Academy as well as our internships, it has definitely gotten easier to
acclimate with the demanding schedule that comes with being a member. A normal
day for the average participant begins with a morning workout at 6:30 a.m., which
leads into the daily internship from 9am – 6pm, with our day culminating with a
nightly speaker from 7:30pm until around 9pm. Getting back to our dorm on 20th
street and 8th avenue around 9:30pm leaves us little time for
recreation, but we have all undeniably found a way to become good friends in a
relatively short period of time. On Thursday nights, we are given the night off
from MSBA activities, allowing us a nice opportunity to catch up on rest. But,
as I have learned from the indefatigable work ethic of Ben and our speakers, a
night off is merely an opportunity to catch up on relevant matters.
Thursday night, I spoke with my mentor, Jason Belzer, about
five goals I had set for myself moving forward. I would consider Jason one
of the rising stars in the sports business industry, and it has become
increasingly clear to me every time we speak how he was able to, and continues
to rise through the ranks and build his personal brand. Jason is an incredibly
skilled communicator, and has provided me with advantageous ways to reach out
to contacts and build relationships. Along with steering me towards the path he
knows I ultimately want to go down, Jason has given me innumerable pieces of
invaluable lessons that I am incredibly grateful for. David Oestreicher, the
MSBA Managing Director, did me a huge favor by pairing me up with Jason. 
After speaking with Jason, I caught up on a bit of reading I
had neglected that week, and sent an email to a friend of mine, and someone I
have huge admiration for. Jordan Zimmerman, the Founder and Chairman of
Zimmerman Advertising, is one of the most successful people I have had the
opportunity to speak with. Jordan started his agency with $10,000 he had saved,
and over the years has grown his agency into the 14th largest
in the country. Jordan was recently named Florida’s Entrepreneur of the Year by
Ernst & Young, and continues to grow his personal brand. On his website,
yousleepwhenyoudie.com (a motto that Ben and Jordan share), Jordan is running a
promotion where he will be giving away a full scholarship to a student
attending a college or university in Florida. So, if you are reading this and plan to go to
school in Florida, apply! Ben and I are hoping we will be able to find a
mutually convenient date in which Jordan can come and speak to the MSBA
participants.
As our journey continues this summer, I most assuredly look
forward to continue to meet industry leaders, while experiencing a great deal
of once-in-a-lifetime moments. MSBA has been incredible so far, and based on
these past three weeks, I know it is only going to get better.
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