Account Executive, Brand Partnerships
Passion to Legacy
The majority of Gina Franz’s day centers around creating memorable experiences for sports fans, but she isn’t out on the field. She works as an account executive for a marketing agency, building partnerships for brands and sports teams. Her sports-adjacent role comes with excellent advice for anyone considering working in sports: “Make yourself marketable. Don’t just zero in on one thing.”
in this episode,
At Penn State Gina was disappointed that they didn’t offer a specific sports management program. She ended up majoring in public relations to give herself some options and added dual minors in Italian and recreation parks and tourism management. Although not exactly what she wanted, adding that minor complemented her major and gave her experience with event planning and management, the inner workings of scheduling and working events, and knowledge of stadiums.
Where It All Started…
She also interned at a nonprofit and Universal Pictures as a brand ambassador. She attributes her growth in networking and strategy to that internship.
“I think that one really prepared me for sports and advertising because it was strategizing. It was good practice in picking up the phone and just networking.”
Life today…
She is now on the agency side working at GKV, an advertising firm in Baltimore, as an account executive in public relations. Now working on the other side, she works with brands to partner with sports teams.
It brings her experience full circle and gives her a deeper understanding of the clients she works with. She enjoys the transition because it opened new doors and has allowed her to work with multiple teams. Building the relationships with different brands and teams is one of the highlights of her job. One she currently works with is the Baltimore Ravens in conjunction with the Maryland Lottery.
Reflecting on her path
Her prior experiences helped her develop her skills and carry them over to the field of sports. She is now grateful that Penn State didn’t have a sports management degree. “Looking back, at the time I was upset because this is what I’d chosen to do so I guess I have to figure it out from there. But at the end of the day, what if it doesn’t work out?” She didn’t like the idea of being stuck with a narrow degree and likes that hers opened up a lot more paths. She stresses that having applicable skills and a willingness to learn is more important.
Gina’s advice
“I told my interns, ’Make yourself well rounded and make yourself more marketable. Not only getting those internships, but if you see a class for photoshop or excel or some other skill...that is going to be more important.”
Be sure to listen to part 2 of my interview with Gina (episode 5) where we discuss her charitable involvements!
RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Connect with Gina on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginafranz1
CONNECT WITH ME ON:
LinkedIn - Emma Vertolli
Twitter - emm_vert
Instagram - @itsemmavert
TikTok - @itsemmavert_
Clubhouse - @itsemmavert
MORE ABOUT THE PASSION TO LEGACY PODCAST:
Passion To Legacy allows listeners to get a true behind-the-scenes look at the various careers inside the sports industry; even as detailed as the day-to-day duties and operations. Learn what it takes to land your dream role. Gain clarity on what your future career could be. Take action and kick start your humanitarian spirit.
Emma Vertolli is a marketing strategist whose career has centered around growing and nurturing communities. Early on in her professional career she felt stagnant, unfulfilled, and in search for more. She dove into sports business courses, books, & networking. To her surprise, she learned that if you want to break into the sports industry AND accelerate your career, it all comes down to who you know. There was a trend that kept coming up: people need to learn how to network & people need a space to be able to do so.
In Passion To Legacy, Emma shares impactful conversations with professionals working behind the scenes in the sports industry. The bases are loaded in this podcast, we’re chatting all about career goals, hurdles & charity. So grab a pen and pull up a seat - you’re going to want to take notes!
As a listener, you can expect to:
- Gain motivation and inspiration for pursuing your dreams
- Get an insider's perspective into what it’s like working in the sports industry
- Gain insight for getting involved in charitable work
- Learn networking tips for landing a role in the sports industry
- Plus much more!
Pro tip: new episodes drop every Tuesday & Thursday. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss a session!