Event Preview: Three Questions with Michael Huyghue

 

Join the Cornell Sports Business Society in Ives 105 on Friday (10/4) at 4:30, where former UFL Commissioner, Michael Huyghue '84, will be conducting a workshop on "Negotiations in the Professional Sports Arena." 

Michael Huyghue is the President of Michael Huyghue & Associates, where he consults professional sports teams, agents, and other sports-related properties. Michael Huyghue received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and his law degree from the University of Michigan.

After graduation from law school, Huyghue began his career as a legal intern for the NFL's Players Association and was later an attorney with the NFL's Management Council in 1987, handling arbitration hearings. At the age of 29, he became the youngest general manager in professional football when he joined the NFL's World League in 1989. Huyghue joined the Detroit Lions as vice president and general counsel, before becoming senior vice president of football operations for the Jacksonville Jaguars in the team's inaugural NFL season. During Huyghue's tenure with the Jaguars, the team became the "winningest" franchise in expansion history, achieving two AFC Central Division Championships and an unprecedented two AFC Championship appearances.

Huyghue has served on many of the NFL Commissioner's prominent committees, including the NFL Management Council, the Executive Working Group Committee, the NFL College Advisory Committee, the NFL Europe League, and as a Trustee of the NFL Players Insurance Trust. Prior to becoming commissioner of the United Football League in 2006, Huyghue was CEO and founder of Axcess Sports & Entertainment, where he represented a number of NFL, NBA and PGA tour players.

Huyghue was kind enough to participate in a 3Q Interview to help preview the event.  Here's what he had to say:

(1) The Negotiations Workshop will be the first of its kind for the Cornell Sports Business Society; why did you choose to do this and what value do you hope students can gain from this session?

I think the value of teaching "real life" situations is a good supplement to the traditional class room experience. We practitioners in the real world can offer a unique perspective to academic study. I wanted students to come away with a real skill and not necessarily just practical knowledge.

(2) In your opinion, what is the greatest myth or misunderstanding about business negotiations?

I think the biggest myth is a one size fits all approach. Every negotiation is different. You can't anticipate every situation and you can't necessarily take the same cookie cutter approach to each negotiation. Every situation is unique and you might have to approach each situation from a different vantage point.

(3) During your extensive history within the sports industry, which business negotiation do you consider to be a turning point in your career?

I think the best lesson, if you will, that I learned during my business career is that you really only gain the greatest degree of leverage in a negotiation when you are prepared to walk. Unless and until you feel you can walk away from the deal you are ultimately at the risk of conceding more than you should.

*BONUS* What do you miss most about your days at Cornell?

There is an energy around the Cornell environment that I call the Cornell experience. It is unique to each student but similar in the sense that it allows you to expand your horizons by asking questions like "what if and why not". You don't get to explore those thoughts as much in business world. That is a precious freedom I miss.

Join the Cornell Sports Business Society in Ives 105 on Friday (10/4) at 4:30, where former UFL Commissioner, Michael Huyghue '84, will be conducting a workshop on "Negotiations in the Professional Sports Arena." Check out the event on Facebook more information.

Event Preview: Three Questions With Brian Friedman ('95)

On Friday, September 27, the Cornell Sports Business Society is pleased to be hosting Brian Friedman ('95).  Friedman is currently in his fourth year as the Chief Financial Officer for the New York Jets.

Friedman is responsible for all financial planning and daily accounting operations for the team, financial oversight of the team's interest in MetLife Stadium and all internal and external reporting to the NFL and various other agencies. Additionally, he oversees information technology and practice facility operations.

Prior to joining the Jets, Friedman was the chief financial officer of Blissworld, LLC, the owner and operation of Bliss spas and seller of a full line of retail skin care products. At Bliss, he was responsible for all financial operations.

Before joining Bliss, he was the senior director of finance for the Columbia House Company and prior to that held several finance roles of increasing responsibility at Polo Ralph Lauren. Friedman began his career at Price Waterhouse and is a certified public accountant.

Friedman graduated from CALS, majoring in AEM, and has an MBA from Columbia University.

 In preparation for our event with Brian, we conducted a 3Q interview that would help preview the content that will be covered on Tuesday.


(1) What do you find to be the most fulfilling part of your job in your fourth season as the Jets' Chief Financial Officer?

In a word – Sunday. The most fulfilling part of my job is being part of an organization that millions of people are so passionate about. Seeing all the work show up on Sunday’s is a great feeling. Whether it is fan experience at the game or advertisements during the post-game show, being in a role that touches every part of the business, when that business is football, is just fantastic.

(2) What is it like to be involved with the planning of the first ever cold weather Super Bowl?

It is a tremendous experience to see how an event of this magnitude takes shape. The number of people involved with planning and executing a Super Bowl is unbelievable. The necessity to imagine every unimaginable scenario and plan for it is something to witness. When indoors your biggest issue is to make sure the lights stay on, with our stadium the list of potential issues is endless.  

(3) Friday will be your first-ever event with the Cornell Sports Business Society. What are some of your objectives in engaging Cornell students who may be interested in careers in sports and/or finance?

My goal is simple – to try and leverage my experience to help current students achieve their career goals. I am very fortunate that I get to work in a job that I have a passion for in an industry that I have always been interested in. My experiences at Cornell had a huge impact on my life and gave me a foundation to achieve many things throughout my career.

BONUS:  What do you miss most about your days at Cornell?

I miss the freedom, the camaraderie, spending every day with lifelong friends who are now spread all across the country. During my summer job before my senior year, my boss told me to enjoy Cornell because life is like one giant final exam. Truer words were never said – enjoy the time here.

Brian will be speaking to the Cornell Sports Business Society in person on Friday, September 27th. Please join us in Ives 105 at 4:30. For more information, check out the event on Facebook.

 We hope you can make it!

Event Preview: Three Questions with Hussain Naqi ('97)

On Tuesday, September 17^th, the Cornell Sports Business Society will be Skype chatting with Hussain Naqi ’97. Naqi is the Senior Vice President of Fan Engagement for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

In his role, Naqi is responsible for the Jaguars’ marketing and branding efforts, overseeing the Jaguars’ game day experience, and managing the Jaguars’ fan development and marketing efforts in the UK.

Prior to joining Jacksonville in 2012, Naqi served as Vice President of Business Planning and General Counsel at MetLife Stadium. Naqi has worked in sports since 1997; his resume includes stints with the National Football League, NCAA, Major League Baseball, and the New York Mets.

In preparation for our event with Hussain, we conducted a 3Q interview that would help preview the content that will be covered on Tuesday.

Q1: As SVP of Fan Engagement, you have one of the more unique titles in sports. What would you consider to be your favorite part about your role, and what poses as the biggest challenge for you?

“The thing I love most about my job is that I’m a huge sports fan. My job gives me the opportunity to provide experiences that I, myself, would want to consume as a fan. I love that I can affect change that reaches fans. Whether that’s having Wi-Fi capability, checking fantasy scores, or even making sure our people are friendly to fans when they enter the building, it is my job to give Jaguars fans a product and experience that brings them to our stadium.

Obviously, it goes both ways. We have 3,000 workers on game day –  ticket takers, ushers, cleaning staff – and making sure that each and every one of them to take pride and ownership in what they do is tough. It’s on us to guide all of those behaviors. But when they’re only working for us 40 hours per year, it can be a challenge to get complete buy-in.”


Q2: While the on-field product has room to grow (perhaps putting it lightly?) your front office has done a commendable job of engaging fans through in-stadium innovation. Besides the widely discussed Fantasy Football Lounge, what are some other initiatives being implemented by the Jaguars to enhance the experience at EverBank Field and drive attendance?

“It’s a struggle out there for all teams, not only us. We’re all competing with Sunday Ticket, Red Zone Channel, affordable flat screen TVs, and the ability to walk up to your fridge and grab a beer without waiting in line to pay $8.

It’s critical for us to address the reasons why people may not go to games.

Obviously we can talk about the fantasy football lounge, but this organization really prides itself in being innovative in all areas of the fan experience. We’re implementing a lean operation for all concessions that--in the three games we’ve used it--has cut our concession line waiting time by 25%. That may not sound like much, but to not stand in long lines, to get fresh food, and to use a clean bathroom is essential to the experience.

We have one of the oldest NFL stadiums, and we need to identify every possible reason that a fan may not come to our stadium. Given our recent on-field performance and Jacksonville’s climate, it is essential that we stay ahead of the curve to address these issues. Whether it’s the fantasy football lounge, shorter lines at concession, or deploying 120 feet of air-conditioned benches for fans to use, the imperative is for our group to be innovative and ahead of the curve everyday.”


Q3: This will be your first (of what we hope is many) speaker event with the Sports Business Society. What new perspective do you hope students will learn after our Skype session?

1. I was in your shoes not that long ago, interested in a career in sports and wondering how to get in. I am happy to share the story of my career path and show you how to get where you want to go.


2. I hope to broaden the focus of what you think it means to be ‘working in sports.’ There’s more to it than simply working for a franchise.


3. I want to show the logic behind what the Jaguars are doing. We have an incredibly bright ownership group, and I hope I can provide context for you to see how successful our team is despite what the record may indicate.

BONUS: What do you miss most about your days at Cornell?

That one’s the easiest question yet: Cornell Hockey. No question.
(follow Hussain on Twitter @CornellHkyFan)

The passion, and the tradition born out of that passion, is the reason I love college sports. There’s nothing like hearing the crowd erupt at Lynah Rink when we scored a goal. I had so many nights at Lynah; I miss it dearly.

Oh, and deep dish pizza from The Nines is dangerously good.


Remember, Hussain will be Skype chatting with the Cornell Sports Business Society Tuesday, September 17^th. Please join us in Ives 105 at 4:30. For more information, check out the event on Facebook.

We hope you can make it!