27 | "Selling Ice to an Eskimo" w/ Edgar Gantt

View from the Big Chair!

Today in the Big Chair... We have Edgar Gantt! Join us as we discuss his tenure as Project Operations Manager for ESPN; How everything you do won't be paid; why NCAA holds first-class events; Volunteering; Investing a lot of TIME in your development; and How to sell ice to an Eskimo!

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Thanks for listening!

Follow our host on Marlynn Jones, TheCareerSkillsArchitect on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

This is a JustEldredge Media Production

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Edgar Gantt, is entering his third year as the Project Operations Manager for ESPN Events. In this role, he oversee the operations for the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kick-Off game & the Cricket Celebration Bowl. Gantt serves as the staff lead for all venue and day of contest operational plans including the planning and coordination of the post-game trophy presentation as well as a number of other administrative responsibilities such as the event budget, marketing, ticket sells and website for both games. Prior to joining ESPN, Gantt served as the Interim Commissioner and the Associate Commissioner for the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). He served as the interim commissioner from January 2018 until August 2018. During his time at the SWAC, he oversaw the day-to-day operations and provided key oversight of the Conference’s operations relating to strategic planning, governance, compliance and student-athlete services, NCAA, and institutional relations. Gantt works with the baseball, football and basketball officiating programs, and scheduling strategies for various sports. Gantt has served on a number of NCAA national cabinets and committees and served as the Chair of the NCAA Division I Award, Benefits, Expenses and Financial Aid Cabinet from September 2013 - November 2014. Before the SWAC office, Gantt served as the director of compliance at the University of Arkansas. He assisted with the day-to-day activities of the compliance office, including rules education, Southeastern Conference and NCAA rules interpretations, official and unofficial visits, complimentary tickets, national letters of intent and financial aid. Gantt joined the Razorback staff after spending a year as the director of compliance at Drake University. Before that, interned at the SEC office from August 2004 until going to Drake in January 2006. Before working at the SEC, he interned at Kentucky from August 2003 to February 2004. Gantt, is a native of Mt. Holly, N.J., where her attended high school at Rancocas Valley Regional High School. Gantt was a former student-athlete from the University of Kentucky from 1998-2001. He earned his bachelor's in education in May 2002 and his master's in Sport Management in December 2003, both from Kentucky. He is married to Nneka (Nikki) and they have a son, Nathan and a daughter, Charli.