The global licensing community is powered by an incredible group of professionals whose diverse backgrounds and creative energy drive innovation and excellence. Each week we profile one of these professionals in this ongoing series.

How did you get into licensing (or how did licensing find you)?
I was working in sports television, and a consultancy opportunity came up with a trading card manufacturer. Having collected sports cards most of my life I thought it would be a fun project. That project turned into a career in licensing for multiple trading card manufacturers.

What’s a “typical” day in your current position?
As an SVP of Operations, I oversee sales, product development, and production. A typical day involves many meetings (most of the quick variety). The types of meetings can vary depending on the day of the week. As a manager I am very much a mentor, so much of my time involves coaching. There’s always problem solving involved as well. I’m good at conflict management, so each day usually brings some of that. And, of course, there is licensing relationship management, which is my favorite part of what I do.

What’s your biggest personal or professional accomplishment?
A couple of things, actually. Getting Walmart to reverse a decision that would have negatively impacted our business is one. The second is being a part of growing Panini America’s revenues by 15 times in my 12-year tenure here.

What are the most significant trends or changes that you’ve seen in the business in recent years?
The trading card industry has become more reflective of its consumers—younger and more diverse. That, in turn, has allowed the industry to recruit a new, larger audience.

What keeps you up at night? What’s your biggest challenge these days?
Product availability. There is so much demand and not nearly enough supply. I always worry about disappointing people.

In your opinion, what is the top skill every licensing executive should have in order to succeed?
A positive attitude. Typically, licensing people are in the entertainment business in a way. The last thing we should ever be is negative. Our products are the escape that many people long for.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, or what’s your favorite quote?
“If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always gotten.” – Tony Robbins

What is your favorite licensing deal of all time? (It doesn’t have to be one that was signed by you.)
Kiss Kaskets! Gene Simmons is the master at licensing his brand.

If you weren’t in licensing, what would you be doing now?
I would be working in sports television as a broadcaster. That’s how my career in sports began.

The last licensed product I bought was…
A Denver Broncos hooded sweatshirt exclusive to Scheel’s.