{"id":9196,"date":"2020-03-27T14:23:26","date_gmt":"2020-03-27T14:23:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/northwoodsleague.com\/eau-claire-express\/?p=9196"},"modified":"2022-11-09T16:42:51","modified_gmt":"2022-11-09T16:42:51","slug":"express-alumni-update-spencer-larson","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/northwoodsleague.com\/eau-claire-express\/2020\/03\/27\/express-alumni-update-spencer-larson\/","title":{"rendered":"Express Alumni Update: Spencer Larson"},"content":{"rendered":"

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In today\u2019s Express Alumni Update presented by Lakeland University, we connected with former Express GM Spencer Larson. Larson Started with the Express in 2014 as the Director of Tickets Sales, and after one season in that position was elevated to General Manager, a role that Larson held for three seasons. Larson recently left the organization in 2018 to continue his professional development, taking a position with the Xcel Energy Center and the Minnesota Wild.<\/p>\n

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Eau Claire Express: When did you realize that you wanted a career in the sports industry?\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n

Spencer Larson: Growing up all I ever wanted to be was a professional baseball player.\u00a0 During high school, I found a love for business and marketing.\u00a0 I thought working in the front office for a sports team would be the perfect way to combine these passions.\u00a0 Once I completed a few internships in baseball, I knew I wanted to work in the sports\/entertainment industry for the rest of my career.<\/p>\n

ECE: When you reflect on your time spent in Eau Claire, what were the best moments for you? <\/strong><\/p>\n

SP: I have so many great memories of my time in Eau Claire.\u00a0 One of my favorite memories will always be making it to the NWL Championship during the 2016 season.\u00a0 Watching Daulton Varsho and that team compete every day all summer was a lot of fun.\u00a0 What truly made my experience in Eau Claire so special though was all the people I worked with.\u00a0 I still stay in close contact with so many staff members, sponsors, interns, group outing contacts, players, and host families today.\u00a0 The community of Eau Claire is unlike any other I have ever been a part of.\u00a0 The community support and the desire to help the team succeed is remarkable.<\/p>\n

On a non-baseball specific note, I also have many great memories from my involvement with the Chamber and specifically Young Professionals.\u00a0 Being on the board for Young Professionals and planning community events is something I\u2019ll always remember.\u00a0 I always get some good nostalgia every year when I see photos posted from events such as the bean bag tournament.<\/p>\n

ECE: Making your transition, what were the determining factors in your move to Minnesota?\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n

SP: The biggest determining factor for me was taking a step professionally in my career.\u00a0 Working for the Xcel Energy Center and Minnesota Wild gives me the chance to play a role in large scale concerts, games, political events, and more.\u00a0 It was such a great opportunity for me to advance professionally in my career; I just couldn\u2019t pass it up.\u00a0 On a personal level, I enjoy the Twin Cities area and all the entertainment options outside of work.<\/p>\n

ECE: What roles do you perform in your current position? <\/strong><\/p>\n

SP: \u00a0In my current position as Manager of Guest Experience, I am the manager on duty for events at the Xcel Energy Center, RiverCentre, Roy Wilkins Auditorium, and TRIA Rink at Treasure Island.\u00a0 I hire, train, and work with the usher staff to ensure we are offering a world-class guest service experience for every person who enters one of our facilities.\u00a0 During events, I respond to calls and represent the building in making resolution decisions.\u00a0 Some examples include intoxicated guests, ADA issues, or guest questions.\u00a0 Some of the office work includes scheduling staffing for events, preparing event game day information sheets for staff, writing event recaps, and attending meetings for upcoming events.<\/p>\n

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ECE: What are the biggest differences and similarities for you in the positions that you have held in the industry? <\/strong><\/p>\n

SP: The biggest difference is in the day-to-day duties of the position.\u00a0 When I was in Eau Claire as the GM, I was responsible for essentially every piece of the business operation.\u00a0 This ranged from sales calls to organizing meals for the visiting teams to supervising all interns\/full-time staff.\u00a0 Now with my current position, I am focused entirely on the guest experience side of things.\u00a0 I still get to wear a number of different hats each day and have lots of variety though which I love.\u00a0 The biggest similarity is the motivation to create an unforgettable experience for fans and leave them with the desire to return.<\/p>\n

ECE: Any advice you would give interns in sport or young professionals starting out?\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n

Spencer Larson:<\/p>\n