Meet Chris Hibbs, Chicago Bears
Few sports executives are allowed the opportunity to work in their dream job for their hometown team. While some are fortunate to do it, others travel the country, gaining promotions from one team or league to another with the hopes of eventually coming back home. Some make it back to their hometown while others plant roots in new areas. It is almost like a broadcaster moving up the ranks, jumping from one DMA to larger DMA. For today’s 10 questions, meet Chris Hibbs of the Chicago Bears, a man who has returned to his hometoewn,
Chris joined the Chicago Bears in June of 2006 as Senior Director of Sales & Marketing. In his role Chris manages all aspects of the Bears corporate marketing sales & service effort, the Bears premium seating sales & service department, all aspects of retail merchandise and much of the teams brand marketing effort. As a relative newcomer to the NFL Chris brings an enthusiastic and proactive approach to one of the leagues most storied franchises. Outside of his position with the Bears, Chris is on the steering committee for the Chicago chapter of the National Sports Marketing Network.
Prior to joining the Bears Chris spent 8+ years working for two NHL franchises both in the state of Florida. From 2003-2006 Chris held the title of Sr. Vice President of Corporate Partnerships and Building Operations for Sunrise Sports & Entertainment (SSE), the parent company of the Florida Panthers and its facility, the BankAtlantic Center. In his tenure in South Florida Chris was part of the executive management team charged with turning the organization around. During that time Chris was heavily involved in the development of the Sinatra Theatre, the opening of new premium seat concept, the WCI Club and the launch of local publications Live On Stage and UnRestricted. All of these projects were developed under the newly formed SSE umbrella company. During his time in South Florida Chris was also planning member of the Super Bowl Host Committee.
From 1999 – 2003 Chris held various positions with the Panthers cross-state rivals, the Tampa Bay Lightning. Chris joined the Lightning from Detroit soon after Palace Sports & Entertainment finalized the purchase of the NHL franchise and its facility, then called the Ice Palace. Chris held positions as Account Executive, Ticket Sales Manager, Corporate Sales Account Manager and Director of Corporate Sales. During Chris’ tenure in Tampa the Lightning rose to the top of the NHL and won a Stanley Cup during the 2003 season.
Chris began his sport marketing career in Detroit, Michigan working for the NBA’s Detroit Pistons and their parent company, Palace Sports & Entertainment. Like many aspiring sports executives, Chris worked as an entry level Account Executive on PS&E’s sales force.
Chris graduated from the University of New Hampshire where he attended on a full basketball scholarship and was a four year letter winner. Chris majored in communications with a minor in business administration.
1. Tell Us What Your Average Day is Like?
A : It’s a lesson in multi-tasking. While often challenging I love the fast pace and opportunity to be involved in so many areas of our business. Always lots of ball in the air. My average work day starts with me arriving in the office by 6:15 am. Usually spend the first 60-90 minutes catching up on e-mail, paperwork, etc. Most days I’ve got some type of staff meeting or other internal meeting in the morning. I always reserve a block of time to help my sales teams…whether it’s making sales calls for them or brainstorming on how to put a deal together. Generally I’ve also got some type of external meeting outside the office. Likely with a business partner or related to other marketing initiatives. Lastly, I try to always spend some time thinking about the future. Working on ideas and plans for the next year and making sure I’ve got my eye the big picture…
2. Tell us about your Career Path, including your Current Job?
A: My career path has always lead me through local professional teams sports…the Detroit Pistons, Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers and now the Chicago Bears. I’ve worked in various revenue generating areas including tickets sales, premium seating and corporate sponsorship. I’ve been lucky to learn from some of the best in our business and have been afforded great responsibility at an early age. My current role as the Bears Senior Director of Sales & Marketing has me overseeing our key revenue streams of retail merchandise, premium seating and sponsorship / advertising. I also work closely on all aspects of the teams brand and retail marketing and generally have my hand in most of our major “customer related” initiatives.
3. What was the best advice you ever received?
A. Spend part of each day focused on revenue generation.
4. What are your top sports memories you are most fond of telling others?
A. Related to the performance of a team I’ve worked for…its Super Bowl XLI. Elation to devastation over the course of a few hours. Devin Hester runs back the opening kickoff for a touchdown…and then the Colts systematically dismantle us in the second half.
5. Describe the areas of opportunity for growth in your business?
A. There are many. Still lots of revenue growth opportunities…specifically in the sponsorship / Corp Sales area of our business. Separate from direct revenue streams is the growth of our brand and the deepening of our fans engagement with us. The Bears are a terrific, traditional sports property with an amazing fan base. However, there continue to be many opportunities to monetize our fans avidity whether it’s via retail merchandise, digital assets, improved / new media offerings, etc.
6. What kind of Advice Would you Give Someone Who One Day Wants A Position Like Yours?
A. First, get your foot in the door with a reputable sports property. Once you’re in, focus on learning the business and making an impact each day. Hard work and passion for our business will ultimately direct you down the right path…
7. Name at 1-3 Mentors you have had and Why They’ve Had an Impact
A. Professionally speaking…Chad Estis (VP Sales/Mktg for the Cowboys) – gave me my first job and was a mentor from day 1. Modeled myself after the way he conducts himself both personally and professionally. Michael Yormark (President, FL Panthers) – most driven person I’ve ever been around. Amazing capacity to multi task and make an impact every day. Always focused on revenue growth. Ted Phillips (President/CEO, Chicago Bears) – great ability to lead in an understated and humble manner. See the big picture and allows his staff to work autonomously. Enjoyable to work for every day.
8. How Has the Economy Affected your business?
A. Decision making timelines for virtually every business opportunity are longer and more complicated
9. Finish This Thought. People Wanting To Work in Sports Should Do the Following:
A. Put aside goals related to compensation and titles…and focus on making an impact on your business each day.
10. If I had it to do all over again, I would…..
A: I truly wouldn’t change a thing…
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If you enjoyed today’s segment, Meet Chris Hibbs of the Chicago Bears, here are some other weekly Q&A’s.
Meet Other Sports Executives — “Past 10 Questions…”
Bill Robertson — Vice President, Minnesota Wild
John Drum — Vice President, Arizona Cardinals
Fred Claire — Former General Manager and Executive Vice President, Los Angeles Dodgers
Bill Shumard — CEO Special Olympics Southern California
Brad Mayne — President and CEO American Airlines Center
Tim Mead — Vice President, Los Angeles Angels
Jeff Idelson — President, Baseball Hall of Fame
Buffy Fillipell — Executive Sports Recruiter, TeamWork Consulting
Jim Small — Vice President, Major League Baseball for Asia
Bill Chapin, Director, Seattle Seahawks
Chris, thank you for taking time to share your story, it was both inspiring and insightful.
Hibbs, you are still a legend!