This week, I traveled to Chicago with the Michigan Sport Business Inclusion Community (SBIC). We also got stranded in the city (bonus story at the end).
Despite the travel hiccups, this trip was amazing. We visited:
Wilson Sporting Goods
U.S. Soccer Federation
Chicago Bulls
Chicago Fire FC
In this post, I (1) detail going from SBIC Co-Founder to Regular Member and (2) share some pictures from Chicago.
SBIC is a university-sponsored student organization I co-founded after my freshman year with Alana Milow and Diego Andrade-Cabrera. Its mission is to foster community among underrepresented students interested in sport business.
From Co-Founder to Regular Member
Part I: My SBIC Journey
Most co-founders of student organizations hold leadership positions until they graduate. However, I started SBIC in my freshman year, so the organization built a strong foundation while I was an underclassman—empowering others to lead.
I felt comfortable leaving my leadership role in early 2022 to pursue other opportunities. This decision paid off in early 2023 when SBIC invited me as a guest speaker to chat about my experiences navigating college and pursuing entrepreneurial ventures.
I wrote a blog post in January called “From Co-Founder to Guest Speaker” that shares my thoughts on the event and includes the recording.
Looking back, the post sounded like I stopped engaging with SBIC after I left my leadership position. But that’s far from the truth…
I continue to attend SBIC events as a member, which is why I actually went “from Co-Founder to Regular Member.”
This phrase was amplified by the Chicago trip.
Part II: Regular Member Realization
The SBIC events I attended before this trip were similar to the ones I planned as a leader. Although I had nothing to do with organizing them, it felt like I was involved.
But this Chicago trip was different because I never planned something similar.
From company tours to travel logistics, each experience was thoughtfully planned and executed.
I was proud of the leadership for furthering SBIC’s mission. And inspired by the effort that brought this idea to life. All I had to do was relish my time in Chicago.
I was truly a regular member… and loved it.
Part III: From Corporate to Customer
In a professional setting, my SBIC journey is comparable to going from corporate to customer. Picture this…
Imagine working for your favorite sports team. In the moment, you might undervalue your corporate impact.
But after you leave the team and attend a game, you will develop a deeper appreciation if you had an enjoyable experience as a fan (aka customer).
And if the company innovates and enhances the customer experience, you will feel amazed because they executed an idea that seemed out of reach when you were on the corporate side.
Pictures
Wilson Sporting Goods
U.S. Soccer Federation
Chicago Bulls
Chicago Fire FC
Bonus Story: Stranded in the City
Our Amtrak back to Ann Arbor was supposed to leave Friday at 5:50pm… but that got canceled after a two-hour delay. So we rescheduled for Saturday at 6:30am… but that ALSO got canceled after a two-hour delay.
So we booked overpriced one-way flights to Detroit. Hopefully, the university can reimburse these unforeseen expenses.
Appreciate the support Danny! Was a pleasure having you with us as always.