Hockey Jobs: Meet Rob Murphy, the Muskegon Lumberjacks’ VP of business development

In our 'Hockey Jobs' feature, we introduce you to the people behind the scenes of the hockey industry.

 

By Robert Bondy –

While many wouldn’t deal with a daily two and half hour commute to work, for Rob Murphy the drive is worth continuing a close relationship with the game he loves – hockey.

In July, Murphy will complete his first full year with the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the United States Hockey League, working as the organization’s vice president of business development. Murphy, who grew up in Bloomfield Hills and currently resides in Novi, plays a crucial role behind scenes for the Lumberjacks, with his duties ranging from creating marketing campaigns to connecting with sponsors. However, his current stint with the Lumberjacks is only the most recent stop of Murphy’s career, both on and off the ice.

Murphy grew up loving the game and remembering watching NHL Hall of Famers Bobby Orr and Gordie Howe at a young age. It wasn’t until he moved to Michigan that he picked up a stick and started playing the game in a local league at the Detroit Skating Club. From there on Murphy played on travel teams, his high school team, club at Bowling Green State University and still today in adult leagues.

He said he’s always appreciated the people around the game, helping spark his interest of entering the field on the business side.

“It’s the people of the game (that I love), the players in particularly,” Murphy said. “The sort of athletes that it draws to the game … there is a common character and integrity.”

After bouncing around from a few non-hockey related jobs after graduating from BGSU, Murphy landed a spot with the Plymouth Whalers. With the Whalers he served as the vice president of sales and marketing. Murphy spent four and half seasons with Plymouth before moving on to the Central Collegiate Hockey Association. In a similar position as Plymouth, Murphy worked five seasons as the Director of Sales and Marketing for the CCHA.

Murphy playing the part at a "70s Night" theme for a Lumberjacks game.

With the CCHA folding last summer, Murphy was able to land on his feet with the Muskegon Lumberjacks. Murphy considers his current position in Muskegon similar to his former job with the Whalers, where he has to “wear a lot of hats.”

Murphy’s job in-season varies from day-to-day, where he works with all parts of the organization. Murphy works with sponsors, connects with ticket season holders, plans out in-game music and videos, and sometimes even dresses up as a superhero all in an effort to put on a great entertainment event for fans.

“Creating a party at the game,” Murphy said. “We love what’s going on the ice, but we are looking to show them a great time off the ice as well. (It’s an) opportunity for those who are hard wired for the game and have a passion to have a good time and let off some steam once or twice a week.”

Murphy attends all of the home games and some of the away games, and with the USHL playing most of its games on the weekends, his job becomes six-day week. However, Murphy doesn’t complain about the long weeks, considering the games all part of the job.

“Those are your 30-plus special nights, that’s when you want to connect with fans, guests, season ticket holders and sponsors,” Murphy said. “Unless there is an emergency you are there, (so) in-season you are working Monday through Thursday, with Friday and Saturday games.”

One down fall about Murphy’s busy schedule during the season is that he has to make sacrifices like missing out on family time, but added that he still has time to help coach his daughter Shannon’s Under-16 Compuware team. He also mentioned that his family will occasionally come up to games.

Murphy with the Muskegon Lumberjacks' mascot

When the Lumberjacks season comes to a close in the spring, Murphy’s roles change as he continues work throughout the summer. Murphy said he will help program events for the arena, such as concerts. He also helps plan community outreach events in an effort to land season ticket holders and create buzz for next season.

“Muskegon gets a lot of traffic in the summer, so we want to connect with them and sell season tickets and group tickets,” Murphy said. “We are working hard this summer to grow our business to put ourselves in great shape come home opener.”

Murphy is always looking for the best experience for his fans, and seeing the Lumberjacks succeed on the ice is a big factor in creating happy fans. But he said he also is pulling for the team with a passion like he is sporting a Lumberjacks uniform on the ice, because he understands the commitment the players and coaches put into the each and every game.

“You feel like you are part of it, but the best part of that is seeing the joy and excitement out of the others,” Murphy said. “You see that behind the scenes (look of a) 5-4 OT win. … You are invested and you certainly want to see your hockey team and those who work so hard have success.”

Outside of the obvious “the team wins, the fans win,” Murphy shared another crucial piece of advice for those interested in this field. Murphy said you need to leave your ego at the door and learn from those around you to have success in the business world of hockey.

“There are so many good ideas on the market place, you can just listen and learn and bring ideas and concepts from other businesses and buildings to yours,” Murphy said. “Always ask questions and follow your heart.”