Krystin Roczko is proof that if you work hard, you will succeed. Roczko is the U.S Field Marketing Manager for Reebok-CCM Hockey, a subsidary of Adidas Group and the largest hockey equipment manufacturer in the world . She graduated from Point Park University’s Sports, Arts and Entertainment Management M.B.A program in 2008, and since has come back to become an adjunt professor, teaching a Sports Media and Marketing class. Read all about Krystin and her exciting career in the sports industry below!
HC: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
KR: I am a born and raised Pittsburgher. I grew up in Hampton Township, a suburb just outside of the city where I spent all of my time playing sports including soccer which I was most passionate about. I love to coach and volunteer any chance that I get. I spend most of my spare time with my roommate who just happens to be my four legged best friend and French Bulldog Koda.
HC: Why did you come to Point Park?
KR: I was in a holding pattern after I received my undergrad and was working long hours in a job that I knew I wasn’t passionate about. I was desperate to make a change and continuing my educating seemed like a solution. I was intrigued by the Sports, Arts and Entertainment Masters program that was offered and took a leap of faith.
HC: Do you feel as though Point Park helped you get to the career you’re in now?
KR: Absolutely. I was given the opportunity to connect, network and manage my own success. By that I mean I was given the tools necessary to learn but as well as add a skillset that allowed me to stand out from the thousand other resumes that land on a recruiter’s desk. I learned to become the best version of myself.
HC: Did you always know you wanted to work in sports?
KR: I grew up playing just about every sport there was. For me there wasn’t any other option. Sports have always been a passion and I am lucky enough to work in a job that allows me to surround myself in an environment that provides that excitement.
HC: How did you come to work for Reebok CCM Hockey?
KR: I will say that it didn’t come easy. I put in a lot of time and hard work before I was rewarded. I started out by working long hours, nights and weekends as a retail manager in the footwear and apparel business. I was constantly seeking out opportunities and continued to network in hopes that something would come about. Finally, I was in the right place at the right time and applied for a marketing rep job with Reebok. That is where I got my start with the Adidas Group. I spent three years with Reebok on the footwear side working in the trenches.I was then approached and challenged to transfer to the hockey side of the business working for CCM.
HC: Tell us about what you do in this position.
KR: I am currently working for CCM on the hockey side of the business where I manage all North American field marketing initiatives. This includes grassroots marketing programs, brand management, corporate sponsorships and athlete appearances. I am currently in charge of 25 field reps that are my direct reports and are based throughout the US and Canada.
HC: What are the best, and hardest parts about this job?
KR: The best part of my job is that I am surrounded with so many opportunities to learn and grow within a great organization such as the Adidas Group. I have also been lucky enough to be challenged with pioneering a Field Marketing program with CCM Hockey. This particular role has given me the ability to be innovative and create experiences that provide a whole new experience for the hockey player and consumer. I would be lying if I didn’t say the perks of the job weren’t also a huge part of why I love it so much. I have been lucky enough to work with great athletes and hockey players such as Sidney Crosby, Marc-Andre Fleury, Connor McDavid and Nathan Mckinnon.
Rockzo (right) and Meghan Duggan, Captain of the USA Olympic Hockey team, and two-time silver medalist (left).
(Photo courtesy of Krystin Roczko)
The hardest part of my job was taking on the challenge of transferring to the hockey side of the business. I had no background in the sport other than being a fan and was the only female in the US Office. That was extremely daunting. I had to understand very quickly that failure is a part of success. No one wants to fail, but if you want to do great things, you’re going to have setbacks from time to time. Failure is a requirement of success and it’s how you handle and learn form your failures that makes all the difference. You have to maximize the intangibles – mindset, positive attitude, work ethic and passion – to set the foundation for becoming successful.
HC: What advice would you give to students, especially women, interested in working in the sports industry?
KR: Do one thing every day that scares you. Life presents us with all sorts of hurdles and it’s our choice if we decide to hit the ground running and soar above them or side-step them altogether. The thing is we’re pretty much hard-wired to avoid discomfort, yet that’s where we grow the most and realize just how much we can do.
HC: What’s one fun fact about you?
KR: When I was 10 I starred in an educational commercial about childhood asthma. I played a tomboy who played hockey and learned to cope with playing sports while have asthma. The hockey aspect is a little ironic as I look back.
HC: If you were a drink, what drink would you be and why?
KR: A Manhattan on the Rocks. Like me they are very strong, but a little sweet. On the rocks because I am far from fancy and can do without stemware but feel that I have a metropolitan flare.