An Inside Look With John Montalbano

Happy Tuesday Steel Fans!! 

Today we talked with John Montalbano, 
Director of Business Operations/Marketing Manager. 

Check it out!!!

Originally from Des Plaines, Ill., Montalbano is beginning his eighth season with the Chicago Steel. A graduate of the University of Iowa with a major in communications and a minor in business, Montalbano serves as the Director of Business Operations and Marketing Manager. His day-to-day activities include: developing and maintaining the Steel’s website, overseeing all business transactions and front office personnel, creating a marketing plan and a budget, and directing game day operations.

His favorite part about his job is getting to come to work knowing that every day is different. Additionally, he enjoys working with a great staff and being a part of a great sports organization. In his free time, John likes watching the Hawkeyes, being outdoors, on the water, and playing sports. Furthermore, he enjoys coaching travel baseball in the summer, when he is available.

John is also a member of the USHL Senior Management Council.

What is your primary role (what do you do) with the Chicago Steel?

I am in charge the marketing and business aspects of the organization.

How did you first get involved with the Steel?

After my senior year of college, at the University of Iowa, I applied for an internship in marketing with the Steel, and was fortunate to get the position and learn from RJ Dusak. After my internship, I was the marketing and sales coordinator and then promoted into my current role as Director of Business Operations/Marketing Manager.

What is your favorite part about working for the Steel?

Being able to work for a sports team was always a dream of mine, so to be involved with an organization like this, where every day is different and you face the challenge of being in a sports and entertainment saturated market, makes working here enjoyable..

What would you say is the hardest part about your job?

Being in a hockey saturated market is always a challenge but the success of the Blackhawks has helped continue the growth of hockey fans in the community. Also, being able to continually brand our name and product and not just create a buzz but create demand for our product can be a challenge at times.

What are you looking forward to most this season?

The continued growth and success off the ice and working with the great staff we have in place.

What is your typical day like at the Steel for you?

I get in early around 6:15am to get some work done before working out with RJ, RJ, and Pat. After workouts are over, I get back to focusing on continuing the growth of our brand whether it is through the marketing or sales aspect of the business. Since every day is different it is hard to describe a typical day but some daily duties are dealing with financials, updating our website, going to meetings, and helping the sales staff.

What is a typical game day like for you?

I get here early in the morning and work out. Then it is kinda the same as a typical day but I have additional responsibilities. I have to get the financials ready for the game, help prepare the media game notes, set up the music for the game, and deal with any situations that may arise. During the game I’m typically in the press box with Vito, keeping an eye on everything on the ice and in the stands and directing when we go to media time outs, etc. 

Join us next time as we talk to Katie Sack who is the 
Director of Community Relations and Assistant to the GM. 

ATTENTION STEEL FANS: 
DON'T FORGET!! On Friday, November 8th we will be hosting a food drive. For each non-perishable item brought in, you will receive $2 off a ticket and a FREE chuck-a-puck! All food will be donated to the Northern IL Food Bank!!