Lance Tyson
President & CEO at Tyson Group
"When I think of laying out a blueprint of success and execution in business and sales leadership, I think of Wade Graf. He understands the delicate balance between executing and developing people."
Haydon Dotson
Director, Inside Sales at Detroit Tigers & Detroit Red Wings
"Wade was one of the main people who helped me find my purpose and fit in sports. His ability to coach and train while showing empathy where it’s needed is one of the best in the business. Memories that will last me a lifetime stem from his guidance, and I owe a lot of where I’m at in my career to him! "
Lou DePaoll
Managing Director, Executive Search and Team Consulting at General Sports Worldwide
"Not surprisingly, Wade Graf has created a great website that focuses on the key elements of successful leadership. This website is a testament to Wade’s leadership style and the impact that he’s had on the sports industry. This website is the playbook that Wade has personally followed which has led to his, and many others, success in our industry."
Jason Howard
Vice President, Ticketing & United Center Premium Seating at Chicago Bulls
"Wade is uniquely positioned to provide meaningful context, insight, and recommendations on how to be successful in this space. He has decided to intentionally prioritize personal development over professional development for his teams, which has allowed him to achieve the challenging combination of both mentorship and excellence in results for some of the bigger sports brands across the country.
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Jake Winowich
Vice President, Sales & Service at Chicago Fire
"Wade is a great leader and mentor. I had the opportunity to work with him for a year and a half now and was continuously impressed. Wade is innovative and proactive. Even when things were going well he was always looking for ways to improve and stay a step ahead. He would take a suggestion or idea and have a well built out plan the next day. He’s deeply passionate about his job, his team and the industry."
Austin Soulard
Director, Premium Seating & Group Hospitality at Los Angeles Rams
"Wade is hands down one of the best managers and mentors I have ever had the privilege to work under. I tell everyone that Wade is the best at managing every one of his executives equally. He sets aggressive goals that might seem out of reach at one time but with work ethic and going the extra mile he helps you to do more than cross the finish line of your destination."
Travis Apple
Chief Revenue Officer - Logitix
"In this business, elite professionals always go above and beyond the minimum expectations. In the many years I have known Wade, he holds himself to the highest standards and focuses on leading by example. People are always first in mind for him, he then puts together a great blueprint for success, and finds ways for him and his team to produce at the highest level."
Patrick Simon
Regional Manager at Paycom
"From the moment I was introduced to Wade at a Mets Inside Sales Sales Workshop in the summer of 2015, I could tell there was something unique about him. I felt unsure of myself to begin the day, but with Wade's coaching and attention, I learned what it takes to succeed in the sports sales industry. That day, I also learned that Wade will do everything in his power to help others create a career in this industry."
Chris Zaber
Chief Revenue Officer at Pittsburgh Penguins
"Wade is a consummate professional that is passionate about redefining what success looks like. He does an amazing job putting his team in the best position to create success."
Darleen Santore (Coach Dar)
Founder & CEO of Performance Meets Purpose
"Wade is a great leader and one I’ve enjoyed working with and coaching. He always looks for ways he can grow and always does the work necessary to do so! He is truly a hard worker and a leader that leads with integrity."
Corey Breton
CRO, Legends Attractions
"Although I’ve never worked with Wade directly, we’ve always remained in the same professional circle due to mutual connections. From our interactions & frequent conversations I can confidently say Wade is an extremely dedicated, driven leader who is always thinking about his people first and foremost. Constantly investing in himself and his skillset, focused on evolving as a leader to adjust to the changing times."
Allen Jabero
Senior Director, Ticket Sales at Detroit Tigers
"Wade played a tremendous part in my growth as a leader. Wade was always sure to trust me and help play to my strengths while at the same time, balancing that with finding ways to challenge me when he would identify areas of opportunity for growth. I constantly felt challenged in a healthy way and am very happy that I made the decision to align with him."
Sam Barlow
Director, Group Sales at Washington Commanders
"Wade, simply put, is one of the best leaders in the sports industry. He has a unique blend of compassion and drive that always fueled me to get better every day. His desire to grow revenue while also growing careers is something that any leader should aspire to replicate. "
Christina Morgan
General Manager, Legends
"During my time working with Wade, I’ve come to know him as a compassionate leader. He has the ability to implement process to make a team the best they can be while being an outside the box thinker who makes everyone around him better."