Speakers Provide Insight into Professional Sports Industry

Rockhurst University’s Finance and Accounting Student Body (FASB) brought three speakers working in the professional sports industry to campus on Tuesday, Jan. 21, including: Patrick Fleischmann, ’86, director of renovation and accounting/risk management with the Kansas City Royals; Dan Crumb, chief financial officer of the Kansas City Chiefs; and Michael Ragsdale, ’07, ’09 MBA, senior accountant for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Each guest spoke to Helzberg School of Management students about their current business roles, how they got into the professional sports industry and what they believe it takes to be a leader.

“This is my first time back to Conway Hall in 20 years,” said Fleischman, a St. Louis native who credits much of what he has accomplished to his days at RU. “I learned that being a leader is not just about telling people what to do, you also have to be a servant. Rockhurst also taught me to never underestimate the power of leading by example.”

Ragsdale, a former Rockhurst soccer player, also shared his thoughts on leadership, his day-to-day duties and how he came to work for the Kansas City Chiefs organization.

“For me, it was about knowing the right people,” he said. “My coach, Tony Tocco, got a call from the vice president of the Chiefs looking to fill an accountant position. I interviewed and got the job.”

Ragsdale also offered students some advice.

“Take pride in the work you do,” he said. “Make sure it is your best and represents you well.”

The last speaker, Dan Crumb, discussed his connections to Jesuit education, having graduated along with a number of family members from Jesuit High School of New Orleans.

“Jesuit education is a family legacy,” said Crumb. “It taught me to broaden my mind, be accepting and not be afraid of a challenge.”

Crumb, who has worked in a number of different industries throughout his career, described how he hit a few bumps in the road along the way.

“It was the tough times that helped get me where I am today,” he said. “From working for two companies that went through bankruptcies to a company that was sold to a company that struggled after Hurricane Katrina, it was through these experiences that I developed a skillset I would have never otherwise acquired.”

One of the goals of FASB is to bring speakers like this to campus for students to gain insight into a certain industry.

“This event was a perfect example of how the Helzberg School connects current students with impactful leaders,” said Cheryl McConnell, dean of the Helzberg School of Management. “My favorite part was how each speaker talked about what it takes to be successful, and how important both your work ethic and care for others is to your future success.”

To learn about other upcoming opportunities within the Helzberg School of Management, undergraduate and graduate degree programs, visitrockhurst.edu/helzberg.