Growing up, Jay’s dad was in athletics as a coach and athletic director for various universities. As a result, Jay’s family moved every few years and at one point, he thought he wanted to settle down in one location but soon discovered that he thrived on variety and change. He got his start in sports arenas while a senior in college, interning for the company Centerplate. By the time he graduated, Jay was offered the role of warehouse manager in Kansas City where he worked his way to become the youngest general manager in the company at the ripe old age of 24.
After a few years with the Royals and the Chiefs, Jay moved on to Churchill Downs, the legendary racetrack. It was a job with the Timberwolves that brought him and his family to Minnesota where they have resided for the past eight years – the longest stretch he’s lived in one place during his entire life.
After years of depending upon the success of sports teams and special events to reach annual financial targets, Jay answered a call that took him on a totally different career trajectory. “In all the years I traveled, I never once thought about what it would take to work in an airport,” says Jay. But he says he finds the airport environment to be much less stressful. “I don’t have to count on a winning team to draw a crowd to the arena. The pace is much more manageable, which is better for me, and for my family.”
Which is a good thing because Jay has plenty to keep him busy outside of work. The father of four, ages 8 to 11, Jay’s evenings are a whirlwind of scheduled coordination ensuring everyone is where they need to be, whether it’s swimming, basketball, or hockey practice. Jay learned the art of baking from his grandmother and enjoys what he calls “creating in the kitchen” where he tries out new recipes for a variety of breads and rolls. Jay’s creativity isn’t limited to the kitchen – he’s a talented woodworker who enjoys working with his hands and building things.
Jay says he is settling into his new role and enjoying becoming more familiar with his team and the MSP operations. “As the General Manager here I have a lot of people counting on my leadership but I am excited about the opportunity to mentor others and help them in with their personal and professional development goals.”
As an ardent strategist, Jay is planning small changes to make a big difference over the course of time. Welcome to the Areas team, Jay!