Darren Blue is a development strategist for ISG’s Sports and Recreation Business Unit and is responsible for forging new relationships and opportunities between ISG, clients, partners, and communities. Find out why the former Minnesota State University, Mankato Men’s Hockey team coach replaced his hockey skates for a hard hat, and how he uses his coaching skills on and off the rink.
Before I joined ISG, I use to sit at the other side of the table as a client. I was the assistant coach for the Minnesota State University, Mankato Men’s Hockey team, and ISG worked on many projects for the hockey program. Throughout those projects, I met Amanda Prosser and Jeremy Wiesen, and we hit it off. We had some discussions about what it would look like if I changed gears and took on a role as a development strategist for ISG’s Sports and Recreation Business Unit, and I joined the team.
I live and breathe sports, so I love to continue my work in this area in a different capacity. I especially love to see how projects affect related sports programs, players, coaches, and fans. Modernizing spaces brings a great sense of pride to the program and the team, so it’s awesome to be able to provide that sense of achievement.
We’re working on a lot of impactful projects. The Rozenboom Family Athletic Center remodel and expansion at Dordt University is going to make such a positive difference for their players, students, staff, and community. Taking a gymnasium that had a rich history and character, and finding ways to modernize it results in a recruitment and student retention tool for the University—all while keeping the home-court advantage feeling.
There are many similarities between coaching and business development. There are shared aspects regarding the strategy behind recruiting, coaching, and business development. In coaching, you have to recruit the players and staff. Similarly, in business development, you have to work to effectively communicate and create a clear message for both existing and new relationships. This relationship brings a bright future to both a player and a client.
Just like I would constantly learn about the game and strategize around it, I am constantly learning about what is going on in the industry and figuring out what our next move is. I dive into industry trends and what other firms are working on. Thinking about how we will make a difference for others is what keeps us ahead of the game.
My dad says if it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right. I’m not sure why that has stuck with me throughout the years, but it certainly impacts me as an employee owner at ISG. We are all in on every interaction, conversation, and project. We work hard and work together. If we put in the right effort, it can mean great outcomes and make a difference in that community. If we know a project is going to make an impact, we are all in.
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As ISG continues to grow and expand to new geographies, we want to share a few non-traditional benefits that have come with employee owners choosing to relocate. Culture transplants ensure that as we continue to grow, we stay true to our core values, mission, purpose, and culture, which not only benefits ISG employee owners, but our clients as well. This why we encourage relocation across all our locations.
If you know Mallorie, you know that she is anything short of how she describes her fellow coworkers–friendly, helpful, humble, fun, and knowledgeable. For nearly eight years, this Senior Graphic Designer has been making an impact at ISG with her creativity and bright personality. What brought her to ISG and what is her favorite part about working here? If you guessed the people, Mankato’s patio, and projects, you’re halfway there.
As the leader of ISG’s robust marketing team, Abby Gram is a resilient creative force who is always ready for the next challenge. Read on to learn about ISG’s #Allin culture, some surprises about the marketing team, her time on the muddy Mississippi, and why she encourages others to “just keep swimming.”
As a Project Accountant and former Support Specialist, Bill Bartz continues to serve as an important link between projects and employee owners. Learn more about Bill’s journey to ISG, the importance of a first-class team, and get an inside scoop about the Green Bay office and some of Bill’s favorite post-work activities!
ISG’s Caleb Rasmussen is a steward for conservation through his role as a civil engineer. Focusing on surface water, Caleb works on the unique waterways of the Midwest to improve water quality and wildlife. Even though he spends much of his time outside while on the job, you can still find him enjoying the outdoors working with his livestock or spending time with his family.
What do you get when you combine real-world experiences, a collaborative team environment, strengths-focused personal and professional development, and exposure to a positive working culture? One rockin’ internship with ISG! This year, ISG welcomed 35 interns into our offices—investing in their experiences by providing customized and meaningful opportunities that mutually impact our firm and each student.