Rights Holder Spotlight, Frank Geers, American Cornhole

What is your job title and responsibilities?

President and Founder.

What was your first job in the industry?

Founded and organized an annual family and friend golf outings in the 80’s and 90’s referred to as the GBO “Geers Bologna Open” – biggest year we recognized just short of 100 players coming in from 6 states.

What aspect of your job do you like most?

The people that participate within the organization and the friends I have been able to make over the last two decades in the industry. I really have enjoyed that part of doing what I do. I actually enjoy what I do so much I wouldn’t even consider it a job.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

A doctor, specifically a surgeon.

How did you get into this line of work?

Worked at my father’s company F. James Geers & Co. which specialized in printing, marketing, fulfillment and promotional products. I was involved with everything from being a warehouse hand to selling. I learned a lot through working with my father and his business.

Do you belong to any civic or volunteer organizations?

Not that I am aware of.

What has been your biggest accomplishment thus far in your career?

I think being featured on the front page of the Wall Street Journal to this day is still one of my favorite accomplishments.

How do you manage your daily tasks?

Haphazardly at best; at other times with a firehose. Seriously I try to stay as organized as possible but am constantly juggling to keep all the balls in the air at one time. The hiring of Tina Kandler as the organizations COO was one of my better moves recently. She really has stepped up and helped me bring better structure to our organization. This allows me to do a better job with my daily tasks.

How do you stay on top of sports tourism industry trends?

Primarily it is staying very involved with all the industries biggest trade shows: TEAMS, S.P.O.R.T.S, Connect Sports, Sports Congress, Sports E.T.A. etc…

How are you developing key partnerships in the marketplace?

Working with organizations like the NSGA to help expand their offerings to their seniors.

Working with people like Parker Medley from Knoxville, TN; Terra Alphonso from Branson, MO, or Sean Walter from Punta Gorda, FL to create annual events that drive a consistent and recognized economic impact annually for their community. We look for partners that want to grow with the ACO. We are not in this for the short term or one off opportunities. We want to create partnerships that allow us to be difference makers.

Who was your greatest mentor?

My dad. He showed me how to respect others, work hard and never give up. I would not be the man I am today if it was not for my father. My mom was also a very big part of my life as well. They both meant so much to me and who I’ve become.

What are the top 3 things you’d want to pass on as advice to a young, up and coming industry professional?

NOTHING beats one-on-one interpersonal communication … explore the world outside of your phone/email … OFTEN

Say what you do and then do what you say. Be HONEST.

If you don’t f-up, you aren’t trying hard enough.

What are you most passionate about and how did you get started with it?

My number one passion is my family and just trying to be the best provider and mentor to my three boys that I can. I want to lead by example and hope they will become better people for it.