Name: Dexter LaMont
Position/Institution: Director, Trademark Licensing & Marketing, Florida Atlantic University
Number of years in your position: 15+ in Division 1A Intercollegiate Athletics and University Administration
Alma Mater(s): The Florida State University
Hometown:  Brooklyn, New York

Why did you become involved in ICLA?
As the Associate AD for External Relations, I oversaw licensing but did very little with it. When NACMA and ICLA began to crossover more at the NACDA Convention, it became apparent to me to have more of a presence with ICLA to learn more about licensing and its importance to the university.

What is your favorite part about being a member of ICLA?
The wealth of information, ideas and knowledge that are shared among all the wonderful individuals in the industry.

What is the biggest challenge to working in a university environment?
Internal Politics! The endless efforts of continuing to communicate and educate the colleges, departments, divisions and organizations on trademark licensing and guidelines.

What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment to date?
The support and complete buy-in of our program and policy from our newest President and his Executive Leadership Team.

What is the most important skill you have developed in your career?
To LISTEN, the key to all effective communication.

Who has been the most influential person in your career?
ICLA! I continue to learn everyday from my ICLA peers. It has been a wonderful journey.

What is one item you cannot live without?
A vehicle, especially in South Florida.

Who would you chose to switch places with for a day?
John Elway, 1998 Super Bowl XXXII. After losing three Super Bowls in the late 80's, he won his first championship with the Broncos by defeating the Green Bay Packers in San Diego, California.

What is your favorite sporting that event you have ever attended?
1999 Championship FSU 46 - Virginia Tech 29 First team to go "wire-to-wire", being ranked continuously as the nation's top-ranked team from the preseason through the bowl season. Go NOLES!

Why/when did you decide to pursue a career in collegiate licensing?
As mentioned in first question, licensing was part of my responsibility as Associate AD for External Relations. However, the University was growing at a fast pace, and the need for full-time director of the Licensing program became inevitable. It also allowed for a better work-life balance for myself and most importantly my family.  

In your mind, who in this industry can serve as a good role model?
I strongly believe our industry is full of many gifted individuals with tremendous amounts of knowledge and wealth to share as role models.

How has your involvement with ICLA influenced your career?
The ability to network and learn from our industry leaders has enabled me become a better Director of Trademark Licensing & Marketing, and allowed me to craft the program at Florida Atlantic University.

What educational or business experiences best prepared you for a career in licensing?
Coming from the external side of athletics, I had unique experiences and interactions with marketers, corporate partners, retailers, etc. that provided the different experiences around licensing.  

What challenges do you face when working with students or vendors?
With the new administration in Student Affairs and procurement policies, the challenges are few and far between (knocking on wood now). However, one of the big challenges in the past was the theory "it's easier to ask for forgiveness than it is to get permission"...so if it sounds like a good idea, then let's go ahead and do it.

Would you please explain a professional success and how you implemented it?
Our partnership with SMA in 2004 was the catalyst to the "true" birth of our program. The expertise and guidance provided to the university was a pivotal part of the growth of the program. Since then we have had several success stories, but the "birth" of the program will continue to be one of the best decisions the university made for this program.

In your opinion, where is collegiate licensing headed in the future?
As French Montana would say, "All The Way Up, Nothing Can Stop Us!!!"
On a serious note, as our industry and world continues to evolve and change, it is important to be ready to incorporate new mindsets and behaviors in order to absorb the key implications of the changes.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? What advice would you give to someone looking to enter the field of collegiate licensing?
To listen and be a sponge...use every opportunity as an opportunity to learn. 

What was your biggest professional failure/mistake and how did you learned from it?
Having a heated confrontation with our men's basketball head coach after the game in public. Thank GOD it was before the evolution of social media. Needless to say it was an embarrassing moment for both of us. I have learned to "step out of the emotion" of a stressful situation.

What percentage of your work-week is spent in your office?
Too much - 90% still working on the recipe for a "more constructive" balance.

What are you most looking forward to at the next ICLA Convention or Winter Symposium?
Networking with colleagues and sharing ideas on best practices within our industry.