Get to know about the ICLA membership through the monthly 20 Questions segment. This month the spotlight turns to Jessica Hotter, Assistant Director of Licensing and Trademarks at Virginia Tech.

Name:  Jessica Hotter
Position/Institution: Assistant Director of Licensing and Trademarks, Virginia Tech
Number of years in your position: One
Alma Mater(s): Virginia Tech         
Hometown:  Fairfax, Virginia
Twitter (licensing): @hokiegear
 
1. Why did you become involved in ICLA?
My previous supervisor encouraged me to become involved in ICLA because of the tremendous support it offers. It was her idea that I apply for the Mentorship Program, which has been incredibly beneficial. I encourage everyone who is on the fence about it to apply and I hope to become a mentor in the future.

2. How has your involvement with ICLA influenced your career?
ICLA has been influential in helping me make connections throughout the industry. It has provided me the opportunity to learn from some amazing people. I never leave an event or phone call without inspiration.

3. If you could choose one (1) amenity to add to the workplace, what would it be?
I'm not sure if this is an amenity but I'm all for a dog-friendly workplace.

4. What is the biggest challenge to working in a university environment?
I think the biggest challenge working in a university environment is trying to connect and get in front of as many people as possible. My office is off-campus so I make it a point to try and fit in at least three presentations a month for internal departments/units.

5. What is the most important skill you have developed in your career?
The most important skill I've learned in this position is to let some things go. You're never going to please everyone in licensing. You have to defend and stay true to your brand. It will be around far longer than the individual in front of you at that moment.

6. What hobby would you get into if time and money weren't an issue?
I have a soft spot for classic cars so a small collection would be nice. My dream car is a '68 Charger.

7. When people come to you for help, what do they usually want help with?
The question I get most often is "What can I/can't I do or use?" I find that charts help a lot.

8. Why/when did you decide to pursue a career in collegiate licensing?
There's very few industries that have such a passionate and loyal audience as collegiate licensing. It's an industry where you see your hard work walking across campus every day of the year and then chanting in the stands for football season. I meet a Virginia Tech fan or alum every time I travel. It never fails. It's an incredible feeling.

9. Who has been the most influential person in your career?
It's hard to pick between Melanie Schramm and Nikki Goodenow. They've both been unbelievable resources and mentors. I know I could call either of them for guidance. I am blessed to have both of them in my corner.

10. If you didn't have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
I'd probably cook for myself more often.

11. Who's your role model? Why?
I wouldn't say I have one role model. No one's perfect so I pull from a bunch of different individuals.

12. What's your favorite quote?
"Not my circus, not my monkeys." It helps remind me of what my priorities are.

13. What is your biggest pet peeve?
People who text at the movie theatres. I didn't pay $12 to watch your phone light up in front of me.

14. If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, what would you have a good chance at winning medal a for?
Listening to audiobooks and podcasts. I average a book a week and supplement that with podcasts.

15. 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?
Don't take things too personally. There will be people who like you and people who don't. Licensing often gets a bad reputation. Taking things too personally can sometimes cast a negative view on things.  

16. In your opinion, where is collegiate licensing headed in the future?
I'm a big proponent of using data to make strategic decisions. Data is a currency in my eyes and it's often underutilized. I think it will be interesting to see how that influences the industry, including relationships between institutions and licensees moving forward.

17. What is your favorite family tradition?
My family isn't big on traditions but my sister, my dad, and myself are big sports fans. We try to attend as many games (collegiate, minor, and major league) together as possible. It's been a great way for us to bond and stay connected.

18. What are you really good at, but kind of embarrassed that you are good at it?
Hmm that's a tough one. My sarcasm is top-notch and I've found myself in some embarrassing situations when people don't catch on or realize I'm joking.

19. What percentage of your work-week is spent in your office?
Probably about 40%. I try to get out and infront of people as often as possible.

20. What are you most looking forward to at the next ICLA Convention or Winter Symposium?
I'll be excited to hear about all the marketing campaigns people put together during football/holiday.