Get to know about the ICLA membership through the monthly 20 Questions segment. This month the spotlight turns to Matthew Bridges, director of trademark licensing at the University of South Carolina.

Name: Matthew Bridges    
Position/Institution: Director of Trademark Licensing / University of South Carolina
Number of years in your position: 3 years in licensing    
Alma Mater(s):  University of South Carolina                 
Hometown:  Heath Springs, SC
Twitter (licensing):  @gamecocksonline

1. Why did you become involved in ICLA?
I believe the best way for you to grow in a career is to interact with others in your industry.  Being a part of an industry organization, like ICLA, provides the resources for us to be better stewards of our programs.

2. How has your involvement with ICLA influenced your career?
Being able to learn and bounce ideas and thoughts off others within the organization has influenced me greatly.

3. If you could choose one (1) amenity to add to the workplace, what would it be?
I would add a coffee station, no question. It's the modern water cooler.

4. What is the biggest challenge to working in a university environment? 
The biggest challenge for me at a publicly funded institution of our size is keeping up to date with state policies that regulate how we can conduct business. 

5. What is the most important skill you have developed in your career?
The most important skill I've developed is being a quiet and attentive listener. 

6. What hobby would you get into if time and money weren't an issue?
If money and time weren't issues, I would be a much better golfer. 

7. When people come to you for help, what do they usually want help with?
People typically come to me for help with giveaway items.

8. Why/when did you decide to pursue a career in collegiate licensing?
After working in banking and insurance since graduating from the University of South Carolina, I felt drawn to return to my Alma Mater. The opportunity to help build a self-sustaining program within a public university was very appealing to me.

9. Who has been the most influential person in your career?
I have a local mentor who has greatly influenced my professional life. Though not directly related to the licensing industry or higher education, he has provided me with great perspective that has helped me to grow.  

10. If you didn't have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
I would master the art of BBQ if I had extra time.

11. Who's your role model? Why?
Winston Churchill. He was challenged by early failures but through believing in himself, he became one of the greatest leaders in modern history.

12. What's your favorite quote?
"Spurs Up"

13. What is your biggest pet peeve?
My biggest pet peeve is slow drivers in the passing lane.

14. If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, what would you have a good chance at winning medal a for? 
Bocce Ball

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?
The best piece of advice I've received and would give is to embrace change. 

16. In your opinion, where is collegiate licensing headed in the future?
I will not attempt to predict the future, but the NCAA name, image, likeness issue will be an interesting aspect moving forward.

17. What is your favorite family tradition?
This year marks the second holiday season with our first child. Establishing our own traditions have been a lot of fun. 

18. What are you really good at, but kind of embarrassed that you are good at it?
I am really good at growing large tomato plants and embarrassed that they do not produce fruit.

19. What percentage of your workweek is spent in your office?
65-80%, depends on the week.

20. What are you most looking forward to at the next ICLA Convention or Winter Symposium?
I look forward to seeing everyone in Las Vegas.