Name: Andy Alongi
Position/Institution: Director of Marketing, Marist College
Number of years in your position: 6 months
Alma Mater(s): Marist College
Hometown: Miller Place, NY
Twitter (personal): @AndyAlongi
Twitter (licensing): @AndyAlongi

Why did you become involved in ICLA?
I became involved in ICLA to gain a better understanding of the industry, as well as network with professionals at other institutions. ICLA has provided a multitude of resources to help me grow in the field in the short time I've been associated with the group.

How has your involvement with ICLA influenced your career?
ICLA has influenced my career because it has helped me gain a better understanding of the industry through the resources available, and the discussions that take place.

Why/when did you decide to pursue a career in collegiate licensing?
When I was a senior in college, Marist Athletics went through a rebrand, and updated its marks and as a student intern, my supervisor was leading the project. He sought out my input and what I thought could be improved upon to get other students to buy-in to the rebrand. When I saw the different iterations of the logos, and what it could be, I got excited about the industry, wanted to learn more, and find a way to contribute to make Marist Athletics more on-brand moving forward!

What is the biggest challenge to working in a university environment?
One of the biggest challenges in working in a university environment are all the stakeholders you deal with on a daily basis. It is important to hear everyone's concerns, but then make the best decision for the institution.

What is the most important skill you have developed in your career?
The most important skill I have developed in my career has been time and project management skills. In my role, we have a variety of projects going on at any one time, all of which are important, and managing all of those to meet deadlines and utilizing our team member's strengths help get things done on time.

When people come to you for help, what do they usually want help with?
When people come to me for help, most often it is to work through a complex challenge where there are many moving parts. When a few team members can come together and openly discuss a challenge we can work together to figure out the best solution and plan to move forward.

Who has been the most influential person in your career?
I don't think there is one person who has had a big influence on my career. I think that there are many people who have influenced me over the years in different ways. I value all the relationships I've developed with colleagues over time. I like to take little pieces of a lot of conversations and apply them to my career in moments where they have relevance.

Who's your role model? Why?
Seems cliché, but definitely my parents. They are the model of what hard work. They taught me all the soft skills needed to have success and provided me the opportunity to gain the hard skills needed to thrive in higher education.

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?
Be patient and stay the course. Opportunities will arise when you least expect them.

If you could choose one (1) amenity to add to the workplace, what would it be?
Anything to increase caffeine output. I'm a big coffee drinker.

What percentage of your work-week is spent in your office?
In normal times I'd say about 33% of my time is in the office. The rest of the time is out and about on campus. I prefer to be out from behind the desk whenever possible.

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

What's your favorite quote?
Take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly, and try another. But by all means, try something. FDR

What hobby would you get into if time and money weren't an issue?
I really enjoy concerts and live events so I think I would attend a lot more live events as a spectator/fan if time and money was not an issue. It is a goal of mine to attend the spectator tennis grand slam. Still need to get to Australia and France to complete it!

What is your favorite family tradition?
My family celebrates Christmas Eve Eve annually on December 23. This evening was meant to gather the entire family together before others went to spend time with in-laws and friends over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. This one event ensured that everyone could be together in one place. We'll do it over Zoom this year!

What are you really good at that might surprise people?
When I was much younger, our high school was in the Guinness Book of World Records for badminton. Our varsity team had a winning streak that spanned four decades and was the longest winning streak in team sports history. I competed on the team and contributed to the winning streak, but most people are surprised to hear badminton can be competitive.

If you didn't have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
I'd probably sit online scrolling Twitter.

What is your biggest pet peeve?
Clutter.

What is your favorite binge-worthy show right now?
My wife and I have binged a lot during the pandemic. We've completed Stranger Things, Tiger King, Schitt's Creek, All-American, Breaking Bad, Ozark, and are currently in season two of Bloodline.