Name: Paul Mills
Position/Institution: Assistant Director of Trademark Licensing at The University of Alabama
Number of years in your position: 5 years
Alma Mater(s): University of Tennessee ('11) & University of Oklahoma ('13)
Hometown: Knoxville, TN
Twitter (personal): @pcmills88
Twitter (licensing):@UA_Athletics

Why did you become involved in ICLA?
I became involved in ICLA during my first year at Oklahoma, ahead of the 2012 Winter Symposium in Salt Lake City. My boss (sorry-she hates that word) at the time, Renata Kukowski, encouraged us to join and promoted all of the benefits of doing so.

How has your involvement with ICLA influenced your career?
Being involved with ICLA has helped me network and meet other great people in the industry. These relationships have grown into friendships, mentorship, and assisted with my growth as a member of the licensing community.
 
Why/when did you decide to pursue a career in collegiate licensing?
Like most people in collegiate licensing, I didn't necessarily decide to start a career in this industry; I accidentally fell into it. I started in collegiate athletics on the marketing side, but as I was driving to move to Norman for grad school, I received a call that a position had opened up in the licensing department. I accepted, and immediately fell in love with it.
 
What is the biggest challenge to working in a university environment?
It's a good thing because it speaks to all of the different areas licensing can touch, but having so many different stakeholders across campus can sometimes be a little challenging.

 What is the most important skill you have developed in your career?
The most important skill I've developed is to be able to look at things from different perspectives. Not everybody thinks the same way I do, and being able to see where others are coming from and how they view things can be very beneficial.
 
When people come to you for help, what do they usually want help with?
Most of the time it's because they want to know who can produce a specific item for them. 

Who has been the most influential person in your career?
I've been extremely blessed throughout my life to be surrounded by people who took an interest in me and significantly impacted my career. It's impossible to narrow it down to one, but the three bosses I've had since I've been in the licensing industry: Renata Kukowski, Lewis Hardy, and Cole Price; have cared just as much about me as a person as they have about what I've accomplished at work. I'm so thankful for them and everyone who's impacted my life.

Who is your role model? Why?
My parents are my role models. They've taught me how to work hard, love deeply, and to be a Christian example to others.  
 
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?
I've received some great advice, but one of the most helpful things I've been told is to control what I can control. Often times, it's easy to worry about things we can't change. Concentrating on what you can actually control can really help with unnecessary stress. For someone looking to enter the industry, I'd tell them to network as much as possible, it really is a people business.

In your opinion, where is collegiate licensing headed in the future?
I think we were already heading this way, but COVID has accelerated the shift to online shopping for many consumers. We all must adapt to the recent changes we've seen in order to continue to reach our customers.
 
If you could choose one (1) amenity to add to the workplace, what would it be?
A Diet Dr. Pepper machine would be a game changer!
 
What percentage of your work-week is spent in your office?
Right now almost 100%, but I can't wait until we're able to get out and meet with licensees and retailers, conduct photo shoots, and travel to conferences again.
 
If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, what would you have a good chance at winning a medal for?
If losing your hair before age 25 was an Olympic sport, I'd definitely be a gold medalist.  ??
 
What's your favorite quote?
One of my heroes growing up, Pat Summitt, said "they don't care how much you know, unless they know how much you care."  I think that speaks for itself.
 
What hobby would you get into if time and money weren't an issue?
Golf. I've always wanted to be able to play but haven't had the time or money to get into it.
 
What is your favorite family tradition?
I always look forward to New Year's Day each year, because it's full of football and our good luck meal of pork chops, black eyed peas, cornbread, and something green.
 
What are you really good at that might surprise people?
Surprisingly, I have a pretty good green thumb. I grew lettuce, spinach, broccoli, carrots, onions, zucchini, potatoes, peppers, tomatoes, and watermelon last year.
 
If you didn't have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
Read. My wife already gives me a hard time for having more books than shelf space. Maybe one of these days.
 
What is your biggest pet peeve?
People who clog up the left lane instead of using it to pass ... drives me crazy!
 
What is your favorite binge-worthy show or book you are reading right now?
Haven't had much time to binge anything in a while, but over the summer we watched Ozark, Homeland, and The Man in the High Castle.