Name: Jesse Garza Carreon
Position: Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications-Creative Services
Institution: Trademarks and Licensing Program | Texas A&M University-Kingsville
Number of years in your position: 10yrs 8 months
Alma Mater(s): University of Massachusetts - Boston
Hometown: San Antonio, TX
Twitter (personal): @JesseCarreon6
 
1. Why did you become involved in ICLA?
I became involved in ICLA back in 2015 when I began managing the Trademarks and Licensing Program. I was new to the position and ICLA was there to help me.

2. How has your involvement with ICLA influenced your career?
It has been an asset working with colleagues encountering the same issues in licensing as myself. ICLA has given me a network of professionals to bounce ideas off of.

3. Why/when did you decide to pursue a career in collegiate licensing?
I started my career in collegiate licensing when licensing was added to my position at the time. I have enjoyed learning about the field and how to strategically promote TAMUK.

4. What is the biggest challenge to working in a university environment?
The biggest challenge is making sure every area in the university stays true to a common branding goal.

5. What is the most important skill you have developed in your career?
The most important skill I have developed is negotiating.

6. When people come to you for help, what do they usually want help with?
People usually come to me when they need help finding the correct product for their area or have trademark questions.

7. Who has been the most influential person in your career?
My two most influential people in my career have been Kyle Pope and Rosa Rodriguez at TAMU.

8. Who's your role model? Why?
To date, I do not have a sole role model. Rather, I have honestly learned something from everyone I have met throughout my career.
 
9. What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
The best advice I have received is to be open when working with different areas of your university and how to carefully maneuver all the grey areas in licensing.

10. In your opinion, where is collegiate licensing headed in the future?
I think the future of collegiate licensing relies on the need for universities to be strategic on how they promote themselves and constantly be aware of their branding mission.

11. If you could choose one (1) amenity to add to the workplace, what would it be?
I would add an alumni gift shop.

12. What percentage of your workweek is spent in your office?
I would say 80% of my workweek is spent in my office.

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

14. What's your favorite quote?
"Better to have a short life that is full of what you like doing than a long life spent in a miserable way." Alan Watts

15. What hobby would you get into if time and money weren't an issue?
If money weren't an issue, I would get into the culinary arts.

16. What is your favorite family tradition?
My favorite family tradition is playing board games during the holidays.

17. What are you really good at that might surprise people?
I think people would be surprised to learn I am really good at art and painting. 

18. If you didn't have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
If I had extra time, I would spend it drawing and sketching.

19. What is your biggest pet peeve?
My biggest pet peeve is trademarks that have been altered.

20. What is your favorite binge-worthy show or book you are reading right now?
My favorite show or book is anything history related.

About ICLA: ICLA provides educational and networking opportunities, enhancement of acceptable operating standards and ethics, and establishment of the overall prestige and understanding of the profession of collegiate licensing. For more information on ICLA, please visit www.iclanet.com. ICLA is administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), which is in its 57^th year. For more information on NACDA and the 17 professional associations that fall under its umbrella, please visit www.nacda.com.