30 | Matt Batchelder | Intern to Vice President

<p>Matt Batchelder is Vice President of Ticket Sales &amp; Digital Marketing at Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) hockey team.</p> <p>Starting as an intern back in 1999 Matt has woven his WorkHappy attitude into the culture of the Griffins at every level.</p> <p>Matt shares about having to reinvent the Griffins ticket wheel and how they approached Covid, keeping their fans on board and getting fans back in the stands this season. &nbsp;We agreed that when managing people, sometimes you have to ask two or three times, "HOW ARE YOU REALLY DOING?" to make sure our teams are healthy, mentally, socially and physically.</p> <p>Matt and his team have done things the right way. &nbsp;Playing the long game, but building healthy strong relationships with their fans to grow their base year after year. &nbsp;Along with that, there's been a lot of ramping up recently, training a newer sales team and connecting with fans coming off a season where there were no fans in the building.</p> <p>We both agree that working happy is the way to go, and the numbers show. &nbsp;Happy sales people sell 37% more than their grumpy colleagues.</p> <p>Hope you enjoy the conversation. &nbsp;Follow Matt at <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewbatchelder/">Linkedin</a> or drop him a line <a href="https://griffinshockey.com/team/front-office/matt-batchelder">here</a>.</p>