Iowa's Director of Marketing (Rick Klatt) being transferred

[OnceAhawk]

Scott Dochterman of the Cedar Gazette brought up something very interesting in his Monday podcast. He stated that a 7-0 football team could be playing in front of a crowd of 10,000 empty seats on Halloween, vs Maryland. He then stated that the director of marketing for Iowa athletics (his official title was "Associate AD, External Relations"), Rick Klatt, was transferred internally to the strategic communications office under the President. The external relations/ director of marketing position will soon be posted and, of course, filled.

Perhaps the red pom poms vs Wisconsin, the sluggish ticket sales this year and other marketing gaffes have finally suggested to Barta that a change was needed.

Thoughts?

 

[BulliesOfTheBigTen]

It's a Christmas miracle. I'm sure Rick Klatt the person is a fine person. But man was he bad at that job. I would say Iowa was among the worst in the conference when it came to marketing. Easily.

 

[Qued18]

This will make redbirdhawk happy. Good luck Rick

 

[EvilMonkeyInTheCloset]

Hmm......I feel like there will be more than 60,585 at Kinnick for the Maryland game.

Besides, we have to keep proving Da Coach wrong that the Pitt game would be the last time Kinnick got up over 63,000.............and that is always fun to do.

 

[Packer54]

Who did he report to? Meaning Klatt.

 

[ichawk24]

Articles like this one say it's temporary to cover other departures. I don't think Klatt is leaving AD.

http://www.thegazette.com/subject/n...ick-klatt-to-take-on-campuswide-role-20151009

 

[NashvilleHawk]

The real Director of Marketing, is none other, than Kirk James Ferentz.
Rick Klatt is James Tunney, and Kirk Ferentz is Vince McMahon.

 

[hawkssox1]

Articles like this one say it's temporary to cover other departures. I don't think Klatt is leaving AD.

http://www.thegazette.com/subject/n...ick-klatt-to-take-on-campuswide-role-20151009

Then why would the job be posted?

 

[soybean]

I have nothing to add about Klatt. But I would like to comment about the Gazette and how it just can't help itself when it comes to trying to diminish the Hawkeye program any chance it gets. The idea that there will be 10K empty seats for Maryland is silly...and I'll bet they know it.

 

[redbirdhawk]

You mess with the bull (Rastetter) you get the horns.
Klatt will NOT EVER be back working in the athletic department. If it weren't for his wife, he wouldn't have ANY job at UI.
No more marketing Klattastrophes.

 

[ichawk24]

Then why would the job be posted?

It hasn't been posted. That is speculation by Dochterman. I believe he is wrong. Dochterman's own newspaper printed an article calling it a temporary move.

http://www.thegazette.com/subject/n...ick-klatt-to-take-on-campuswide-role-20151009

Klatt has been named interim director for special communications initiatives with the UI Office of the Vice President for Strategic Communications. His salary, which was $124,166 in the 2014 budget year, won’t change, said UI spokeswoman Jeneane Beck.

The temporary move will help the university cope with the recent departure of three key leaders in the communications office: Joseph Brennan, vice president for strategic communications, left in August, and Lynn Donham, senior director for marketing communications, and Lin Larson, director of university creative services, both are planning to leave before the end of the year, according to Beck.

Klatt will begin in his new role Oct. 15.

He told The Gazette the interim assignment is “an important space that has become very short-handed in a very short period of time.” Klatt said his institutional knowledge could be valuable in the role.

 

[hoffmkr]

Just one more gaff to add to list. I had season tickets previously, but dropped them this year due to kids sports conflicts. I still get all the season ticket emails including asking to buy $30 tickets. However, it won't let me buy them if I try. I understand the not letting me buy them, but terrible marketing.

 

[milehighhawkeye24]

The real Director of Marketing, is none other, than Kirk James Ferentz.
Rick Klatt is James Tunney, and Kirk Ferentz is Vince McMahon.

I am sure KF has plenty of time and input for the marketing department....so KF is head coach, OC, and head of marketing according to posters.....while on the side conspiring to sit our best players and find ways to best piss off fans....I wonder if the guy ever eats and/or sleeps, that a pretty busy schedule

 

[hawkssox1]

Just one more gaff to add to list. I had season tickets previously, but dropped them this year due to kids sports conflicts. I still get all the season ticket emails including asking to buy $30 tickets. However, it won't let me buy them if I try. I understand the not letting me buy them, but terrible marketing.

Can you say dysfunctional.

 

[David1979]

There is no reason there should still be tickets available after the start they have had. Do something to sell those tickets. That is a complete failure by marketing and he is lucky he got transferred and not fired.

 

[5Fan5]

You mess with the bull (Rastetter) you get the horns.
Klatt will NOT EVER be back working in the athletic department. If it weren't for his wife, he wouldn't have ANY job at UI.
No more marketing Klattastrophes.

It would have to be the horns because there is nothing else at all to define him as a man.

 

[DodgerHawki]

There is no reason there should still be tickets available after the start they have had. Do something to sell those tickets. That is a complete failure by marketing and he is lucky he got transferred and not fired.

I hear you. And I understand the point of view. But just discounting all the tickets to $10 or whatever to get them sold would be reinforcing the idea with people that there is no need to buy season tickets if the UI will sell me single game seats for cheap once the season gets going.

The erosion of the fan base didn't happen overnight and it won't come back immediately either.

 

[David1979]

I hear you. And I understand the point of view. But just discounting all the tickets to $10 or whatever to get them sold would be reinforcing the idea with people that there is no need to buy season tickets if the UI will sell me single game seats for cheap once the season gets going.

The erosion of the fan base didn't happen overnight and it won't come back immediately either.

I didn't say they should be selling them really cheap. But a good marketing program would have them sold by now regardless of cost because of how good the team is doing. I don't know who they are hiring at iowa but marketing of the football team and of the university in general has been bad.

 

[IamHawkeye]

There is no reason there should still be tickets available after the start they have had. Do something to sell those tickets. That is a complete failure by marketing and he is lucky he got transferred and not fired.

I would say it's a failure by the fans.

 

[Packer54]

I am scratching my head paying someone $124k to give away the value of the ticket....rather than paying a professional marketer more money to CREATE value in the ticket and the entire experience. The school and budgets would be a ton of money ahead of the game.

 

[WORTHYWISH]

Might just be my own experience, but as someone that doesn't have season tickets, every time I've tried purchasing tickets for either football or basketball, it's been more difficult than anything I've ever purchased tickets for.

 

[Hawk-A-Doodle-Doo]

Well, isn't this an interesting development. Ol' Doodle just happens to have about a quarter century of corporate marketing management and executive leadership experience with several very large and well known international companies, several small, entrepreneurial entities, and a couple that fall somewhere in between.

As a semi-regular critic (and also one who has given credit when and where it was due) of the marketing efforts of the athletic department in general--and with regard to the football program in particular--perhaps Doodle should throw his hat in the ring....you know, in the great American tradition of "put up or shut up".

Anyone want to be on Doodle's list of character references?

 

[Packer54]

Might just be my own experience, but as someone that doesn't have season tickets, every time I've tried purchasing tickets for either football or basketball, it's been more difficult than anything I've ever purchased tickets for.

This, in part, is the entire experience I am speaking of. If something as simple as ticket purchasing is difficult, can you imagine what else is missed or ignored, that would drive a positive FB experience to not only the season ticket buyer but the fan that can only go to a game or two....or that has yet to go? They need someone that is a very strong combination of Marketing and Sales functional experience, that understands consumer needs and can execute against those needs with basic and sometime innovative ideas. It's really not that tough. THEN when you GET them (the customer)...Show them you LOVE them...makes your work a bunch easier year after year.

 

[CJBauer]

Anyone want to be on Doodle's list of character references?

Sure...I've read your posts for 17 years now...that should count...right?

 

[hawkssox1]

Well, isn't this an interesting development. Ol' Doodle just happens to have about a quarter century of corporate marketing management and executive leadership experience with several very large and well known international companies, several small, entrepreneurial entities, and a couple that fall somewhere in between.

As a semi-regular critic (and also one who has given credit when and where it was due) of the marketing efforts of the athletic department in general--and with regard to the football program in particular--perhaps Doodle should throw his hat in the ring....you know, in the great American tradition of "put up or shut up".

Anyone want to be on Doodle's list of character references?

Didn't know O'l Doodle was a cross dresser?

 

[bouma1415]

The product (Iowa Football should sell itself). This ultimately means the product has not met consumers expectations...which ultimately falls on the plate of the man making $4,000,000 per year.

 

[EpenesaEpenesa]

It has more to do with the Big 10 schedule than anything. Your average fan doesnt want to go watch Maryland and Purdue and pay 65 bucks each to do it. I get Iowa doesnt set the conference schedule, but it it were Iowa vs Ohio State, Michigan State, Wisconsin, Penn State, Michigan etc.............ticket sales would look a lot different.

 

[Old_wrestling_fan]

It has more to do with the Big 10 schedule than anything. Your average fan doesnt want to go watch Maryland and Purdue and pay 65 bucks each to do it. I get Iowa doesnt set the conference schedule, but it it were Iowa vs Ohio State, Michigan State, Wisconsin, Penn State, Michigan etc.............ticket sales would look a lot different.

I am sure there are many factors going into the reduced football season ticket sales, but the two biggest in my mind are:

1. The cost is simply to the point where many families cannot afford the whole season ticket package. Yes, an exciting, winning team on the field does wonders to help ticket sales, but many people that I know have come to realize that they can watch most of the games on TV and go to one or two of them in person, often via reduced package prices or scalped tickets at a discount, and still save quite a few bucks each fall.

2. See EE's point above...the expanded conference led directly to a watered down schedule. Although it is great to see the Hawks having a super season so far, the home schedule is nothing to get too fired up about if you like "good" games against "name" opponents.

 

[smallfry]

If true, this is a great day for Iowa Athletics. He was god awful at his job since I was in college 15 years ago. They need to bring in a high energy team of marketers. Iowa football is like selling sex on prom night, every one wants it, just how much are they willing to pay. Make the program fun and exciting people (including recruits) will be willing to join the crowd.

 

[BioHawk]

Well, isn't this an interesting development. Ol' Doodle just happens to have about a quarter century of corporate marketing management and executive leadership experience with several very large and well known international companies, several small, entrepreneurial entities, and a couple that fall somewhere in between.

As a semi-regular critic (and also one who has given credit when and where it was due) of the marketing efforts of the athletic department in general--and with regard to the football program in particular--perhaps Doodle should throw his hat in the ring....you know, in the great American tradition of "put up or shut up".

Anyone want to be on Doodle's list of character references?

If you can get the water tower painted and a tiger hawk at the 50 yard line you've got my support!

 

[Hawk68]

I think you all are missing a few factors. There is a change in American demographics. "Baby Boomers" are getting to the age where going to a game is a hassle. The parking and walking is no longer a walk in the park as well as sitting through countless timeouts. Also, money is a little tight for some retirees as well as younger folks with family costs.

For years now, the student demand for tickets has decreased and their interest has not picked-up upon graduation. Plus the Iowa job availability for Iowa grads has gone down causing them to move out of state for employment. Also, ISU's total enrollment has surpassed Iowa's and many of their majors are farm related which keeps them in the state.

Finally, the tremendous number of games on the tube now, makes It easier to watch the Hawks and then the next game which normally features very good teams.

Iowa needs to become much more creative in luring fans back to the stadium, especially as the average age of the fans grow older and the economy remains stagnant.

 

[thirdandpunting]

I guess projecting the Tiger Hawk on the water tower during the Pitt game wasn't enough...

 

[acic1]

They don't even need to be creative. Don't get me wrong, it'll help. But simple things that require no creativity will have a big impact. Sell beer. relax on the police presence/ tailgating restrictions. This one is far fetched, but it'd be nice if they allowed attendees to bring in a certain amt. of their own drink/ food.

On the creativity topic. I know it would never happen, but I have thought it would be cool for people to suggest & then vote for songs to be played over the speakers during breaks. It gets old hearing the same overplayed pop songs game after game. We'd get to hear something new & gives fans a little bit of control. Again, I know something like this won't happen, but it would be cool.

If they'd quit being so $ hungry, even a little bit, it may help their cause.

 

[Packer54]

B

I think you all are missing a few factors. There is a change in American demographics. "Baby Boomers" are getting to the age where going to a game is a hassle. The parking and walking is no longer a walk in the park as well as sitting through countless timeouts. Also, money is a little tight for some retirees as well as younger folks with family costs.

For years now, the student demand for tickets has decreased and their interest has not picked-up upon graduation. Plus the Iowa job availability for Iowa grads has gone down causing them to move out of state for employment. Also, ISU's total enrollment has surpassed Iowa's and many of their majors are farm related which keeps them in the state.

Finally, the tremendous number of games on the tube now, makes It easier to watch the Hawks and then the next game which normally features very good teams.

Iowa needs to become much more creative in luring fans back to the stadium, especially as the average age of the fans grow older and the economy remains stagnant.

I am not missing anything. I understand. Rick Klatt doesn't get it. That's the point. I have been doing this for a number of years and I have met with Rick on two occasions. I will tell you based on those two meetings segmentation and understanding the different needs of each segment is not a strength. Not trying to be nasty about Rick but this is clearly a "you get what you pay for" situation.

 

[HobbieHawk]

They don't even need to be creative. Don't get me wrong, it'll help. But simple things that require no creativity will have a big impact. Sell beer. relax on the police presence/ tailgating restrictions. This one is far fetched, but it'd be nice if they allowed attendees to bring in a certain amt. of their own drink/ food.

On the creativity topic. I know it would never happen, but I have thought it would be cool for people to suggest & then vote for songs to be played over the speakers during breaks. It gets old hearing the same overplayed pop songs game after game. We'd get to hear something new & gives fans a little bit of control. Again, I know something like this won't happen, but it would be cool.

If they'd quit being so $ hungry, even a little bit, it may help their cause.

You ain't far off. Lower prices would increase revenues

 

[HobbieHawk]

Wasn't he also the guy in charge of licensing and suing High Schools that wanted to use the Tiger Hawk?
High Schools like Southern Miss?


D'ya see what I did there?
;-)

 

[OnceAhawk]

It hasn't been posted. That is speculation by Dochterman. I believe he is wrong. Dochterman's own newspaper printed an article calling it a temporary move.

http://www.thegazette.com/subject/n...ick-klatt-to-take-on-campuswide-role-20151009

Klatt has been named interim director for special communications initiatives with the UI Office of the Vice President for Strategic Communications. His salary, which was $124,166 in the 2014 budget year, won’t change, said UI spokeswoman Jeneane Beck.

The temporary move will help the university cope with the recent departure of three key leaders in the communications office: Joseph Brennan, vice president for strategic communications, left in August, and Lynn Donham, senior director for marketing communications, and Lin Larson, director of university creative services, both are planning to leave before the end of the year, according to Beck.

Klatt will begin in his new role Oct. 15.

He told The Gazette the interim assignment is “an important space that has become very short-handed in a very short period of time.” Klatt said his institutional knowledge could be valuable in the role.

For what its worth, in my original post I typed what Dochterman said in his and Marc Morehouse's podcast "On Iowa Podcast;". I agree that this article makes it look like he will still have his job within the athletic department.

 

[artradley]

Well, isn't this an interesting development. Ol' Doodle just happens to have about a quarter century of corporate marketing management and executive leadership experience with several very large and well known international companies, several small, entrepreneurial entities, and a couple that fall somewhere in between.

As a semi-regular critic (and also one who has given credit when and where it was due) of the marketing efforts of the athletic department in general--and with regard to the football program in particular--perhaps Doodle should throw his hat in the ring....you know, in the great American tradition of "put up or shut up".

Anyone want to be on Doodle's list of character references?

I will be more than happy to confirm that you are a character...

 

[NorthernHawkeye]

Scott Dochterman of the Cedar Gazette brought up something very interesting in his Monday podcast. He stated that a 7-0 football team could be playing in front of a crowd of 10,000 empty seats on Halloween, vs Maryland. He then stated that the director of marketing for Iowa athletics (his official title was "Associate AD, External Relations"), Rick Klatt, was transferred internally to the strategic communications office under the President. The external relations/ director of marketing position will soon be posted and, of course, filled.

Perhaps the red pom poms vs Wisconsin, the sluggish ticket sales this year and other marketing gaffes have finally suggested to Barta that a change was needed.

Thoughts?

Perhaps if Ferentz had performed better over the last five years, Klatt wouldn't have been affected. Although the pom pom disaster was epic.

 

[OnceAhawk]

Scott clarified in that Klatt now has a split role now; it is undetermined who/how his associate AD job will change, etc.. It will be interesting to see how things develop; based on the past marketing issues, shouldn't we have someone in this job full time and not part time?