This week’s featured young sports business professional is Jeff Brunelle from Carrot Creative and Lacrosse All Stars.

Name: Jeff Brunelle
Age: 23
Email: jeff@carrotcreative.com
Company: Carrot Creative, Lacrosse All Stars
Website: http://carrotcreative.com
Favorite professional team(s): Portland Trailblazers, Seattle Sonics (RIP), Yankees
Favorite college team(s): Oregon Ducks, Alabama Crimson Tide, Gonzaga

Please briefly describe your background in sports business:
I am currently Director of Sports & Entertainment at Carrot Creative, a new-media marketing agency located in New York City. Specializing in social media, our sports and entertainment department provides custom development and communications planning for athletes and sports organizations. Prior to Carrot, I worked in Time Inc’s Consumer Marketing division as an assistant marketing manager for Sports Illustrated. Before working full time for Sports Illustrated, I was a campus representative throughout college and I did a summer internship in Consumer Research for SI. After graduating college, I also co-founded LacrosseAllStars.com with my friend Ryan Craven; the site is now a leading content hub for lacrosse news and fan commentary.

Even as a leader, most young professionals are still sitting in a cubicle at this point in your career. What’s your most prized possession that you display in your cubicle?
My younger cousin Patrick made a lacrosse player out of clay for me when I graduated college. It has a green and yellow jersey and wears #12 like I did. Patrick is a HUGE Oregon State fan, so the fact that he made something in University of Oregon colors meant a lot. I’ll always keep it with me.

Do you think you have encountered any unique challenges or advantages because of your age?
Yes and no. When I worked in a corporate role I often felt like my age hindered my opportunities, especially since many of the people I worked with were older. When I switched over to Carrot, I felt like my age was a positive thing. They recognized my drive right off the bat and offered me a lot of responsibility. Now whether or not it’s a challenge or an advantage usually depends on the client I’m working with.

What campaign do you think is working right now?
I want to say something else besides Nike, but I can’t. Those Nike Pro Combat commercials with Adrian Peterson are one of kind; when it comes on TV I stop everything to just watch. In terms of social media, another great example is Nike’s Leroy Smith campaign (The Man Who Motivated Michael Jordan). They made a lot of noise with that one.

What’s one issue in sports that needs to be addressed immediately for the betterment of the sport?
Depression. That might sound odd, but if you look at today’s athletes we’re seeing more and more come out publicly with their problems. Take Stephon Marbury or Michael Beasley for example, pro athletes have so much weight on their shoulders – if I could change one thing it’d be to take a few pounds off.

If you could give one piece of advice to young sports business professionals coming up the ranks behind you, what would it be?
Work hard and mind the details. People remember if you make mistakes, but if you get things right every time you’re accountable. That can go a long way.