Social Media Sales and Marketing ManagerE-mail: jvanderhaagen@griffinshockey.com
Phone: (616) 774-4585 ext. 3011
Biography:
Number of seasons with the Griffins (through 2011-12):
Three with the Griffins in a full time capacity. Started as an intern during the 1999-00 season, and I’ve been doing the game music on and off since that season.
What you love most about working for the Griffins:
My work is where most people play. I'm blessed to have an occupation that I truly love and enjoy waking up for every day. The Zone discount is pretty sweet too.
Favorite Griffins memory:
Triple OT game vs. Orlando on May 3, 2001 that ended after midnight.
Favorite all-time Griffins players:
Matt Ellis and John Emmons.
Best thing about your job:
Being able to make it all up as I go.
Hometown:
Okemos, MI
States (and provinces or countries) you’ve lived in:
Michigan, Kansas
Pets (name, type of animal):
Geoffry the monkey butler. There's just one for now, but I'm hoping he'll train others.
College degree/year/school:
Business and Communication Arts & Sciences from Calvin College, 2001
Sports idol(s) as a youth:
Matt Nokes, All Star catcher for the Detroit Tigers
Personal/professional hero(es):
Long list of people who get social media and are doing innovative, creative things with this new medium.
First job/your age:
When I was 14 I had a lawn mowing service.
Current dream job:
Live music photography
Other sports teams you’ve worked for:
Grand Rapids Rampage. Provided game music for NBA exhibition games and NCAA hockey championship games at Van Andel Arena.
If you could trade places for a day with another occupation/person, what/who would it be?:
Duke. I want to drive the Zamboni.
Proudest professional accomplishment:
Arena Bowl XV
Most memorable on-the-job mistake/embarrassing moment:
Playing the Griffins goal song when Chicago scored on us here at the Van Andel Arena. I was temporarily distracted.
Favorite charities/charitable causes:
Kids Food Basket, Special Olympics, Habitat for Humanity, Feeding America West Michigan and any other organization that is addressing homelessness and hunger in West Michigan.
Sports played growing up:
Everything as a kid, golf and baseball in high school, everything again IM in college.
An interesting fact about you:
If I ever order a salad, I get the dressing right there on top of the salad, where it belongs…where there is no turning back.
Favorite foods:
Sushi
Favorite music artists:
Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer, Coldplay, Fleetwood Mac and whatever jams that DJ Maxx recommends.
Favorite sports movies:
Space Jam, Blades of Glory and Mighty Ducks D3
Favorite website:
Facebook
Favorite book or author:
Chuck Klosterman, A.J. Jacobs, David Sedaris
Favorite subject in elementary school:
Science
Favorite spectator sports:
Minor league baseball
Favorite pro/college sports teams (excluding Griffins):
Chicago Cubs
Favorite recreational activities/hobbies:
Concerts, spending time at Lake Michigan, photography