Corporate Sales Account ManagerE-mail: sritsema@griffinshockey.com
Phone: (616) 774-4585 ext. 3047
Biography:
What you love most about working for the Griffins: The staff, the atmosphere and the support that is in this organization.
Favorite Griffins memory: Taking my oldest daughter Eliza to her first Griffins game when she was about 4. It went into a 10 round shootout that the Griffins eventually won.
Favorite all-time Griffins players: Travis Richards and Aaron Downey
Best thing about your job: Learning from the front office staff and meeting new people out in the community and building relationships with them and the Griffins.
Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI
States (and provinces or countries) you’ve lived in: Michigan
Spouse’s name/year you were married: Danielle and I were married on January 5, 2008
Children: I have two beautiful girls. Eliza (10) and Ellsie (3)
College degree/year/school: I graduated from GVSU in 2007 with a Bachelor’s degree in Advertising.
Sports idol(s) as a youth: Stevie Y. What was there not to love about the Captain?
Personal/professional hero(es): My wife has been my rock and my support. I love her dearly and I’m lucky to have her. My Grandparents built my foundation and helped me become the person I am today.
As a child, you dreamed of becoming: A cop and an NHL player. The NHL was a little more of a stretch dream. I truly believe helping people is a calling of mine.
First job/your age: McDonald’s at age 16. Wasn’t much better than being in high school and getting to have McDonald’s whenever I want.
Current dream job: To run a professional sports organization. I would love to be a GM someday and make those decisions. I wouldn’t mind owning my own restaurant either.
Other sports teams you’ve worked for: I worked for the Grand Valley State University Men’s club hockey team through college.
Proudest professional accomplishment: Winning the Team Sales Store of the Year when I was at MC Sports. We were one of the smallest stores out of 80 in 7 Midwest states and took the top dogs!
Most memorable on-the-job mistake/embarrassing moment: So far nothing huge. I did walk into the women’s bathroom here at work on day 2, but luckily I noticed pretty quickly and no one was in there…I think
Professional memberships/civic leadership positions: None at the moment, but I look for opportunities.
Favorite charities/charitable causes: I have helped donate to the Brain Injury Association of Michigan when I was with MC Sports. The importance and recognition of brain injuries is a huge thing. Also Miracle May is a favorite of mine. Working the telethon at the Children’s Hospital was special and anything that can help kids is a goal of mine.
Most exciting/unique thing you’ve done or place you’ve visited: When I can go to Disney with my family, that is pretty exciting. The summer of 2011 was my first vacation not to Florida and was with my wife and children. We went to N. Myrtle Beach, S.C. and stayed in a condo on a professional built golf course. That was pretty awesome!
Sports played growing up: Hockey, tennis, baseball, soccer and football
An interesting fact about you: I am double jointed
Favorite foods: Steak, Pizza
Favorite music artists: Weezer, Run Kid Run and a few more. I love music!
Favorite sports movie: Miracle
Favorite book or author: Angels and Demons by Dan Brown
Favorite subject in elementary school: Recess?
Favorite spectator sports: I love to watch all sports. Baseball, college football/basketball and hockey are what I watch most.
Favorite pro/college sports teams (excluding Griffins): Detroit Tigers, Red Wings and anything involving the University of Michigan.
Favorite recreational activities/hobbies: Coaching my oldest daughter’s softball team, hanging out with my wife and kids, playing men’s softball.