Welcome to The Main Thing Podcast. Get ready for another 9-minute dose of wisdom. Listen in as I visit with Baltimore Orioles executive Chad Bolen to explore the invaluable role wisdom plays in both professional sports marketing and personal relationships. Chad’s career spans three decades including work in the NFL, NBA, MLB and major college sports. Bringing this unique perspective, Chad shares riveting insights and stories from the industry, including his inspiring encounters with basketball icon Jerry West. We also discuss the strategies behind rejuvenating a sports franchise's corporate business in a post-pandemic world, highlighting the Orioles' approach to brand and revenue rebuilding. In our heartfelt conversation, we celebrate the beauty of generational relationships, reflecting on the extraordinary thirty-year journey of a father and the timeless wisdom that's passed along through such connections. More About Special Guest Chad Bolen Chad Bolen is a veteran sport marketer with over 30-years of experience generating revenue and maximizing results. He has worked in the NFL, NBA, major college sports and is now an executive with the Baltimore Orioles. Chad is skilled in the revenue-producing areas of franchise operations including naming rights, sponsorship marketing and sports media sales. Chad is a graduate of West Virginia University. His hobbies include traveling, fishing, hiking, rescued dogs and all things WVU Mountaineers. He and his high school sweetheart, Tammy, have been married for 31 years. They have two adult children: Sydney and Jimmy. Chad joins us from his office in the Warehouse at Oriole Park in Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland. Step into the batter’s box and get ready! Over the next nine minutes, you will discover why Chad Bolen is one of the wisest people I know. Resources Connect with Chad on LinkedIn Learn more about Oriole Park at Camden Yards Home of the Baltimore Orioles Please Help Support the Growth of this Podcast Become a subscriber. Share the podcast with one or two friends. Follow us on social media @TheMainThingPod Buy some Main Thing Merch from our Merchandise Store. Become a patron of the show and support us on Patreon with funding. Purchase a book from our curated collection on Bookshop. Credits Editor + Technical Advisor Bob Hotchkiss Brand + Strategy Advisor Andy Malinoski PR + Partnerships Advisor Rachel Bell Graphic Design + Social Media Chloe Lineberg   Stay Connected with Us on Social YouTube @themainthingpod Twitter @themainthingpod Instagram @themainthingpod Facebook  @TheMainThingPod LinkedIn   Episode Chapters [0:03:10] - How Skip and Chad are connected [0:03:55] - Chad’s time working under Jerry West [0:05:50] - Coming to Baltimore to work for the MLB Orioles [0:07:03] - What it’s been like inside the rebuild of the Baltimore Orioles [0:09:34] - Chad reveals his Main Thing wisdom [0:11:17] - The source and inspiration of Chad’s wisdom; advice from a dad [0:12:16] - The impact of the Beckley, WV YMCAs on the community and region