When the cheers fade and the stadium lights dim, what comes next for an athlete? The transition from sports to life beyond the game can be one of the biggest challenges — but also one of the most rewarding transformations.

In this episode of Athletes to Entrepreneurs: The Alumni Journey, host Rob Finkelstein, Founder and CEO of Alumni Direct, sits down with Eric Ravotti — former Penn State linebacker, NFL athlete, and now Chief Operating Officer of MAC.BID — to explore how the discipline, teamwork, and mindset built on the field have fueled his success in business and leadership.

Eric opens up about the impact of his athletic experience, from playing under legendary coach Joe Paterno to learning the value of mentorship, preparation, and goal setting. He shares how those lessons continue to guide his leadership at MAC.BID, where he’s helped expand the company to 27 locations across 13 U.S. markets.

Together, Rob and Eric dive deep into:

The importance of teamwork and adversity in shaping strong leaders

How mentorship from coaches and peers builds lifelong impact

The need for academic and life preparation for athletes beyond sports

Building professional and cross-sport networks that open new opportunities

Why paying it forward and giving back to the next generation matters

How Penn State’s active alumni community supports athletes in transition

Eric’s story is a powerful reminder that the habits, grit, and teamwork learned through athletics can become the foundation for leadership and success in any field.

🔗 Connect with Eric Ravotti

LinkedIn: Eric Ravotti

Company: MAC.BID

🎧 Hosted by Rob Finkelstein, Founder & CEO of Alumni Direct

Connect with Alumni Direct:

Website: alumnidirect.com

Instagram: @alumnidirect

X (formerly Twitter): @alumnidirect

Facebook: Alumni Direct

LinkedIn: Alumni Direct

Discover how teamwork, mentorship, and community can help athletes turn their competitive drive into a lifetime of growth and leadership beyond the game.