Front Office U

Front Office U welcomes Jeremiah Wait.

Jeremiah is the Director of Defensive Personnel for SMU Football, where he plays a key role in scouting, evaluation, and information gathering, as well as coordinating Pro Day coverage and official visits.

He’s built his path in football through hands-on learning and initiative, including experiences with the Scouting Academy and as a student in the New York Jets scouting school, while consistently leveraging tools like LinkedIn, Twitter, and email to build connections and opportunities in the industry.

This conversation dives into the details behind recruiting operations, the importance of organization and communication at the highest levels, and how aspiring scouts can break into the industry through persistence and relationship-building.

Connect with Jeremiah on LinkedInFollow Jeremiah on Twitter: @mrfootballwait

Jeremiah's Email: [email protected]

Front Office U welcomes Max Kagan.
Max is the head coach of the Chenango Forks High School hockey program. As a former player, Max used that experience as motivation to stay connected to the game and pursue a path in coaching and sports.

While attending Binghamton University, Max took a proactive approach by reaching out to local high school programs, getting his start as a goalie coach before quickly moving into an assistant role. When a head coaching opportunity opened after his first season, he stepped in and led Chenango Forks to a county championship, showcasing his leadership and ability to step into responsibility early.

His experience also spans athletics communications, sports marketing, scouting, and game operations, and leadership as VP of Outreach and Alumni Relations with the Binghamton University Sports Management Group.

Max is set to join the New York Islanders this summer in a corporate strategy internship. This conversation dives into overcoming adversity, taking initiative, and how gaining experience across multiple areas of the sports industry can help shape a well-rounded career.

Connect with Max on LinkedIn

Follow Max on Instagram @coachmaxkagan

Front Office U welcomes Durham Welch!

Durham is the Co-Special Teams Coordinator for football at Hamline University, bringing a unique and resilient perspective shaped by his multi-sport background and unconventional journey through athletics. A former college athlete who competed in both soccer and football, Durham’s path wasn’t defined by immediate success, but by perseverance and growth through adversity.

Durham shares how those challenges helped shape his coaching philosophy, allowing him to better connect with athletes who may not always be in the spotlight. He emphasizes the value of communication as a transferable skill and how embracing failure played a key role in his development, both on and off the field. The conversation also dives into his transition into coaching, the importance of taking advantage of opportunities, and his long-term goal of becoming an Athletic Director while continuing to grow in the coaching space.

⁠Connect with Durham on LinkedIn

Front Office U welcomes Carey Durant!

Carey is a scout for the Guelph Storm of the Ontario Hockey League, bringing years of experience across both coaching and scouting at the junior level. His journey in hockey began with a deep passion for the game, inspired by watching his older brother, and ultimately led him to opportunities with organizations like the London Knights before finding his role in Guelph.

Carey shares his path through the game. He reflects on the realities of working in hockey, emphasizing how failure is often a necessary step toward growth and long-term success. The conversation also dives into the evolving landscape of the OHL and the importance of resilience in a competitive industry.

Connect with Carey on LinkedIn

Front Office U welcomes Shamus Sullivan!

Shamus is the host of the Winded Pod, a podcast that started from a simple TikTok response and has since evolved into a platform highlighting unique stories across the sports world. What began with a gambling focus has grown into an interview-driven show with a strong emphasis on amplifying women in sports, as well as athletes, photographers, and content creators from around the globe.

He shares his journey growing up as a multi-sport athlete, his early interest in sports media and storytelling, and how his passion for creative, editorial-style content shaped the direction of his podcast. Shamus also discusses the freedom of building something without a traditional boss or deadlines, the importance of connecting with peers, and lessons learned along the way as he continues to grow his platform.

⁠Connect with Shamus on LinkedIn⁠

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Front Office U welcomes back Jon Kliment!

Jon joined the podcast back in 2023 when he worked with the Macon Mayhem. He rejoins the podcast to share career updates, including working for the Elmira River Sharks, Mississippi Sea Wolves, Boston Bruins and now with the Topeka Scarecrows. He reflects on his different experiences in broadcast and media relations and advice for those aspiring to work in sports.

Connect with Jon on LinkedIn

Front Office U welcomes Nick Zoroya!

Nick shares about his career in sports, including working now at Wayne State University. Nick has degrees from the University of Michigan and Michigan State University.

His previous career experiences include Athletic Director at Canton Prep High School, Head Men's Lacrosse Coach at Concordia University Ann Arbor, General Manager / Content Strategist for Lacrosse All-Stars, and Broadcast team for the University of Michigan.

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn

Front Office U welcomes Devon Buckland!

Devon shares about his role in business operations within junior hockey. He is responsible for partnership and sponsorship, handling player tuition, and team itineraries, amongst other tasks.

He shares about his past career experiences including working for a radio station and the imprtance of networking with your coworkers.

Connect with Devon on LinkedIn

Front Office U welcomes Joey Goldstein!

Joey joins Victor Anderson to discuss his role at Blue Square Alliance Against Hate. Joey also shares about some of his past experiences working in Professional Hockey with the Iowa Wild and the San Jose Sharks' AHL Affiliate.

Connect with Joey on LinkedIn

Front Office U welcomes Stuart Sokoloff!

Stuart joins the show to discuss the rapid growth of women’s professional sports through his work with Athletes Unlimited, a network of leagues spanning basketball, softball, and volleyball that are reshaping the landscape of pro women’s sports. Stuart shares what sustainable growth really looks like.

Stuart also reflects on how sports shaped his competitive mindset and time management skills. He offers insight into the value of internships, building practical experience early, and developing the discipline needed to succeed in a fast-moving industry.

Connect with Stuart on LinkedIn.