Brian Ludwig, Territory Manager and Fundraising Coach for Gold Athletics in Pennsylvania, has watched the company grow—and his role evolve—over the years. As Gold Athletics expands, Ludwig plays a key part in recruiting, training, and mentoring new reps, helping them succeed in the fast-changing world of high school sports fundraising. His experience highlights how hands-on training, teamwork, and personal connections are the cornerstones of Gold Athletics’ success.
Evolving with Gold Athletics: From Sales to Leadership
"As we continue to grow as a company, my role as a territory manager has evolved," Ludwig explains. "As we continue to hire more reps, we are learning a lot as to the best training procedures to set them up for success."
With multiple products and a shift toward technology-based fundraising, training new reps has become more comprehensive. "The fundraising business is evolving, and there is a lot more involved—besides just running the fundraiser," Ludwig notes. "Having multiple training sessions a year and being in the field with the reps is key to setting them up for success."
Want to join Gold Athletics' mission?
In-Person Training: Building Successful Fundraising Coaches
After hiring new reps, Ludwig prioritizes in-person rookie training to ensure they have the skills needed to succeed. "The first thing we do is have in-person rookie training with them where we teach them about our process, products, but most importantly educate them on how to sell what we do & how to get in front of coaches." This hands-on approach is essential, as Ludwig explains: "That is truly the key to success."
Previously, Gold Athletics tried remote, individual training, but Ludwig says they found greater success with group sessions. "We used to train guys individually and remotely, but we found that hiring a few at a time and having them in a training session in person is the best way to set them up for success."
The "why" factor plays a major role in rookie training. "A large part of our rookie training sessions is talking about the 'why.' 'Why' are you joining this business?" Ludwig adds. "We talk about the potential after the first couple years of grinding, but the most important is they need that 'why' factor."
Relationships That Go Beyond Fundraising
Beyond sales and logistics, personal connections with coaches are what make Gold Athletics stand out. One of Ludwig's favorite stories comes from Matt Gingrich, the football coach at Annville-Cleona High School. See Matt Gingrich's testimonial here:
"In the video, he talked about the success we have had working together, but what I really took to heart was the fact that he said that we have become friends," Ludwig recalls. "I have become more than just the fundraising guy that shows up once a year."
This relationship-first approach aligns with Gold Athletics’ philosophy: building partnerships, not just managing transactions. Feedback from coaches plays an important role too. "After each fundraising season, we send a feedback form out to all our coaches. That way, we can learn what we did good and what we could improve on as reps."
Rewarding Careers: Growth and Leadership Opportunities
Ludwig is excited about the career growth potential at Gold Athletics for both new and experienced reps. "There are many exciting opportunities for sales reps as we continue to grow. As we continue to grow, that will allow sales reps to eventually become territory managers." New reps who are committed to long-term success will have the chance to take on leadership roles within the company.
He shares the story of a young rep who joined the team after some hesitation. "We had a young rep join us about three years ago. He was working at a local gym making sales calls. He was very hesitant to join GA but finally made the leap," Ludwig says. "Every few months, he talks about how grateful he is to Gold Athletics for giving him the opportunity, and he is so happy that he took the leap. He can't imagine doing anything else now!"
What Sets Gold Athletics Apart?
According to Ludwig, Gold Athletics’ hands-on approach makes a significant difference in the world of sports fundraising. "What truly sets us apart is that we are the one-stop shop for fundraising. There are a lot of fundraising companies out there, but what separates us is that we can do it all."
This full-service model—offering everything from multiple products to in-person support—ensures teams succeed. "We don’t run fundraisers remotely. We are there in person to run the fundraisers and set the teams up for success," Ludwig explains.
The Road Ahead: Expanding Gold Athletics’ Reach
Looking to the future, Ludwig sees exciting growth opportunities for both Gold Athletics and its reps. "My hope is that we can continue to grow and expand into other states and continue to make a larger impact on high school sports fundraising," he says.
For those thinking about joining the company, Ludwig has some simple advice: "If you can see the potential past the first couple years of grinding, it is an incredible business to be in." With Gold Athletics’ strong support network, personal growth, and professional opportunities, the rewards are clear.
Coaching Reps to Succeed with Gold Athletics
Brian Ludwig’s leadership reflects the values that have propelled Gold Athletics to the forefront of high school sports fundraising. Through in-person training, relationship building, and career growth, Ludwig is helping develop the next generation of fundraising coaches. With exciting opportunities ahead for new reps, Gold Athletics offers a rewarding career path filled with personal and professional success.
Whether coaching new reps or working side-by-side with teams, Ludwig knows that Gold Athletics’ hands-on approach makes all the difference. As he puts it: "Helping teams raise money and building relationships with coaches and working with kids is a great experience. It’s definitely a grind the first couple years, but if you can see the potential past that, it is an incredible business to be in."
Comentários