Spotlight: Mike Jakubowski

Age: 40
New title: Manager of sponsorship acquisitions, U.S. Bowling Congress
Previous job: Public relations specialist, U.S. Bowling Congress
First job: Working for a video production company and videotaping weddings
Education: Bachelor of arts, broadcast communications (1987), Marquette University
Resides: Milwaukee
Grew up: Milwaukee
Brand most admired: Hormel Foods
Favorite vacation spot: Anywhere tropical
Last book read: “Neil Armstrong: Young Pilot (Childhood Of Famous Americans)” by Montrew Dunham
Last movie seen: “Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room”
Favorite movie: “Caddyshack”
Favorite comedian: Bill Murray

Mike Jakubowski is taking on a role in the rebirth of bowling.

The sport’s newly unified governing body in this country, the U.S. Bowling Congress, named Jakubowski manager of sponsorship acquisitions. He is responsible for developing, coordinating and fulfilling the USBC’s sponsorship packages; is reviewing agreements from the merger of the American Bowling Congress, Women’s International Bowling Congress, Young American Bowling Alliance and USA Bowling organizations that formed the USBC; and will lead the creative development of new sponsorship opportunities within USBC for national businesses. He spoke recently with staff writer Brandon McClung.

What is the biggest challenge in your new position?
In the short term it is trying to tie together the resources from the four entities that merged to form the cohesive United States Bowling Congress.

What is the biggest risk you’ve taken in your career?
Leaving my role in the public relations department and stepping into a new job and a whole new department that does not have a proven track record yet. But with knowing the resources that we have, I know it will work out in the end.

What is your biggest professional accomplishment in your career?
While I was working for the Brewers, I was a part of the team that helped close down County Stadium and open Miller Park.

What is your biggest professional disappointment in your career?
In 1997 when Fox did not renew the television show “World Team Challenge.” I started out as a producer on the show and worked my way up to being the co-host with the great Earl Anthony.

What is one story you are continuing to watch in sports today?
The role that women are playing in sports today. It’s great to see Danica Patrick bring the spotlight back to IRL racing.