Name: Steve Strawbridge
Position: Pro Football HOF Chief Administrative Officer
Where I'm from: Villanova, Pa.
Where I call home: Hudson, Ohio
Focusing on right now: This week I am focused 100% on enshrinement week. We are looking forward to putting on a great celebration that we call the “best four days in football.” It all kicks off with the Cowboys and Cardinals in the HOF Game inside the new Tom Benson HOF Stadium. On Saturday night, we’ll enshrine seven new greats into the HOF and wrap up with the Concert for Legends featuring TOBY KEITH and KID ROCK. My overarching focus is overseeing all aspects of the Johnson Controls HOF Village, while also overseeing the overall business of the Pro Football HOF.
Best advice: Always smile. Grow every day. Make sure to take time to appreciate all you have in life. Also spend time with family.
A must for a new hire: First you have to find the right person that fits the culture of an organization. We’re very mission driven at the Hall and require an “all-in” mentality. Then, it falls upon us to spend the time to teach and educate the new hire on their new position and the organization. Do not just throw someone into the fire. I like to use the motto of watch me do it, I watch you do it, then you do it.
Exec I admire most: Pro Football HOF President DAVID BAKER. Yes, David is my boss, but he is truly the most inspiring person I have ever met. He is incredibly loyal to his employees, has a tremendous leadership style and has the biggest heart of anyone I have ever seen. David truly cares for your personal and professional wellbeing.
Best book I’ve read this year: “THE WAR ON FOOTBALL,” by DANIEL J. FLYNN.
Must-have music: BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN. I listen to E Street Radio on Sirius.
Food for thought: My wife is a great cook, but I frustrate her because I like pretty basic foods. We go out to eat a lot on the weekends with our family and like to try different restaurants throughout the area.
Favorite tech: Probably the obvious one, which would be my iPhone.
First thing in the morning is: I am not a coffee drinker so I go right to the shower to wake up. I spend a few minutes with my kids and then check emails before I drive to work.
Day in the life: There is never a dull day and I love it. The best part of my job is that every day is different and presents a new challenge. I have a 35-minute drive to work which I spend on the phone and preparing for the day ahead. I check my emails when I first get to work and usually am off to a morning meeting. I have been spending a majority of my time lately working on the Johnson Controls HOF Village, and we open Tom Benson HOF Stadium this week.
How I unwind: I love to watch and coach my kids’ sports. I love coaching kids and watching them grow. I am an avid golfer and play whenever I can, and I also love to travel with my wife.
