Nate Randle

I am a CEO that doesn't have a graduate degree.

Didn’t even go to an elite school for undergrad.

After 25 years of working, I can say with absolute confidence that I’ve never been the smartest one in the room.

What I have done is take risks. Willing to take jobs that other people either didn’t want or told me not to take.

When I landed a job at Callaway Golf, 9 out of 10 I talked to said the golf industry would never amount to a “real career” and I should just go get my MBA. Taking that job set the entire path for my career.

While at Callaway, our new CEO bought the Top-Flite brand. No one wanted to touch it. Literally no one! A discount golf ball that felt like a rock and had lost all credibility in golf. When I was asked to manage it with Paul English - it was a risk. I learned more in those 2+ years than I had in the previous 5. Hustle, true P&L management and leading an underdog brand with relentless passion.

When I decided to make the move to Nike Golf—the Tiger Woods scandal broke. I lost count of the number of people that told me to leave golf and jump to another part of Nike as quickly as I could. “Without Tiger, Nike Golf doesn't exist.” The risk turned into a massive reward. I learned how to manage a business and brand through crisis and received marketing skills and knowledge from the leading sports brand in the world. My Nike MBA.

After moving back to Utah, the Jazz called with an opportunity to lead their marketing team. The organization hadn't made the playoffs in 5+ years. I heard so many times that it was a bad idea to work for a small market franchise with a losing record. We made the playoffs and launched the TAKE NOTE campaign. I learned so much from working with a solid leadership team and obsessing about our fan experience.

This is not a knock on education or getting an MBA. I believe in constantly seeking knowledge and learning.

Everyone has their own path. Mine has been built on turning risk into meaningful results, with amazing people around me.

In this new year—pick your path. 
Believe in yourself. 
Don't let others define your professional passions.
Take risks.
Own the outcome!

#Marketing #Careers #Branding #Leadership

An open letter to Rudy Gobert:

You are the most respectful and considerate athlete I have ever had the pleasure of working with. As a former Utah Jazz employee and fan, you will be missed.

I have spent 15+ years of my career in sports and have seen it all. Most don’t carry themselves as you do.

When we launched the #TakeNote campaign, you were the first player to adopt it. When I said thanks for tweeting it, you sincerely asked me to tell the entire marketing team how much you loved it.

Every time we shot a commercial with you — you showed up on time and never asked to leave early. I can’t tell you how rare that is.

When we asked you to “do another take” or “say a different line” - you never complained. I won’t forget the time we were recording voiceover lines. You paused and said, “Does it sound like I mean it because I want Jazz fans to know that I really care.”

You came into the NBA with raw talent and a lot of work ahead of you to be great. I watched you improve year after year to become a multiple defensive player of the year.

I have told my son over and over to watch your work ethic. His love for the Utah Jazz started because you were so kind to him on multiple occasions. Thank you!

You probably won’t see this and that’s ok. I wanted to write it anyway because you’ve left a lasting impression on me. Much respect #27.

Au Revoir, Rudy.

-Nate

#UtahJazz #TakeNote #NBA
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Save the jokes. ;)
Rudy is 7'1“, I'm 5'11'' and Donovan Mitchell is standing on a box.

A Sunday night post because another deserving single mom needs our help.

Think of the magic that could happen if 75,000 friends jumped in to support my friend, Yoddit McLean.

She lives in Dallas, Texas and will be taking over my LinkedIn page tomorrow to share more about her story and job search.

Multiple single parents have found jobs because one of you always goes the extra mile to help make the right connection.

Please look for her post tomorrow morning (July 1) at:

8:30am MT / 9:30am CT / 10:30am ET

You have no idea how much it means to these moms who need a job ASAP.

-Like
-Comment
-Repost to your network
-Share a link to a job opening
-Help make a direction connection to a recruiter or hiring manager

It all adds up to drive awareness.

Yoddit - we are here for you. We believe in you and your boys.

Let’s GO! 🙏

My best friend.

We have been together for 25 years…married for 23.

It hasn’t been easy.

Like most, we have weathered multiple storms to keep our family moving forward.

She makes me better in every way. Her partnership, love and support are a gift. I do my best to never take it for granted.

Walking out of our gabb holiday party on Friday night, I had this rush of gratitude.

For her. Our kids. Trials. Forgiveness. Hard work. Our health. Our relationship.

All of it.

The holidays are always such a busy time. Slowing down long enough to take it all in is my focus this month.

Sincerely acknowledging and appreciating the most important people in my life…beyond the daily grind of growing a business.

Happy Holidays Y’all!

-Nate

I brought my Dad to work today.

A few years ago, I shared his story on LinkedIn for Father's Day. In a matter of 24 hours, it seemed to travel around the world.

Messages poured in with people expressing how touched they were by his dedication to my Mom and our family.

This morning, we celebrated the grand opening of our new Gabb building. There was my Dad, sitting in the audience with a smile. Consistently there for everything that matters to me.

As we walked around the office, our entire team made him feel like a celebrity with hugs and words of praise for being such a loving example to so many.

While anyone can be a father, being a real dad requires ongoing love, support, and encouragement.

Thanks for always showing up for me, Dad. Beyond grateful to be your son!

Happy Father's Day this weekend,

-Nate

I walked into the kitchen one morning, rushing to make it to class.

My Dad’s head was down on the table. I thought he might be sick and asked what was wrong. He shared that it was no big deal…just a little tired. I didn’t think twice about it and left for class.

Years later, my wife and I had our first child. I was trading stories with my Dad and asked if he remembered the morning when he seemed to be asleep at the kitchen table.

“Of course I remember. I had a big case (corporate attorney) going on at that time and I had to pull a few all-nighters to get ready for it so I wouldn’t miss being there for you kids.”

Hearing that hit me hard as a brand new father. The countless career sacrifices he made to be there for us after my Mom passed.

I frequently give thanks for the opportunity my kids have to spend time with him.

He is the greatest influence in my life and now he’s involved in theirs.

Love you, Pops!

-Nate

It is an honor to introduce my friend, Mike G. Mike has served our country for over 20 years as an Officer in the United States Air Force. He is a decorated, award-winning team leader with four amazing kids. Thank you for your service, Mike! My page is yours.
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Hi, everyone. I have the distinct privilege to take over Nate’s LinkedIn today. I am feeling incredibly grateful for this opportunity. Nate’s people-focused servant leadership is remarkable!
 
First, I am a proud father of four children ranging in ages from 8 to 20. In my free time I enjoy trivia nights with friends and colleagues. If you’re looking for a solid trivia teammate — I’m your guy.
 
I am currently transitioning from uniformed service after 20+ years, and excited to pursue new employment opportunities as a Data Science Manager. In this role, I will bring a wealth of experience from leading diverse teams over the years.
 
I cannot thank you enough for your time and support.
 
Cheers!
Mike

Searching for:
*Data Science Manager
*Associate Director of Data Sciences

19 years now feels like 19 minutes.

Moved our firstborn into her college dorm last night.

She didn’t thank me for how much money I’ve made over the years or the things we own.

She thanked me for being there for her and listening first instead of lecturing.

(I'm not sure how true the listen vs. lecture part is but I'll take it)

She mentioned our daddy/daughter dates and teaching her how to drive.

Uninterrupted time and focused attention. That’s what they remember.

She has a beautiful voice. Wants to perform and teach music for her career.

It all starts Monday. Go get it, Ella!

-Dad

We have a hybrid schedule at Gabb.

3 days in / 2 days remote.

The new office didn't feel like ours when we first moved in. Wrong colors. Missing our brand vibe.

Look what our office and creative crew did to make it pop! Feels like Gabb Central Station.

Libby Brossette Lewis
Brad Dowdle
Greg Lewandowski
Brandon Fredley
Dana Grunander
Aaron Barr
Josh ⎶ Ruggles
Vickie Grover
Lauren Harryman
Brandon Jeppson
Michael Tovar
Parker Hansen
A. Todd Smith

Y'all crushed this project. From the conference rooms named after kid cereals to the mission statement on the entryway wall...well done!

Safe tech for kids and families never looked so good,

-Nate