FRISCO - While the players may get all the attention for their work on the field, behind the scenes, a dynamic work place is involved with people just as important in the works of keeping FC Dallas moving forward, and Toby Rochau is just one of those members from the FCD Family as manager of FCDY Sales and Services for the last 5 years.
Gina: How did your career path lead you to your current position with FC Dallas?
Toby: I moved to the U.S. for college after an exchange year at Grand Prairie High School. After my undergraduate degree, I pursued my master's degree in Sport Management. While in grad school, I interned with Chivas USA Soccer Club and I enjoyed working in sales for the MLS. I wanted to return to DFW and pursue a career in sports, preferably soccer. I saw the opening at FC Dallas on TeamworkOnline.com and applied right away.
Gina: What’s a typical day like for you on the job?
Toby: A day typically consists of communicating and meeting with clients to connect them with the game of soccer and create a memorable experience for them. I also have manager meetings and discuss our goals with my team throughout the day. During the season, my job consists mostly of selling group tickets, season tickets, and being a membership service representative. Being a membership service rep consists of making sure all STM (Season Ticket Members) are happy and know I am there for them if they have any questions. I am really big on building positive relationships with my clients, so I try to always be there for them even if it doesn’t result in a sale.
Gina: What’s game day like for you?
Toby: My game day usually starts the night before a game with people calling my cell to order tickets. I usually take care of all ticket orders the morning of the game at home. I arrive in the office about 5 hours before kickoff to take care of any last minutes duties and then go into the box office at the FCDY window. From there, I fulfill all game day duties and assist FCDY customers. At the 30th minute mark of the game, I leave the box office and start meeting clients during the game.
Gina: What’s the biggest misconception about your position?
Toby: That sales is the lowest paid job and that you are on the bottom of the career ladder. I often find that people strive to be in other areas such as Marketing and Sponsorship. Sometimes people don’t realize that sales is one of the most important departments in a professional sports franchise and you can be successful if you work hard and have integrity.
Gina: What do you enjoy most about your job?
Toby: I really enjoy the daily interactions with people who love the game as much as I do. It’s a privilege to work in something I have a passion for. Also, creating a unique experience for families that they will never forget when they come out to a game. Little things such as receiving a note after a game from a family saying thank you, still brings a smile to my face.
Gina: What do you enjoy most about working for FC Dallas?
Toby: I really enjoy working here because it feels like a family with its people I trust and consider friends. Including our owner, everyone has an open door policy and that is something special that I appreciate.
Gina: What do you like to do when you’re not working? (I love the fact that you do freelance writing)
Toby: I love spending time with my wife, Jacqueline and being outdoors. We love to travel to new places, go to church and spend time with our Dalmatian. I enjoy playing FIFA on my Xbox and watching soccer games on TV. I'm also a coach for youth goalkeepers and I write for NBA Germany about the Dallas Mavericks and Germans playing in the NBA for the last 9 years.
Gina: What advice do you have for someone who wants to work in your industry?
Toby: Work hard and believe in yourself. Find the right balance between work and family and make a daily impression. Especially in sports and sales, you will have some tough days and you have to make it past those to excel.