Simple solution While places like Walgreens or Walmart sell high school merchandise, schools aren’t pro ting from the use of their logo. Brent saw this as a lost opportunity, turning down potential for long-term nancial rewards. Schools even hold a key advantage over big-box stores: proximity to their audience. “They don’t realize there’s an untapped solution to raise extra money for their programs and staff,” Brent says. “Some aren’t even aware that it’s a possibility or they think it’s too good to be true. When I show them that it’s not, they’re usually amazed by the funds they raise.” While the dynamic can get tricky, with
DURING A PERIOD OF EXTREME BUDGET CUTS , Ron Brent was asked to help create revenue for schools. They were losing teachers, athletic programs and funding for other student activities. Brent was working on a project with Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association at the time, an organization that oversees and regulates high school sports throughout the state. Faced with the challenge of regenerating lost funds, Brent set up the Interscholastic Licensing Company in 2011. He began exploring the idea of schools as a marketplace. It seemed that there were several built-in consumer audiences that were not being utilized: students, parents, and staff.
“STUDENTS SHOULD KNOW HOW TO GENERATE REVENUE IN A CHANGING WORLD.” -Ron Brent, founder of Interscholastic Licensing Company
RON BRENT TAPS INTO A NEW MARKET BY HELPING SCHOOLS SELL THEIR BRAND
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