Open to opportunities

Wade Leaphart

@leaphart3

Message

I build awareness and drive revenue through strategic partnerships - sports, retail, entertainment.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I'm looking to lead strategic partnerships and revenue growth, building long-term corporate relationships and collaborating across teams to deliver integrated, high-value partner experiences.

I'm driving new business at Miller Sports + Entertainment across Real Salt Lake, Utah Royals, Salt Lake Bees, Real Monarchs, Megaplex Theatres, America First Field, and The Ballpark at America First Square.

I lead prospecting, pipeline development, and multi-property partnership negotiations, then stay closely involved through onboarding, activation planning, and early-stage fulfillment. I connect brand goals with property assets, experiential platforms, and emerging inventory to create integrated partner solutions.

Prior to the acquisition, I developed strategic partnerships specifically for Real Salt Lake and Utah Royals FC. As Community Marketing Manager, I generated $2.8M in sales at DICK'S Sporting Goods, up 22% year over year with a ROAS of $24. I also rebuilt market presence by acquiring more than 100 new partners and managed over $300,000 in grants for Title 1 schools and nonprofits through the DICK'S Foundation.

Across Charlotte Independence, Charlotte Hounds, Revolution Racing, and the Charlotte Bobcats, I've led sponsorship, marketing, ticketing, fan engagement, player personnel and revenue efforts. I bring a practical, relationship-driven approach to building teams and corporate alliances delivering experiences that support both partners and organizations.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Director, Corporate Partnerships

Current

Miller Sports + Entertainment

Jan 2026 - Present (7 months)

Drive new business development across multiple sports and entertainment properties, lead outreach and negotiation of multi-property agreements, and serve as primary relationship owner for new partnerships.

Strategic Partnerships Sponsorship Sales New Business Development Negotiation Account Management Pipeline Development Cross Functional Collaboration

Director of Business Development

Real Salt Lake / Utah Royals FC

Sep 2024 - Dec 2025 (1 year 3 months)

Developed strategic partnerships to enhance brand exposure and drive fan engagement, led negotiations, and collaborated with marketing, sales, and operations teams to deliver impactful activations.

Strategic Partnerships Sponsorship Sales Negotiation Brand Marketing Cross Functional Collaboration Revenue Growth

Bicycle Sales & Service

Trek

May 2024 - Aug 2024 (3 months)

Guided customers through product selection and performed repairs, strengthening technical and customer-service skills. Supported opening of a new store, organizing inventory and improving operational efficiency.

Customer Service Sales Inventory Management Operational Efficiency

Community Marketing Manager

DICK'S Sporting Goods

May 2019 - Sep 2023 (4 years 4 months)

Generated $2.8M in sales with a ROAS of $24, rebuilt market presence by acquiring 100+ new partners, and managed over $300,000 in grants to Title 1 schools and nonprofits.

Community Marketing Partnership Development Grant Management Social Media Management Cross functional Leadership Sales Growth

Executive Vice President, Marketing + Partnerships

Charlotte Independence

Oct 2014 - May 2019 (4 years 7 months)

Directed marketing, sponsorship sales, and strategic partnerships for the club, negotiated high-value sponsorships, and oversaw fan engagement and digital strategy.

Marketing Strategy Sponsorship Sales Strategic Partnerships Fan Engagement Digital Strategy Team Leadership

Vice President & General Manager

Charlotte Hounds

Jan 2011 - Dec 2018 (7 years 11 months)

Led revenue generation across sponsorships, ticket sales, merchandise, and community activations, and managed team operations including player transactions and gameday execution.

Revenue Generation Sponsorship Sales Team Management Brand Marketing Fan Engagement Operations