“Work hard, work smart, and always lead with purpose.”

Erik Pulverenti is a seasoned executive whose career spans more than two decades at the intersection of sports, media, and business development. With a deep-rooted passion for athletic storytelling and a mastery in monetization strategy, Erik has earned a national reputation for building innovative growth engines across collegiate athletics and the professional sports business landscape. His journey from production assistant to executive consultant reflects not only his personal drive, but also a professional ethos grounded in collaboration, creative leadership, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Erik’s professional story begins in Lincoln, Nebraska, where he balanced academic rigor with hands-on experience at the University of Nebraska’s HuskerVision program. There, he honed his production skills and earned the distinction of Husker Vision Student of the Year. His foundational years at Nebraska shaped his dual strengths: technical fluency in live event production and an innate ability to craft compelling visual narratives. These talents soon propelled him to a leadership role at Texas A&M University, where he spent over six years revolutionizing digital content for the athletics department.

At Texas A&M, Erik rose through the ranks to become Director of 12th Man Productions. Leading a team of more than 60 individuals, he executed high-impact projects that earned national recognition. Notably, he was instrumental in the “Welcome to the SEC” digital series and the Johnny Manziel Heisman Trophy campaign—both of which received prestigious awards for creative excellence. Erik’s tenure in College Station proved that his capacity to lead creative teams was matched by his ability to drive strategic value and expand media revenue streams, opening new avenues of profitability for Texas A&M’s media rights holders.

In 2013, Erik took a bold step into the tech-infused world of sports media by joining Hudl, one of the fastest-growing platforms in athletic video software. Starting as Director of Business Development, he built Hudl’s media revenue model from the ground up, generating over $7 million within three years. He soon advanced to General Manager of Media, where he expanded content partnerships with elite brands like CBS Interactive, Bleacher Report, and Nike Football. Under his leadership, Hudl’s media division achieved back-to-back 2X revenue growth and secured the company’s largest branded content deal to date.

Erik’s innovative thinking was never confined to boardrooms. He played a pivotal role in structuring Hudl’s partnership with Nike Global Digital—an initiative that modernized athlete engagement and earned national acclaim for its ingenuity. His collaboration with Pete Carroll’s Win Forever Foundation also demonstrated his dedication to improving the game beyond revenue generation, contributing to a nationwide educational campaign on player safety. These projects reveal Erik’s unique ability to merge purpose with profit, vision with value.

In 2018, Erik joined Professional Sports Partners (PSP) as Senior Executive Director of Business Development. There, he led transformative projects that defined the agency’s growth trajectory. Among his many achievements, Erik negotiated a 20-year, $23.6 million naming rights deal for an arena and convention center in Omaha, Nebraska—a landmark agreement that underscored his expertise in high-stakes negotiation and strategic sales consulting. Under his leadership, PSP secured its largest consulting project in its six-year history, further solidifying Erik’s reputation as a catalyst for commercial success.

Now at the helm of his own consultancy, Pulv Consult, Erik channels his expansive experience into helping organizations unlock new streams of media, marketing, and revenue potential. His approach is guided by a belief that excellence is achievable only through integrity, trust, and relentless curiosity. Whether working with a Fortune 500 brand or a startup in the sports-tech space, Erik brings a rare combination of creative vision, operational rigor, and empathetic leadership.

Throughout his journey, Erik has remained steadfast in his commitment to mentorship. At Texas A&M, he oversaw more than 50 student workers annually, many of whom have gone on to establish thriving careers in sports media and production. His influence as a leader is evident not only in the projects he has delivered, but also in the lives he has shaped—proving that his legacy will endure far beyond the confines of any single role or organization.

Away from the boardroom and the broadcast truck, Erik is grounded by his most important role: husband and father. He and his wife Shelby, a healthcare administrator and Texas A&M alumna, are raising three boys—Jack, Clint, and Wes—in Houston, Texas. Erik credits his family for teaching him the true meaning of balance, perspective, and purpose, and strives to foster those same values in every professional relationship he builds.

As he continues to evolve professionally, Erik remains driven by a simple but profound mission: to help others succeed while leaving a legacy of innovation and integrity in every organization he touches. His story is one of upward momentum, fueled by a steadfast belief in doing things the right way—and doing them exceptionally well.

Character:
Erik is a principled leader whose actions reflect a deep sense of responsibility to his team, his clients, and the broader sports business community. His authenticity and grounded approach foster trust and long-lasting partnerships.

Knowledge:
With over two decades of experience spanning collegiate athletics, digital media, and executive business development, Erik brings a comprehensive and practical understanding of industry dynamics. His ability to translate market trends into actionable growth strategies sets him apart.

Strategic:
Erik has consistently demonstrated the foresight to identify high-impact opportunities and the tenacity to bring complex deals to completion. His strategic mindset is evident in the multimillion-dollar partnerships and media models he has developed across multiple organizations.

Communication:
A gifted storyteller and a clear communicator, Erik connects with stakeholders at all levels through persuasive dialogue and thoughtful engagement. His success in media and partnerships is a testament to his ability to articulate value and inspire alignment.