John Griffis is sales executive for the Jacksonville Barracudas hockey team. He’s been on the job for about a week.
HIS ROOTS
Griffis was born and raised in Jacksonville and is a Bishop Kenny High School graduate. He later attended Florida State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in criminology. “I had a great time at Florida State and the football games were a big part of it. I still try to make it back for a game whenever I can because I really enjoy sports. That’s part of the reason why I like this job so much.”
WHAT DOES HE DO?
Griffis works in a department of three — “It will grow” — that markets and sells ad space to local businesses. He’s responsible for marketing everything from season tickets packages, to billboards around the rink, to logos on the ice. “It’s a lot of fun because it’s a cool product and it allows me to interact with so many different people. I’m still pretty new so I spend a lot of time making phone calls and getting to know potential clients, but everyone is really excited about what we’re doing here.”
BRISK SALES
“The response has been great. Advertisers know that a lot of people are anxious to see the inside of the new arena and the Barracuda games are the only way they are going to be able to do it for a while. That definitely helps.”
WORKING DOWNTOWN
Griffis works out of the Osborn Center. “I love it and I ride the Skyway in everyday. There’s obviously a lot of excitement here right now while downtown continues to grow and it’s great to be able to see it first hand. I’m looking forward to more activity in a few years because people are just starting to realize how much potential there is. It’s a plus that the Barracudas are adding to it.”
FAMILY
Griffis’ mother, Betty, and uncle Bill both work in Independent Square. His father frequently works out of the SunTrust building. “I’m lucky to have such a close family and I enjoy having them down here if I ever need them. They always have some advice to give if I need it.”
SOMETHING SURPRISING
“I go to mass every morning. That’s about as scandalous as it gets.”
LAST GOOD BOOK HE READ?
“The Gates of Eden” by Ethan Cohen. “I like everything the Cohen brothers do.”
THE FUTURE OF HOCKEY IN JACKSONVILLE
“It will be around a lot longer than it was before. Now we have a state-of- the-art arena, which is a big part of it. I can see all of the hard work from this year paying when we’re able to attract some great players who’ll bring a lot to the table. Just watch.”
— by J. Brooks Terry