Westfield Resident Provides Ultimate Sports Fan Experience

For entrepreneur Brett Fischer, his new venture truly mixes business with pleasure. 

In May, after 16 successful years in premium seat and suite sales with the New Jersey Nets and Barclays Center in Brooklyn, the Westfield resident launched Brett Fischer Sports Consulting, a national company that strives to provide fans with the ultimate luxury experience.

Fischer said he recognized a need in the sports and entertainment industry for a consulting firm that would help corporations, venues, and teams match premium hospitality with superb customer service, and founded his company upon that premise. 

Since the firm's launch, Fischer said there has been tremendous support and interest from both corporations seeking luxury suites and premium seating as well as teams and entertainment venues looking to outsource their suite and premium seating inventory. Serving as the liaison between teams, corporations and venues, Fischer said he is able to fill luxury suites—often the toughest sale—that may have otherwise sat vacant.  

Spending money to make money

Even in challenging economic times, Fischer said corporations are still willing to spend big bucks to create the ultimate fan experience for their clients.  

“Companies are spending thousands of dollars so it feels great when you hear that they closed a deal for hundreds of thousands at an event,” he said. 

Whether they're entertaining clients or rewarding employees, Fischer said corporations like ESPN, Nike, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Cantor Fitzgerald recognize the value of creating a memorable event for their clients to hopefully increase their sales or strengthen their business relationships. 

Changing nature of ticket sales 

Fischer said he realizes that with the advent of online ticket brokers and the ever-increasing use of social media, the ticket-selling field has become quite crowded. But the entrepreneur explained that he is not competing with those vendors. 

"My clients do not want to buy four seats on StubHub, rather they are looking for a professional sports consulting firm that will arrange a premiere sports and entertainment event from start to finish," he said.

Creating a memorable experience

Fischer said when he first got into the business he was reminded of all the sporting events in the New Jersey-New York area that he attended with his father and the great memories they shared. From watching David Cone throw a perfect game against the Montreal Expos to seeing other youngsters high-five their dads, Fischer said he wants to create a memorable experience for his clients and their guests. To do that, he begins by asking plenty of questions.

"I find out what the client’s expectations are. Is it for personal use or a company event? Do they have kids? If so, what do they like?" he explained. 

From there, Fischer further customizes the experience. “After selecting an event at the right venue, I arrange transportation to and from. I let them know about restaurants near the event; I can make a reservation if they like. I make sure they enter the venue through the premium entrance, which is more dressed up than the general admission entrance." 

Inside the arena, Fischer facilitates everything from food and beverage packages, to gift bags for clients and even private meet and greet sessions with the stars of the show or game, or team alumni, if it meets the needs of his clients.

The future of Brett Fischer Sports Consulting

As a national company, Fischer said he has access to luxury suites across the country. 

"Whether you're traveling and want to catch a game at Wrigley Field or you're in Texas, I can arrange it," he said. "However, we’re headquartered in the largest entertainment market in the world. The New York/New Jersey market will always attract the biggest sports events, concerts, and stars."

Fischer pointed out that July's MLB All Star Game took place at Citi Field. In August, the area will host both The US Open Tennis and The Barclays Golf in addition to top concerts. September will hopefully bring playoff baseball, football, basketball, hockey and more to the area, he added. 

In the months ahead, Fischer said he looks forward to strengthening existing relationships as well as forging new partnerships.

"There is great value in bringing the leagues and teams closer to the companies that are purchasing suites and premium seats across the country," he said. "The industry will grow, teams better understand the goals of the companies and individuals that are purchasing their most expensive products, and Brett Fischer Sports Consulting can assist with this process.

"Additionally, companies need to understand the different products that are available to them so they can make an educated decision as to what works best for their company and the clients they are hosting. 

"A goal for my company is to help bridge this gap. Brett Fischer Sports Consulting continues to strategize and form partnerships that will assist the sports and entertainment venues, as well as corporations. We want to help corporations get the most value from their entertainment investment. We want to help teams maximize sales for their most premium products."

Off the field

Fischer said he is also available for speaking engagements and is more than willing to share how he went from a high school athlete to pursuing a career in the sports and entertainment industry. The entrepreneur said many people think that if they can't be on the field there's no place for them in sports, but he pointed out that from marketing and public relations to advertising and ticket sales, plenty goes on behind the scenes before the lights go on in the building and the athletes take their positions. As one of the services his agency provides, Fischer is able to book sports stars and entertainers as guest speakers as well.   

When he isn’t growing his company, Fischer said he can be found spending time with his family or on one of Westfield’s baseball diamonds or soccer fields where he enjoys coaching.

For more information, visit Brett Fischer Sports Consulting's website, Facebook page, or follow the company on Twitter.