Josh Fenton is originally from Litchfield, MN and currently lives in Colorado Springs with his wife, Lindsay and three boys, Ryan (12), Luke (9), and Drew (6). Josh and his family have lived in Colorado Springs for eight years. Before that he lived in Oxford, OH for 11 years where he received a graduate degree from Miami University (OH) and worked within the Athletic Department as the Director of Hockey Operations, Assistant Director of Corporate Relations, Assistant Athletic Director, Associate Athletic Director, and Senior Associate Athletic Director. His responsibilities spanned across many areas of the Athletic Department. Prior to that Josh worked briefly for a worldwide management consulting firm, Accenture. He has an undergraduate degree in Finance from Iowa State University.
What do you do for a living? What brought you down that path?
I serve as the Commissioner of the National Collegiate Hockey Conference, which is a NCAA Division I men’s college ice hockey conference made up of eight member institutions. I have been around the game of hockey my entire life, which includes playing in Minnesota, coaching youth hockey, and having the privilege to work in the game at the collegiate level during my time at Miami University. My passion for the sport and experience working within collegiate athletics and college hockey have given me a skill set that has allowed me to work as the Commissioner of the NCHC.
Tell us something that makes you stand out from the crowd? This can be a talent, life-experience, unique hobby.
I won an individual state golf championship in Minnesota when I was a junior in high school and went on to play two years of college golf. I also served as the San Jose Sharks video coordinator during the 2004 Stanley Cup playoffs when the organization advanced to the NHL Western Conference Finals.
What is one experience that has shaped you to be the person you are today?
My overall professional experience at Miami University, under the direction of then Athletics Director, Brad Bates, shaped a lot of my viewpoints about how I conduct myself in a professional setting.
My time at Miami while working behind the scenes to help form the NCHC has proved to be pivotal point in allowing to work in the position I have today.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Realize that you will make mistakes along the way, that you cannot be perfect, and to learn from but forget about any perceived shortcoming or failure.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? On what and why? (personal or professional)
It was much more than $100, but the money spent on a recent family vacation, which included seeing extended family that we had not seen in 18 months.
What is the one book that you recommend our audience should read and why?
Good to Great by Jim Collins – This is a staple and go-to book for anyone interested in learning about culture development and thought processes behind sustained organizational success.
What is your favorite quote?
Be the change you want to see in the world
What local businesses would you recommend our readers support?
Colorado Springs is filled with so many good, prosperous local businesses. It is difficult to pick just one.
What local nonprofit would you recommend our readers support?
I serve on the Board of the Pikes Peak Chapter of the First Tee. The First Tee is a national organization that teaches life skills to youth through the sport of golf. Not only has the Pikes Peak chapter positively impacted the youth golf community in Colorado Springs, but it has also intentionally impacted the lives of many community residents who may not have ever been exposed to the sport of golf. More information can be found on the First Tee of Pikes Peak here – https://www.firstteepikespeak.org/
What is your most memorable childhood experience? This can be good or bad.
I have two…and they are not specific moments…
Going to our cabin in northern Minnesota for a weekend
Spending time with my friends playing hockey on an outdoor rink in Minnesota.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
My Family (wife, Lindsay and children, Ryan, Luke, & Drew). Their love and support of me and my profession allows me to be at my best both days.
If you had a superpower what would it be and why?
Telport – To not have to worry about time and inconvenience because you could immediately teleport yourself would be amazing!
What 3 (only) items would you bring to a deserted island?
My Family
Water
Gloves & a Baseball to Play Catch with my Sons
Which are your favorite 5 spots in Colorado?
Colorado Springs
Crested Butte
Aspen
Beaver Creek
Denver
Which is the next destination on your wishlist?
Hawaii