Benjamin Laffoon
Phoenix
Summary
Sports business professional specializing in memorabilia and collectibles revenue within a Major League Baseball environment. Scaled an Authentics business unit from $200K to $1M+ annually and generated $3.5M+ through auctions, broadcast activations, and player-driven initiatives. Known for leveraging historic sports moments and game-used inventory to maximize revenue, with strengths in team leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and data-driven strategy.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Coordinator, Authentics & Youth Sports Prog
Arizona Diamondbacks
Phoenix, AZ
01.2023 - Current
- Transformed Authentics & Memorabilia business unit from ~$200K to $1M+ in annual revenue (5x growth) by expanding game-used inventory strategy, enhancing auction execution, and increasing fan engagement
- Lead execution of high-impact memorabilia auctions and broadcast fundraisers, generating $3.5M+ in total revenue across tenure
- Managed live in-game and broadcast fundraising activations totaling $600K+, optimizing fan engagement and conversion strategies
- Spearheaded memorabilia initiatives tied to historic MLB moments, including:
- Corbin Carroll’s record-breaking rookie season (25 HR / 50 SB), driving increased auction demand and fan engagement
- Leveraged market demand surrounding Shohei Ohtani’s 50/50 season, contributing to sale of game-used base memorabilia, including a $40,000 transaction
- Capitalized on fan interest during Albert Pujols’s 700th home run chase, supporting sales of authenticated base memorabilia tied to milestone games
- Oversee full lifecycle of authenticated and game-used inventory, aligning product strategy with market demand to maximize revenue
- Manage and develop a team of 6 part-time staff and 1 intern, including hiring input, training, scheduling, and performance feedback
- Own budgeting, vendor coordination, purchasing, and invoice processing to ensure financial accuracy and operational efficiency
- Partner cross-functionally with marketing, broadcasting, and community relations to align fundraising and revenue initiatives
- Track and analyze revenue, participation, and inventory trends to inform pricing strategy, auction planning, and future growth
Auctions & Authentics Intern
Arizona Diamondbacks
Phoenix, AZ
01.2022 - 12.2022
- Supported recurring auctions generating $200K+ in annual revenue
- Assisted with inventory management, fulfillment logistics, and engagement tracking
Marketing & Tournament Operations Assistant
City of Surprise
Surprise, AZ
02.2021 - 07.2022
- Coordinated logistics for community sports tournaments, including scheduling, equipment, and staff/volunteer oversight
- Assisted with outreach efforts and tracked engagement and partnership activity
Visiting Clubhouse Manager & Home Clubhouse Assist
Modesto Nuts
Modesto, CA
03.2021 - 09.2021
- Supported daily clubhouse operations, travel logistics, and game-day readiness
- Served as liaison between teams, league officials, and stadium staff
Education
Certificate - Leadership
Arizona Diamondbacks Leadership Academy
Phoenix, AZ12-2025
Bachelor of Science - Sports Management/Business Analytics
Grand Canyong University
Phoenix, AZ12-2022
Skills
- Revenue & Fundraising Programs
- Broadcast & Auction Execution
- Cross-Department Collaboration
- Budget & Vendor Management
- CRM & Reporting
- Stakeholder Communication
Timeline
Senior Coordinator, Authentics & Youth Sports Prog
Arizona Diamondbacks
01.2023 - Current
Auctions & Authentics Intern
Arizona Diamondbacks
01.2022 - 12.2022
Visiting Clubhouse Manager & Home Clubhouse Assist
Modesto Nuts
03.2021 - 09.2021
Marketing & Tournament Operations Assistant
City of Surprise
02.2021 - 07.2022
Certificate - Leadership
Arizona Diamondbacks Leadership Academy
Bachelor of Science - Sports Management/Business Analytics
Grand Canyong University