July 27, 2021 (Mankato, Minnesota) – ISG welcomes Darren Blue, from Minnesota State University, Mankato’s Men’s Hockey, as one of its newest employee-owners. Blue will be joining the firm as a Development Strategist with the Sports + Recreation business unit, bringing a variety of sports experience from high school, semi-professional, and collegiate levels. His years both on the ice and at the bench as a coach, in multiple sports arenas, give the firm a look into the needs and desires of spectators, athletes, and staff alike.
When asked where the desire to shift his career from coaching into the private sector emerged, Blue stated that, “Through my experience as a coach at various levels, I have had a behind the scenes look into the difference a well-designed and finished facility can make in the day-to-day attitudes of all users including athletes, coaches, support staff, and spectators. During our renovations here, I was able to work hand-in-hand with the passionate and talented people of ISG and feel fortunate to be joining this group to aid in the process of getting the ball rolling for future athletic and recreation transformations.”
With over 30 years in hockey, Blue has experienced its perspectives from an athlete, coach, spectator, and administrator point of view. More recently, during his time in Division I men’s hockey, he found a desire to create a positive difference for each team through design. “As we continuously seek to understand our clients and their needs better, there isn’t a better way than to welcome a client to our team. We are thrilled to have Darren join the Sports + Rec team; his thoughtfulness, competitive spirit, and consideration for “better every day” are all fitting traits for our firm,” states Vice President Amanda Prosser, ISG's Sports + Recreation Business Unit Leader.
Blue will support firm-wide growth initiatives by working with sports and recreation clients across the Midwest, specifically on the development of facilities that help teams flourish and grow. With the same coaching mindset carried from his years of coaching, Blue states, “I am looking forward to helping other clients see what can be and help them understand how that vision and service will impact their program’s success.”
A formal copy of this release was sent via BusinessWire and can be found here.
This year marks an exciting milestone for ISG’s Des Moines, Iowa office as we celebrate a decade of dedication and service to our local community. Over the past ten years, our team has been privileged to contribute to numerous projects that have shaped the landscape and enhanced the quality of life for residents in Central Iowa.
ISG will host the second annual Future of Southern Minnesota Lakes Conference at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center in Mankato, Minnesota. The conference will open on Friday evening, April 12, with a fireside chat featuring writer and host of the television show "Minnesota Bound," Ron Schara. The evening is an exclusive opportunity for conference attendees to share stories about Minnesota’s natural resources and learn from one another in a relaxed atmosphere.