In the Club by Club Colors

Hosted by Club Colors

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Welcome to In the Club by Club Colors.

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48 recent

June 4, 202630 min

The Hidden Work Behind Student Success in College

What actually makes students feel like they belong in college? In Part 1 of this conversation, we sit down with Briana Maturi, Director of Student Transitions & Success, and Trinity Jones, Assistant Director of Student Transitions & Success at Loyola Marymount University to explore the hidden side of higher education that shapes student success far beyond the classroom. From supporting veteran and transfer students to creating massive campus traditions like Wellness Wednesday and Family Weekend, this episode dives into how meaningful student experiences are intentionally built and why they matter more than ever. Briana shares why student affairs professionals impact nearly every aspect of campus life, while Trinity offers a unique perspective transitioning from LMU student to full-time staff member. Together, they unpack how mission-driven leadership, belonging, and community shape the modern college experience. Whether you're in higher education, student affairs, enrollment management, or simply passionate about creating stronger communities, this episode offers a thoughtful look into the people and programs shaping student success today.

May 21, 202627 min

How Great Leaders Navigate Chaos in Higher Education

Higher education isn’t evolving fast enough… and now it doesn’t have a choice. In Part 2 of this convo, Chris Jaeger sits down with NACAS CEO Rich Steele to unpack the mounting pressure facing colleges and universities, from declining enrollment and campus closures to rising complexity and financial strain. Rich breaks down why higher ed has historically moved at a “glacial pace” and why that model is no longer sustainable. As competition increases and resources tighten, leaders are being forced to rethink everything: partnerships, pricing models, operations, and even how they serve students day-to-day. At its core, this conversation is about leadership under pressure and the responsibility to adapt, simplify, and stay focused on what matters most: serving students. Connect with Rich Steele: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-steele-a6162b31/

May 7, 202629 min

The Hidden Engine Behind Every College Campus

What if the most important part of a college experience… isn’t in the classroom? Chris Jaeger sits down with Rich Steele, CEO of NACAS, to unpack the hidden system powering every campus in America: auxiliary services. From dining halls and housing to campus safety and student wellbeing, Rich shares how these behind-the-scenes operations directly shape student success, retention, and lifelong memories. Rich’s journey started unexpectedly, from chemical engineering to student activities but what kept him there for nearly four decades was the impact: feeding students who couldn’t afford meals, creating environments where students feel seen, and solving complex challenges at scale. Connect with Rich Steele: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-steele-a6162b31/ If you need branded solutions for your events, giveaways and employee engagement, check out Club Colors: https://www.clubcolors.com

April 23, 202627 min

Why Healthcare Apparel Is About to Change Forever

Healthcare apparel is broken and most brands are missing the mark. In Part 2, Ian Scherber breaks down how Jaanuu is redefining scrubs through better design, smarter technology, and a deeper commitment to healthcare professionals. From solving fit challenges online to speeding up production and customization, this is a behind-the-scenes look at what’s next in the industry. If you care about product, branding, or the future of healthcare, this one’s worth your time. Connect with Ian Scherber: http://linkedin.com/in/ian-scherber-4262217b/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-club-by-club-colors/id1611056742 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0vqZB7gPKLTlkDHI66XxN3 If you need branded solutions for your events, giveaways and employee engagement, check out Club Colors: https://www.clubcolors.com

April 9, 202628 min

From Selling T-Shirts to Building a 60-Person Business

He started his first business at 13… and never stopped. In this episode, Ian Scherber shares the full journey from selling t-shirts in high school and paying his way through college, to building a 60+ employee company… and ultimately walking away from it. This is a raw look at what entrepreneurship actually demands and what it can cost. We unpack the mindset that drove his early success, the reality of scaling a business, and the moment everything shifted after becoming a father. Ian also breaks down how that transition led him to Jaanuu, where he’s now helping redefine an entire industry by putting product, purpose, and people first. If you’ve ever chased growth, questioned it, or wondered what comes next, this episode is for you. Connect with Ian Scherber: http://linkedin.com/in/ian-scherber-4262217b/ If you need branded solutions for your events, giveaways and employee engagement, check out Club Colors: https://www.clubcolors.com

March 19, 202623 min

Building a Championship Culture at Lewis University

Winning is fun but culture is built long before the scoreboard lights up. In Part 2 of our conversation, John Ashaolu, Assistant Vice President for Athletics at Lewis University, breaks down what it really takes to build a championship-level athletic department. From revitalizing alumni engagement and transforming the annual golf outing at Cog Hill into a record-breaking experience, to rebranding the student section as “The Cockpit,” John shares how intentional fan experience drives brand equity and school pride. We also dive into his philosophy of curating an elite student-athlete experience, why that’s his daily motivation, how it shapes hiring decisions, and how it contributes to Lewis finishing 11th nationally in the Division II Directors Cup rankings. This episode is about raising standards, refusing to rest on success, and understanding that culture isn’t a slogan, it’s what you do every single day. Connect with John: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jashaolu/

March 5, 202622 min

The Real Path to Becoming an Athletic Director

What do you do when the path you planned disappears overnight? John Ashaolu went from Division I basketball to coaching, then got fired and had to rebuild from scratch. In this episode of In The Club, John shares how he pivoted into athletic administration, started at the high school level (with zero experience), and worked his way up step by step to become Assistant Vice President for Athletics at Lewis University. We talk about earning his D1 scholarship after growing up in Toronto, why he believes in “taking the stairs,” and how he’s using Fly As One as a rallying cry to break down silos and build real unity across teams, alumni, and campus.

February 19, 202637 min

The Human Side of Creative Strategy

Adam continues his conversation with Chris & Adam, digging into the heart of what makes a truly effective brand: human connection. Adam reflects on his college journey: from architecture to fine arts and how building a deep foundation in creative fundamentals gave him the tools to solve complex problems quickly and confidently. He talks about the importance of active listening, community engagement, and building real relationships: illustrated through powerful examples like a school literacy partnership that dramatically improved reading levels. He also breaks down the difference between marketing and creative, why both must collaborate, and how creatives can position themselves to have greater influence. He closes with practical advice for emerging professionals and the value of sharing your voice, even when it feels vulnerable. Connect with Adam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamswartout/ If you need branded solutions for your events, giveaways and employee engagement, check out Club Colors: https://www.clubcolors.com

February 6, 202636 min

Inside the Mind of a Storyteller

Adam Swortout, Director of Creative Strategy at Pick Your Part, is In The Club for a deep dive into how creativity and storytelling power brand transformation. From turning junkyard sales into 80s-style rock concerts to embedding hidden Easter eggs in campaigns, Adam shares how he builds memorable customer experiences with insight, humor, and heart. They discuss the impact of AI, the importance of listening to your audience, and how a former Jungle Cruise skipper turned a love for storytelling into a strategic marketing superpower. This episode is a masterclass in how creativity can drive results, even in the most unexpected industries. Connect with Adam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamswartout/ If you need branded solutions for your events, giveaways and employee engagement, check out Club Colors: https://www.clubcolors.com

January 29, 202637 min

Inside the New Era of College Merch

College merch is evolving fast. In this episode, Chris is back with Kimberly Spino and Erika Austin to explore how modern licensing is reshaping campus branding. They dig into the rising demand for women’s apparel and size-inclusive options, the impact of TikTok and trends like “Bama Rush,” and how social media and vintage gear are inspiring new merch strategies. From candy stripes and Sparty to branded beer and hot sauce, this episode is a tactical look at how collegiate brands are innovating beyond athletics and what it means for the future of licensing. Connect with Erika: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-austin-4a23547/ Connect with Kimberly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-spino-5a155b24/ If you need branded solutions for your events, giveaways and employee engagement, check out Club Colors: https://www.clubcolors.com