John Vassallo
Manager, Business Development at Ross Video- Claim this Profile
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Bio
Quint Kessenich
I've worked with and for John Vassallo for the past two decades while at ESPN and feel that he would be a sensational candidate for leadership positions. He would bring the organization a wealth of experience, creativity, and excitement but most of all you would be hiring a wonderful person who would positively impact everybody in your business. In title, John was my boss at ESPN for over 15 years. In reality, he became a father figure, a coach, a brother, and most importantly, over time he's become a trusted friend. His ability to organize, inspire, motivate, and effectively communicate with people defines his tenure. As an executive producer, he built teams and helped to navigate their growth. He is a relationship-based leader. Whether it be an ESPN employee, a university president, athletic director, NCAA representative, college coach or athlete - John has repeatedly shown the ability to make a personal connection and to bring people together to achieve the goal of the group. He is an outstanding at creating a plan, listening and finding solutions. He is a sharp negotiator and well suited to handle client inquiries and complaints. This is nothing new for a manager that often had to massage the ego of a television sports announcer who did not get the assignment for which he had hoped. He is always willing to answer the phone and listen, to ask pertinent questions, and to offer advice. John is honest and genuine, traits that endeared him to some of the more popular on-camera employees, but also to the rank and file of the organization, the grinders behind the camera who do the grunt work and are essential in the industry. He has shown the ability to manage different personalities and support their unique needs. His influence and work was on display with the extensive College Football coverage, the NCAA Lacrosse Championships, Hockey Championships and Wrestling Championships. The Championship franchises experienced massive growth and success under his watch. Wrestling grew from a two-hour tape delayed show, to a three-day 20 hour of coverage marathon, televised by ESPN and ESPNU while also showing the entire tournament online. Lacrosse has evolved from two televised contests a year, to nearly 100. His experience and temperament would be ideal for a position that requires building bonds with multiple interest groups - whether it be school administrators, network leaders, coaches, sponsors, announcers, production personnel and student-athletes. I am certain that he would represent your company at local, regional, and national events and be widely respected by his peers. I am confident that John would have a positive impact and influence on your employees and enhance the environment at your business. Sincerely, Quint Kessenich
Paul E.
Simply stated, John , "JV", is the man. He's a pro's pro and will be an asset to any team he joins. He's been invaluable to my career, and taught me a lot about the business. Not much he hasn't seen or done as it relates to sports production. He is knowledgeable, passionate and, more important than anything else, a people's person. JV is a straight shooter who actually cares about, and digs into the person, beyond the work. Not just about what you can do for him. JV is more about how he can help YOU. Great guy all around. He puts people in position to succeed and gives easily digestible feedback. I'm a lot better for having a relationship with him, as anyone would be.
Quint Kessenich
I've worked with and for John Vassallo for the past two decades while at ESPN and feel that he would be a sensational candidate for leadership positions. He would bring the organization a wealth of experience, creativity, and excitement but most of all you would be hiring a wonderful person who would positively impact everybody in your business. In title, John was my boss at ESPN for over 15 years. In reality, he became a father figure, a coach, a brother, and most importantly, over time he's become a trusted friend. His ability to organize, inspire, motivate, and effectively communicate with people defines his tenure. As an executive producer, he built teams and helped to navigate their growth. He is a relationship-based leader. Whether it be an ESPN employee, a university president, athletic director, NCAA representative, college coach or athlete - John has repeatedly shown the ability to make a personal connection and to bring people together to achieve the goal of the group. He is an outstanding at creating a plan, listening and finding solutions. He is a sharp negotiator and well suited to handle client inquiries and complaints. This is nothing new for a manager that often had to massage the ego of a television sports announcer who did not get the assignment for which he had hoped. He is always willing to answer the phone and listen, to ask pertinent questions, and to offer advice. John is honest and genuine, traits that endeared him to some of the more popular on-camera employees, but also to the rank and file of the organization, the grinders behind the camera who do the grunt work and are essential in the industry. He has shown the ability to manage different personalities and support their unique needs. His influence and work was on display with the extensive College Football coverage, the NCAA Lacrosse Championships, Hockey Championships and Wrestling Championships. The Championship franchises experienced massive growth and success under his watch. Wrestling grew from a two-hour tape delayed show, to a three-day 20 hour of coverage marathon, televised by ESPN and ESPNU while also showing the entire tournament online. Lacrosse has evolved from two televised contests a year, to nearly 100. His experience and temperament would be ideal for a position that requires building bonds with multiple interest groups - whether it be school administrators, network leaders, coaches, sponsors, announcers, production personnel and student-athletes. I am certain that he would represent your company at local, regional, and national events and be widely respected by his peers. I am confident that John would have a positive impact and influence on your employees and enhance the environment at your business. Sincerely, Quint Kessenich
Paul E.
Simply stated, John , "JV", is the man. He's a pro's pro and will be an asset to any team he joins. He's been invaluable to my career, and taught me a lot about the business. Not much he hasn't seen or done as it relates to sports production. He is knowledgeable, passionate and, more important than anything else, a people's person. JV is a straight shooter who actually cares about, and digs into the person, beyond the work. Not just about what you can do for him. JV is more about how he can help YOU. Great guy all around. He puts people in position to succeed and gives easily digestible feedback. I'm a lot better for having a relationship with him, as anyone would be.
Quint Kessenich
I've worked with and for John Vassallo for the past two decades while at ESPN and feel that he would be a sensational candidate for leadership positions. He would bring the organization a wealth of experience, creativity, and excitement but most of all you would be hiring a wonderful person who would positively impact everybody in your business. In title, John was my boss at ESPN for over 15 years. In reality, he became a father figure, a coach, a brother, and most importantly, over time he's become a trusted friend. His ability to organize, inspire, motivate, and effectively communicate with people defines his tenure. As an executive producer, he built teams and helped to navigate their growth. He is a relationship-based leader. Whether it be an ESPN employee, a university president, athletic director, NCAA representative, college coach or athlete - John has repeatedly shown the ability to make a personal connection and to bring people together to achieve the goal of the group. He is an outstanding at creating a plan, listening and finding solutions. He is a sharp negotiator and well suited to handle client inquiries and complaints. This is nothing new for a manager that often had to massage the ego of a television sports announcer who did not get the assignment for which he had hoped. He is always willing to answer the phone and listen, to ask pertinent questions, and to offer advice. John is honest and genuine, traits that endeared him to some of the more popular on-camera employees, but also to the rank and file of the organization, the grinders behind the camera who do the grunt work and are essential in the industry. He has shown the ability to manage different personalities and support their unique needs. His influence and work was on display with the extensive College Football coverage, the NCAA Lacrosse Championships, Hockey Championships and Wrestling Championships. The Championship franchises experienced massive growth and success under his watch. Wrestling grew from a two-hour tape delayed show, to a three-day 20 hour of coverage marathon, televised by ESPN and ESPNU while also showing the entire tournament online. Lacrosse has evolved from two televised contests a year, to nearly 100. His experience and temperament would be ideal for a position that requires building bonds with multiple interest groups - whether it be school administrators, network leaders, coaches, sponsors, announcers, production personnel and student-athletes. I am certain that he would represent your company at local, regional, and national events and be widely respected by his peers. I am confident that John would have a positive impact and influence on your employees and enhance the environment at your business. Sincerely, Quint Kessenich
Paul E.
Simply stated, John , "JV", is the man. He's a pro's pro and will be an asset to any team he joins. He's been invaluable to my career, and taught me a lot about the business. Not much he hasn't seen or done as it relates to sports production. He is knowledgeable, passionate and, more important than anything else, a people's person. JV is a straight shooter who actually cares about, and digs into the person, beyond the work. Not just about what you can do for him. JV is more about how he can help YOU. Great guy all around. He puts people in position to succeed and gives easily digestible feedback. I'm a lot better for having a relationship with him, as anyone would be.
Quint Kessenich
I've worked with and for John Vassallo for the past two decades while at ESPN and feel that he would be a sensational candidate for leadership positions. He would bring the organization a wealth of experience, creativity, and excitement but most of all you would be hiring a wonderful person who would positively impact everybody in your business. In title, John was my boss at ESPN for over 15 years. In reality, he became a father figure, a coach, a brother, and most importantly, over time he's become a trusted friend. His ability to organize, inspire, motivate, and effectively communicate with people defines his tenure. As an executive producer, he built teams and helped to navigate their growth. He is a relationship-based leader. Whether it be an ESPN employee, a university president, athletic director, NCAA representative, college coach or athlete - John has repeatedly shown the ability to make a personal connection and to bring people together to achieve the goal of the group. He is an outstanding at creating a plan, listening and finding solutions. He is a sharp negotiator and well suited to handle client inquiries and complaints. This is nothing new for a manager that often had to massage the ego of a television sports announcer who did not get the assignment for which he had hoped. He is always willing to answer the phone and listen, to ask pertinent questions, and to offer advice. John is honest and genuine, traits that endeared him to some of the more popular on-camera employees, but also to the rank and file of the organization, the grinders behind the camera who do the grunt work and are essential in the industry. He has shown the ability to manage different personalities and support their unique needs. His influence and work was on display with the extensive College Football coverage, the NCAA Lacrosse Championships, Hockey Championships and Wrestling Championships. The Championship franchises experienced massive growth and success under his watch. Wrestling grew from a two-hour tape delayed show, to a three-day 20 hour of coverage marathon, televised by ESPN and ESPNU while also showing the entire tournament online. Lacrosse has evolved from two televised contests a year, to nearly 100. His experience and temperament would be ideal for a position that requires building bonds with multiple interest groups - whether it be school administrators, network leaders, coaches, sponsors, announcers, production personnel and student-athletes. I am certain that he would represent your company at local, regional, and national events and be widely respected by his peers. I am confident that John would have a positive impact and influence on your employees and enhance the environment at your business. Sincerely, Quint Kessenich
Paul E.
Simply stated, John , "JV", is the man. He's a pro's pro and will be an asset to any team he joins. He's been invaluable to my career, and taught me a lot about the business. Not much he hasn't seen or done as it relates to sports production. He is knowledgeable, passionate and, more important than anything else, a people's person. JV is a straight shooter who actually cares about, and digs into the person, beyond the work. Not just about what you can do for him. JV is more about how he can help YOU. Great guy all around. He puts people in position to succeed and gives easily digestible feedback. I'm a lot better for having a relationship with him, as anyone would be.
Experience
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Ross Video
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Canada
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Broadcast Media Production and Distribution
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700 & Above Employee
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Manager, Business Development
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Mar 2023 - Present
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Business Development Manager - Ross Production Services
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Aug 2022 - Present
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Straight Talk Feedback
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Charlotte, North Carolina, United States
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Principal
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Jan 2021 - Present
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Tupelo Honey
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United States
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Broadcast Media Production and Distribution
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1 - 100 Employee
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Program & Production Development
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May 2021 - Aug 2022
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ESPN
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United States
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Broadcast Media Production and Distribution
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700 & Above Employee
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Senior Coordinating Producer
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Sep 2003 - Jan 2021
Promoted to an oversight only role in 2003. Continued to oversee and manage annual budgets for college football and multiple NCAA Championships: Wrestling, Hockey (the Frozen Four), and Lacrosse. Managed a one million dollar annual budget for The Home Depot College Football Awards and the development, since inception, of the College Basketball Awards presented by Wendy’s.-Developed feedback program for event directors and supplied notes and clips.-Mentored new employees beyond reporting structure.-Realized budget and operation efficiencies by adding digital content to NCAA Championships.
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Coordinating Producer
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Sep 1997 - Sep 2003
Coordinated, assigned, and provided feedback and evaluations for crews and talent on college football games. Oversaw and produced The Home Depot College Football Awards and the Major League Baseball Players Choice Awards. Produced ESPN College Basketball games, the Women’s World Cup in 1999, the Target Venue at the 2005 Great Outdoor Games, and the Frank Sinatra Celebrity Golf Tournament in 1998.Select Highlights:-Oversaw production, operations and programming for ESPN High School Football since 2005✓Helped establish and implement COVID-19 protocols to maintain a safe environment for production of games.-Challenged with mentoring inexperienced talent (announcers).✓Provided feedback with evaluations and video clips to develop individual skill sets.✓Elevated multiple on-air announcers to larger shows/networks.-Led growth initiative for NCAA Championships while driving 10% budget reduction YOY.✓Evaluated vendors, added more personnel, and reduced allocations to smaller network windows while maintaining and growing allocations on larger linear networks.✓Maintained ratings growth YOY while meeting reduced budget expectations.-Challenged with growing NCAA Football Championship Subdivision coverage.✓Introduced location-based shows to help with promotion without increasing spend.✓Launched successful pre-game show leveraging existing games budget and minimal incremental spend, including 30-minute pre-game show.-Addressed need to increase exposure for the NCAA Wrestling Championship.✓Added “every match on every mat” streaming option to allow viewers to watch any match on ESPN.com. Additionally, introduced post-championship match show with no additional spend.
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NESN
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United States
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Broadcast Media Production and Distribution
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200 - 300 Employee
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Sr. Producer & Director
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Apr 1988 - Sep 1997
Produced and Directed Boston Red Sox baseball and Boston Bruins hockey. Promoted to Senior Producer and moved to full time oversight. Oversaw the coverage of New England College Soccer, Yankee Conference Football, Hockey East and a variety of other college sports and personnel scheduling. Produced and Directed Boston Red Sox baseball and Boston Bruins hockey. Promoted to Senior Producer and moved to full time oversight. Oversaw the coverage of New England College Soccer, Yankee Conference Football, Hockey East and a variety of other college sports and personnel scheduling.
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Education
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Boston University
Master of Science - MS, Broadcast & Film -
Hope College
BA, Communication & Art History