Andrea Gengler
Marketing Director

Staff Biography

Andrea joined the Bucs for the 1997-98 season as Marketing Director. She's a Des Moines native who grew up watching the Bucs and attended Dowling High School, before receiving her B.A. in Media/International Studies from Loras College, in Dubuque, Iowa. Andrea worked in news and sales before coming to the Buccaneers organization, and she will handle marketing and public relations for the team, in addition to planning promotions, public appearances and special events.

Staff Interview

2-13-98

Steve: Where are you from, where do you call home?

Andrea: I am from Urbandale... lived there all my life until college. I now live in West Des Moines.

Steve: What other jobs have you had?

Andrea: I graduated from Loras College in Dubuque Iowa in May of '97, where I was a television/international relations manager, French minor - so officially, this is my first job. While in school, however, I worked at a local TV station in sales and news departments, and ran our campus TV program (news director, anchor, etc.)

Steve: When did you start working for the Buc organization? Why? Any special reason?

Andrea: I started working for the Bucs on June 1, 1997. Why? Because I am a LIFETIME Bucs fan! I grew up watching the team, and am a big time hockey fan. Also, I get bored easily... in my job, I am always doing about a hundred things at a time - it's great!

Steve: What is your official job title?

Andrea: My official job title is Marketing Director

Steve: What do you do in your present position?

Andrea: In my present position, I handle PR, sell corporate sponsorships, plan all game night promotions, plan / help coordinate special events, schedule public appearances and charity work for the players (then get them there and take pictures!)

Steve: What are some of the behind the scenes challenges you face?

Andrea: Not enough space - you should see all the promotional stuff I have! At any given time, I have to find somewhere to put 3,000 programs, 3 tricycles, 200 posters, 80 paper airplanes, several hundred bottle caps, not to mention 150 pucks, plus sticks and countless other items!

Steve: Do you get to know any of the players or their families?

Andrea: Yes, I do get the chance to meet the players and families... I work a lot with the players, at public appearances, charity events, etc. or when I do interviews for the player profile that goes on our program insert. I meet their families when they come to town for the game, or when we road trip to away games. Parents like John Searles, Doug Raderschadt and Steve Maksimenko are at practically every game!

Steve: Are there any special memories you have of a certain team, coach, player or family?

Andrea: I have too many stories to try to pick one... the guys and their families are great!

Steve: What is the best thing for working for the Buc organization?

Andrea: The best thing about working for the Buccaneer organization? From a marketing perspective, it would have to be the fans. I have the best seat in the house... I'm "stationed" at the scorer's bench!

Steve: What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened at work?

Andrea: At the beginning of the season, the players were on the bus in front of the arena, waiting to leave for an away game. Julie (from the front office) and I were in a hurry to run an errand. I came bursting out of the front doors and running down the steps, then stepped on the wide-legged pants I had on that day and fell down the stairs. I caught myself before I hit the cement, but my graceful moment happened in front of the 25 players waiting to leave.

Steve: The fans would be surprised to know that...

Andrea: I'll be playing right wing for the Bucs in the 1998-99 season. OK, OK... I'm still learning how to skate - cross overs on corners are my current project.