Cole Rademacher

Internship Summary – Cole Rademacher

Internship Company: Cleveland Cavaliers
Position: Inside Sales Associate – The Foundation Program

Role Overview:
Cole began his career in professional sports with the Cleveland Cavaliers as part of their elite inside sales program, The Foundation. During his year with the Cavs, he learned the fundamentals of ticket sales, relationship-building, and client outreach while also gaining valuable personal and professional growth. His time in the program allowed him to better understand his strengths as a seller while developing discipline, resilience, and confidence in a fast-paced NBA environment.

Key Takeaways:
Cole's greatest lesson from this experience is that "you get out what you put into everything." He believes that the effort invested directly reflects in the results—and that mindset has guided his approach to every role since.

Current Path:
Originally from Greenville, Michigan, Cole graduated from Central Michigan University in December 2023. After a year with the Cavaliers, he decided to return home and saw an opportunity with the Grand Rapids Rise through a prior connection with their Director of Group Sales—established during the 2022 CMU Sport Management Association Conference. He has now spent nearly five months working with both the Grand Rapids Griffins and the Grand Rapids Rise, including helping operate the Red & White Game in Grand Rapids. Cole is excited for both seasons to kick off this fall and winter.