How the Portland Trail Blazers Use Data Visualization to Drive Business Decisions

Vincent Ircandia joined the Trail Blazers and Rose Quarter in January 2013. As Vice President of Business Analytics, IT, and Ticket Operations, Ircandia works cross-functionally to enhance data-based decision making across the organization and ultimately affect bottom-line growth. Key areas of focus include ticket operations, organizational and departmental reporting, CRM/consumer insights, business opportunity analysis, organizational strategy and innovation, ROI analysis, email marketing, and pricing and yield analysis. Prior to the Trail Blazers, Ircandia was Director of Business Operations and Analytics for AEG Sports, where he worked with department heads to identify and evaluate revenue enhancement opportunities and increase margins. In this same role, Ircandia provided AEG Sports member properties, including the LA Kings and LA Galaxy, with the analytical support necessary to create a culture reliant on data-based decision making. Prior to joining AEG, Ircandia earned his MBA at USC's Marshall School of Business. His previous work experience includes equity research, corporate finance, and venture capital roles with two industry leading investment firms. Ircandia was raised in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Mike Schumacher joined the Trail Blazers organization in October of 2012 as a Database Analyst. His primary role is to provide data-based solutions that support the goals of the organization. This includes architecting the underlying data systems, providing critical data-based analysis, and creating data visualizations that support and reinforce the impact of the potential business decisions to be made. Prior to joining the Blazers, Mike spent 8 years as an application developer for Leupold & Stevens and 4 years as the data warehouse team lead at the Salem-Keizer School District. Mike holds a Bachelor Degree in Management Information Systems from Oregon State University and a Master Degree in Enterprise Software Architecture from Capella University.

Bill Bailey is a 20-year veteran in Sales, Marketing, and General Management at the executive level. With experience ranging from Consumer Goods to Food Service to Sports Management, Bill has experience and proven success in many diverse industries including companies like Ventura Foods and the New Orleans Hornets (SVP) prior to joining SSB Consulting.

Bill is a charismatic, collaborative leader wrapped around a highly analytical core. He understands the power of data in driving a business forward. Bill has the ability to telescope quickly from 50,000 feet to a spreadsheet full of data.

Bill began his career in the bottled water industry and successfully sold out the company’s capacity. He then moved to Ventura Foods, a $2B Food Service Manufacturer, where he led a team that drove sales forward by using the principles of bundling, logistics, and activity-based costing.

Bill began with the New Orleans Hornets in 2007, leading the sales efforts as the team returned to the city in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. In their second season back, Bill and his sales team broke the NBA record for most new season tickets sold (6,000 - $25,000,000).

When the team was sold to the NBA in 2010, the search began for a long-term “local” owner. As part of this process, Bill orchestrated a massive campaign to double the customer base and ensure that professional basketball was able to remain in New Orleans. Part of this campaign was hosting 100 events in 100 nights utilizing a grass roots approach to get the message out. This project and others ignited his passion for accomplishing what others say is impossible.

Bill now leads the Sports and Entertainment division for SSB Consulting Group.