Jake brings nearly two decades of strategic communications expertise to his role as Goff Public’s new Vice President, specializing in solutions-focused public relations campaigns and navigating complex communications issues. Prior to joining Goff Public, he supported national sports platforms like MLB’s Home Run Derby and led public relations at the University of Minnesota. An unyielding optimist, Jake offers trusted counsel grounded in real-world experience. Explore everything from his career origin story to his top TV recommendation in this month’s Q&A.
What led you to work in communications?
I grew up wanting to be a sports reporter or broadcaster. I was pursuing journalism at the University of Minnesota when an adviser suggested that thinking more broadly about my career path would present more job opportunities after graduation. I took that to heart, widened my lens and was fortunate enough to find a great public relations opportunity once I graduated that paired me with clients that wanted to get more communications value out of their sponsorships at major sporting events. It was a wonderful match between my education, skills and personal interests.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Whether it’s at work or in life, I’m a firm believer that the greatest phrase in the history of human language is “This, too, shall pass.” Whether things are going well or quite the opposite, nothing lasts forever. In a professional setting, it’s a reminder to enjoy the wins while staying focused and motivated even after a big success. It also means not losing precious time wallowing when we come up short because there are more successes ahead if we pick ourselves up and move forward with humility and a commitment to improve.
What has been one of the most memorable projects you’ve worked on?
I was in my mid-20s working at a charity golf event in upstate New York for a client when I had the chance to staff a remote interview with Tiger Woods and Notah Begay III on The Today Show. I was just getting started in my career and found myself working at a beautiful golf course, sitting in the clubhouse with a pair of professional golfers – one of whom was and remains one of the world’s most famous athletes – as they connected with one of the best-known news programs in history. I remember reveling in the moment at the time but now, years later, it’s even crazier than it seemed in the moment.
Before working at Goff, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
As I was looking for internships after graduating college, I worked a couple odd jobs, but the most distinct experience was proofreading motorcycle parts catalogs. I didn’t know the first thing about motorcycles, but it was a decent paying job that helped me keep my proofreading skills sharp, particularly because we weren’t just proofing the parts’ descriptions – we also proofed every SKU. I worked in an office with one other proofreader, who was approaching 70 at that time. We each had a desk but no technology, just paper files, red pens and my officemate’s old AM/FM radio. I’ll never forget what it was like to spend eight hours every weekday doing that work.
Which trivia category do you always crush it in?
The things that speak to my obsessions outside of work: geography, sports and current events.
What’s your best TV show recommendation?
If you didn’t catch its initial run in the mid-2000s, the first two seasons of “Arrested Development” may have been the pinnacle of TV comedy. I also love rewatching “Parks and Recreation.”
What are you most looking forward to this summer?
I love seeing new things and enjoying the weather in the parks and trails that make Minnesota such a great place to live. Coming in a close second: sneaking in as much golf as my family and employer will tolerate.