As a longtime fitness enthusiast, Jaclyn Sklaver knew she’d found the perfect gig when she received an email query from SportSetter, a startup fitness company. “I live the brand, which makes my job second nature,” she says. “I help businesses grow while helping people get connected with fitness.”
SportSetter assists people on the lookout for something “new” to discover unexpected sports, health and wellness services, then seamlessly connects the two. Jaclyn develops and maintains those business partnerships and works on PR and community relations — indeed, the perfect work for this active-minded woman.
Your strength is unique; you’re the rock that must remain strong in order for everything else to fall into place.
What responsibilities do you have in your role?
I develop and maintain partnerships with fitness facilities and service providers in our network. I also manage all strategic partnerships with like-minded companies and develop relationships with media outlets for PR and community relations.
What is it about your job that makes you feel it’s the right fit for you?
Fitness has been a passion of mine for the past 20 years. I live the brand, which makes my job second nature. I help businesses grow while helping people get connected with fitness. I’m also into nutrition, which helps me understand both our partners needs and our consumers wants.
What challenges keep you awake at night?
Wondering how I’m going to get the word out about our product to so many people keeps me awake at night. Working with an innovative product, I have to pave the path and sell a brand new concept to people. I’m always thinking “outside the box” and figuring out creative ways to pitch a foreign concept to people.
Is work-life balance ever a problem with you? If so, what is one no-fail tactic you use to create balance?
I’m very lucky. My work-life balance is perfect. I work for a company that encourages my passion — I get to take fitness classes, visit new gyms and attend VIP events as a part of my job. My company also understands the importance of a healthy work-life balance. We don’t have to work overtime or endure crazy NYC startup hours. I often work beyond what is expected of me, because I want to, so it has never been a problem.
Was there ever a moment in your career where you’ve thought, “I made it!” What was it?
I think about this feeling every day; usually after a particularly successful day when my company’s reached a milestone not only for us, but for the fitness industry as a whole. I’ll look around the NYC metro train full of other busy professionals heading home from work and think, “Wow, I’m part of something that’s going to change the industry as we know it. I’m in the best city in the world working for an amazing international company with extreme talent. This is my life!”
What are some of the rules you live by?
Karma, honesty and sharing the wealth. I love to give and I believe success breeds success.
What qualities does it take for someone to be successful in your line of work?
Passion, dedication, inner-drive, a strong belief in your product, ability to adapt to change and the ability to move forward, regardless of any obstacles that pop up along the way are key.
What one piece of advice do you wish you could tell a 21-year-old version of yourself?
Don’t stray away from yourself to help others. Your strength is unique; you’re the rock that must remain strong in order for everything else to fall into place.