Justin Hilliard

Product Manager
Columbus, Ohio, United States

Professional Overview

Justin Hilliard is an accomplished product management professional with a diverse background in the sports and technology industries. As a Product Manager at PrizePicks, he leverages his expertise in product development, strategic advising, and business development to drive innovation and growth. Hilliard also serves as a Strategic Advisor for RootNote and the Ohio Angel Collective, providing strategic guidance and consulting to support the success of these organizations.

Experience Summary

Current Role

Product Manager, PrizePicks (2024-09-01 to Present)

• Responsible for managing the full product lifecycle, including ideation, development, and launch of new features and functionalities

• Collaborates cross-functionally with engineering, design, and marketing teams to align product roadmaps with business objectives

• Analyzes user data and market trends to identify opportunities for product enhancements and improve the user experience

• Develops and implements effective product strategies to drive user engagement, revenue growth, and market competitiveness

Strategic Advisor, RootNote (2024-07-01 to Present)

• Provides strategic guidance and consulting to the leadership team at RootNote, a music technology startup

• Advises on product development, go-to-market strategies, and overall business growth initiatives

• Leverages industry expertise and network to identify new partnerships and revenue opportunities

Strategic Advisor, Ohio Angel Collective (2024-01-01 to Present)

• Serves as a strategic advisor to the Ohio Angel Collective, a network of angel investors and entrepreneurs

• Evaluates investment opportunities and provides strategic recommendations to the collective

• Mentors and supports early-stage startup founders in the Ohio region

Career Progression

Founder, OFFSZN Sports Academy (2022-06-01 to 2024-08-01)

• Launched and led a successful sports academy, providing training, mentorship, and career development opportunities for aspiring athletes

• Grew the academy to serve over 500 students and established partnerships with local schools and sports organizations

NFL Professional Football Athlete, National Football League (NFL) (2021-04-01 to 2024-06-01)

• Played professional football in the NFL, showcasing leadership, teamwork, and competitive drive

• Gained valuable experience in high-performance environments and developed strong communication and problem-solving skills

WWE Business Development Externship, WWE (2019-06-01 to 2019-07-01)

• Participated in a prestigious externship program at WWE, gaining exposure to the sports and entertainment industry

• Contributed to various business development initiatives, including market research and strategic planning

Marketing Intern, Covelli Enterprises (2018-05-01 to 2018-07-01)

• Gained practical experience in marketing and business operations during an internship at Covelli Enterprises

• Supported marketing campaigns, data analysis, and customer engagement activities

Academic Background

Hilliard holds a Master of Science (MS) degree in Consumer Sciences and a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Marketing from The Ohio State University, where he also served as the Football Team Captain.

Areas of Expertise

• Product management and development

• Strategic advisory and consulting

• Business development and growth strategy

• Sports and technology industry expertise

• Leadership and team management

• Data analysis and decision-making

Professional Impact

• Spearheaded the successful launch of multiple new product features at PrizePicks, leading to increased user engagement and revenue growth

• Provided strategic guidance that contributed to the expansion and funding of RootNote, a leading music technology startup

• Advised the Ohio Angel Collective on investment decisions, resulting in the successful funding of several promising early-stage companies in the region

• Founded and led OFFSZN Sports Academy, which became a renowned hub for athlete development and career advancement in the local community

Conclusion

With a diverse background spanning product management, strategic advising, and entrepreneurship, Justin Hilliard is a versatile and forward-thinking professional who is poised to make a significant impact in the sports and technology industries. His proven track record of driving innovation, fostering partnerships, and delivering measurable results positions him as a valuable asset to any organization seeking to capitalize on emerging market trends and opportunities.