Kaun studied sports management and leadership at Viterbo and played for the men’s soccer team. His passion for sports runs deep, and after graduating in 2016, he applied to many positions in hopes of breaking into the sports industry.

Getting a job in professional sports proved to be a challenge, but Kaun landed a competitive internship with the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA). “We were traveling city to city setting up junior golf tournaments, so a brand-new city, every single week,” he said. Kaun loved traveling throughout the West Coast, making friends and connections, and adding experience to his resume.

At the end of his internship, he moved back to Wisconsin and took another shot at getting a job for a professional sports team. Kaun submitted many applications and soon received a call back from the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football League. Kaun credits his experience with the AJGA for helping him stand out.

The Falcons invited Kaun to an in-person interview in Atlanta with just three days’ notice. “I ended up making the decision that I was going to pack up my car and drive sixteen hours straight down just for an interview, just to have a chance to break into the industry,” he said. “That’s how bad I wanted it.” 

By the time Kaun had interviewed and was driving back to Wisconsin, he received an exciting call offering him a part-time sales position with the Falcons.

 “Luckily, I was able to prove that I had what it takes to succeed in this industry and then got promoted into a full-time role,” he said. Kaun continued his growth and progression and currently serves as inside sales manager.

Kaun is responsible for recruiting, interviewing, and training the Falcons’ seasonal sales class each year. He teaches them every detail of the sales process, from the initial steps of how to properly conduct a sales call to the most important aspect of closing a deal. The seasonal sales positions are geared towards recent college graduates, which is a perfect way for Kaun to give back to others hoping to get their start in the sports industry. He finds it gratifying to help young graduates who are in the same shoes he once was in.

Out of all his accomplishments, Kaun said what is most meaningful are the connections and friendships he has made along the way. “It’s through those different relationships I’ve been able to build that have opened up doors to attend some of the best, biggest sporting events in the world.”

Kaun works at every home Falcons game, but after the first quarter, he is finished with responsibilities and can enjoy the game. He has attended notable events including Super Bowl LIII in February 2019, Super Bowl LVI in February 2022, and the World Series in October 2021. He is also looking forward to events like the College Football National Championship that will be held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta in January 2025 and the FIFA World Cup in summer of 2026.

“Just being able to be in the building for such monumental events is super rewarding and satisfying,” he said. “Knowing that I am one of 70 thousand people in the world that get to be in this building, and there are hundreds of millions of people watching it at home… I somehow found a way to be in this place! Being able to be part of something so much bigger than yourself is extremely rewarding.”

Kaun said his time at Viterbo prepared him for his future and taught him the value of servant leadership. “I had some extremely good examples who were able to show me the best ways to go about being a servant leader,” he said. Kaun recalled several role models from campus including David Waters, professor emeritus, Tom Thibodeau, distinguished professor of servant leadership, Chad Gilbeck, men’s soccer team chaplain, and Todd Ondell, former business professor.

Kaun also emphasized the value of Viterbo’s tight-knit community. “My favorite thing about Viterbo was the fact that there were a lot smaller class sizes, so you were able to get that true, hands-on education,” he said. 

Playing on the men’s soccer team changed Kaun’s life for the better as well. “Those are some of the most lifelong friends that I’ve made. If I was never part of the men’s soccer team, I do not know where I would be today.”

With dedication, drive, and a heart for service, Kaun scored big with a career he loves.