Thursday, June 12 marked BostInno’s second annual State of Innovation Forum. Over 800 young professionals and acclaimed entrepreneurs gathered to learn more about the innovation economy around Boston in areas of technology, education, politics, e-commerce and beyond.
Governor Deval Patrick and Mayor Marty Walsh were both in attendance and shared some words. Meanwhile, Julian Edelman was part of the sports panel and Larry Meyer spoke about the chain clothing store, Uniqlo, opening six locations in Boston. However, Jonathan Kraft of The Kraft Group was certainly the highlight of my day.
For those who may not know, The Kraft Group owns the New England Patriots, the New England Revolution and Gillette Stadium. Specifics aside, what you should know is that The Kraft Group deeply cares about Patriot fans and the customer experience at Gillette Stadium. They are responsible for wifi throughout the arena, as well as the creation of the Patriots app. In the upcoming year, Gillette Stadium will have three new additions defined as common areas for fans to “hang out” and enjoy. If people don’t want to sit in their seats the entirety of the game, they won’t have to. Instead, they will have the freedom to move around – giving more options to the customer.
Jonathan Kraft embodies the fact that The Kraft Group cares about its customers and their wants. The company chooses to focus on what their customers and sports fans want, rather than the cost. Even more impressive are the efforts The Kraft Group makes with the Heads Up Football campaign. Kraft spoke passionately about this movement at the forum and the efforts being made to teach coaches and young players the correct way to hit an opponent and prevent traumatic brain injuries.
As a major competitor in the world of business, the Kraft Group seems to connect with its customers and understand them – something every company should strive to do.
For more information on Heads Up Football visit http://usafootball.com/headsup
-Andie Missert, Team Mariellen
