Alvin Franklin | Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director | University of Houston - One Question Leadership Podcast

Jun 9, 2026

@1QLeadership Question: Can qualitative process metrics lead to increased revenue in a college athletics department? 

In this episode of 1Q, University of Houston Executive Senior Associate AD/Chief Revenue Officer, Alvin Franklin details how he applies coaching principles to his leadership style, dissects the department’s people-first hiring preference, and discusses how a process-focused revenue strategy has impacted the Cougars in the NIL and revenue-sharing era.

• Franklin discusses a “people-first” hiring framework that relies on an evaluation of candidates beyond an AI-driven resume screen. This framework prioritizes direct dialogue, contextual fit, and demonstrated authenticity.
  
  
• Franklin gives his philosophy on the revenue operations model which shows that a shift away from quantitative targets to qualitative process metrics have led to record ticketing, fundraising, sponsorship and concession results. 
  
  
• Franklin also outlines the “8 to 5 Club,” as a structured business-community advisory mechanism that informs fan experience design, donor cycles, and NIL activation strategies in a pro-sports market like Houston. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Steph Garcia-Cichosz - Tai M. Brown