Cory Dirksen
About Cory Dirksen
Cory Dirksen serves as the Director of Corporate Partnerships at Barrett-Jackson Auction Company, where he has worked since 2014. He has a strong background in sports management and marketing, having previously held positions at Spurs Sports & Entertainment and other organizations.
Work at Barrett-Jackson Auction
Cory Dirksen has served as the Director of Corporate Partnerships at Barrett-Jackson Auction Company since 2014. In this role, he customizes marketing plans for partners, ensuring that their specific needs and desired outcomes are met. He coordinates visibility and experiential opportunities at Barrett-Jackson shows, which enhances brand awareness and fosters direct customer contacts for partners. Dirksen manages over $400,000 in new business annually while maintaining an 85% renewal rate, demonstrating his effectiveness in corporate partnership management.
Previous Experience in Sports Management
Before joining Barrett-Jackson, Cory Dirksen held various positions in sports management. He worked as an Account Executive at Spurs Sports & Entertainment from 2011 to 2013, where he contributed to sales initiatives. Prior to that, he served as General Manager for the Windy City ThunderBolts from 2004 to 2005 and for the Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings from 2005 to 2011. His experience in these roles provided him with a strong foundation in managing sports organizations and developing corporate partnerships.
Education and Expertise
Cory Dirksen holds a Master of Arts in Sports Management from Western Illinois University, which he completed from 2000 to 2002. He also earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Political Science, and Physical Education from Eureka College between 1993 and 1997. His educational background equips him with a comprehensive understanding of sports management and business principles, which he applies in his current role at Barrett-Jackson.
Achievements in Sales and Marketing
Dirksen has received recognition for his sales performance, achieving the inaugural Sales Person of the Year award for three consecutive years: 2017-18, 2018-19, and 2019-20. His success in sales is complemented by his ability to develop new corporate hospitality options for local businesses at Barrett-Jackson events, showcasing his skills in marketing and client relations.