the field, leading him to major in advertising art. When he took a printmaking course from Don Scaggs, the professor encouraged the class to be open to feedback and said that the ideas of the team could make the final product better. “It can be difficult for a 19- or 20-yearold to put their heart and soul into a piece of work, then place it on the wall for all to see and for all to critique,” Burkhart says. “Professor Scaggs helped me gain the courage to do so. This has helped me to be a more collaborative leader throughout my career.” Burkhart went on to earn his M.B.A. at Tulane University and worked in a variety of positions at an electrical utility firm in New Orleans. He then moved to Capital One and Fossil before accepting his position with the Cowboys four years ago. “I always wanted to be a Dallas Cowboy and didn’t know this was how it was going to happen,” Burkhart quips. The merchandising process begins with sourcing what items are needed, such as the cut and fit. The team reviews historic data to determine the percent of sales by
category, y, graphic aterials style, materials err facto t rs. and other factors. inf nformed f They keep informed reakingg trends about breaking on, and d theyy use in fashion, roups and d immerse focus groups ves in environments themselves such as tailgatingg events and in-gamee experiences to seee what nt.. Then thee graphicc design fans want. oduces samples, which the team produces ys takee to retaill partners to Cowboys nee whatt fans in thee market determine y. will buy. The design teams aree already workingg on products forr 2018.. This d energetic season’s 13-3 recordd and rookies Elliottt and d quarterbackk Dak Prescottt madee itt a busyy year. hee Cowboys’ Cowboys’’ merchandisee is But the always in n demand, even in tougher seasons.. “We’re re reallyy fortunate tee ttoo have a brand d as strongg aass oours,” ur urs,” ur rtt says. Burkhart
Tim Burkhart (’87)
“In this advanced technological world, we are looking for experiences. We’re not satisfied with just a good product. We want a product that helps tell who we are.”
— Francisco Guzmán, associate professor of marketing and logistics at UNT
Spring 2017
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