ISG Welcomes Division I Collegiate Hockey Coach into Firm

Firm Focuses Growth on Sports and Recreation with Addition of Minnesota State University, Mankato Men’s Hockey Coach Darren Blue

MANKATO, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ISG welcomes Darren Blue, from Minnesota State University, Mankato’s Men’s Hockey, as one of its newest employee-owners. Blue will be joining the firm as a Development Strategist with the Sports + Recreation business unit, bringing a variety of sports experience from high school, semi-professional, and collegiate levels. His years both on the ice and at the bench as a coach, in multiple sports arenas, give the firm a look into the needs and desires of spectators, athletes, and staff alike.

When asked where the desire to shift his career from coaching into the private sector emerged, Blue stated that, “Through my experience as a coach at various levels, I have had a behind- the-scenes look into the difference that a well-designed and finished facility can make in the day-to-day attitudes of all users including athletes, coaches, support staff, and spectators. During our renovations here, I was able to work hand-in-hand with the passionate and talented people of ISG and feel fortunate to be joining this group to aid in the process of getting the ball rolling for future athletic and recreation transformations.”

With over 30 years in hockey, Blue has experienced its perspectives from an athlete, coach, spectator, and administrator point of view. More recently, during his time in Division I men’s hockey, he found a desire to create a positive difference for each team through design. “As we continuously seek to understand our clients and their needs better, there isn’t a better way than to welcome a client to our team. We are thrilled to have Darren join the Sports + Rec team; his thoughtfulness, competitive spirit, and consideration for “better every day” are all fitting traits for our firm,” states Vice President Amanda Prosser, ISG's Sports + Recreation Business Unit Leader.

Blue will support firm-wide growth initiatives by working with sports and recreation clients across the Midwest, specifically on the development of facilities that help teams flourish and grow. With the same coaching mindset carried from his years of coaching, Blue states, “I am looking forward to helping other clients see what can be and help them understand how that vision and service will impact their program’s success.”

About ISG

ISG, a 100 percent ESOP firm, has a rich history, which extends over 48 years, of building trusting relationships with clients, stakeholders, and the community. As a full-service architecture, engineering, environmental, and planning firm with 350+ professionals in offices throughout Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and South Dakota, ISG provides exceptional services, strategies, and guidance to a wide range of markets nationwide. ISG was named among the 100 fastest growing firms, best places to work for, and market excellence leader in the United States by Zweig Group, recognized as a Top 500 Design Firm by Engineering News-Record (ENR) magazine, and has earned spots on numerous Top Workplace and project recognition lists. To learn more about ISG, visit ISGInc.com.