360 Principal Nate Appleman Recognized as One of Sports Business’ 40 Under 40

Each year a committee of SportsBusiness Daily/Global/Journal editors and writers identify and honor the most promising young executives in sports business under the age of 40. The 2014 class includes 360 Architecture principal, Nate Appleman, who is being recognized for his commitment and contributions to the world of collegiate athletics.

For more than 17 years, Appleman has specialized in the design of stadiums, arenas, practice facilities and athletics master plans for collegiate clients across the country. The result is more than $530 million of built work and experience that spans the Big Ten, SEC, ACC, Pac 12, Big 12, Big East, Sun Belt, Mountain West, Conference USA, Missouri Valley, and MAC Conferences. His leadership has continually resulted in facilities that position programs within a conference, add value and revenue for the university, and enable the school to recruit and retain top talent.

After 14 years with sports architecture firm, Populous, Appleman joined 360 Architecture in 2011, becoming the first principal at the firm recruited from an outside organization. Tom Waggoner, senior principal with 360 Architecture said he brought Appleman on because of his exceptional level of expertise and because his passion for college sports produces a unique perspective about how to pursue a project, win a project and build a project. "Throughout his career, Nate has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to his clients, immersing himself in the culture of each University," said Waggoner. "His continued success is a reflection of his ability to repeatedly deliver projects that generate revenue, respect the traditions of the campus and make his client’s vision a reality."

Appleman's relationship-driven strategy has resulted in tripling the firm's number of repeat clients and continued praise from administrators, athletic directors and coaches. "He listens and that makes him different," said Brad Hurlbut, athletic administrator with Holy Cross, who worked with Appleman on Northwestern's Athletics Master Plan. "He understood our needs and connected with everyone from the central administration to the athletic directors and to the coaches and support staff. He is truly deserving of being named among the '40 Under 40.'"

Current notable projects that Appleman is leading for 360 Architecture include Notre Dame's new Campus Crossroads project, Mississippi State's Davis Wade Stadium Expansion, Northwestern University's new Lakefront Athletics Complex, and University of Louisiana Lafayette's stadium expansion.

The "40 under 40" awardees were recognized on March 20, 2014 at a gala event following the IMG World Congress of Sports in Dana Point, Calif. A full list of awardees is available on Sports Business Daily's website.