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HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | APRIL 20, 2026 19 FOCUS | CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN SLAM President Kevin Herrick in the architecture, engineering and construction firm's Glastonbury headquarters. HBJ Photo | Michael Puffer Market Momentum New SLAM President Herrick leans into growth as college sports spending reshapes design demand part of a broader strategy to expand revenue beyond ticket sales and improve the overall fan experience. Herrick said investment in athletic facilities is accelerating faster than at any other point in his career. "Even smaller schools are investing in their athletic facilities more than I have ever seen," Herrick said. "They are all contributing at the levels they can afford." Sports facility design now accounts for about 10% of SLAM's revenue, or roughly $11 million in 2025, up from about $3 million in 2021, Herrick said. The work ranges from smaller upgrades to large-scale redevelop- ments. SLAM is also lead designer on the $337 million renovation of Neyland Stadium at the University of Tennessee, where high-end Founders Suites along the 50-yard line are being marketed for about $10 million each. "This is moving the market right now," Herrick said. "Our revenue in sports has increased fourfold in the last six years, and we continue to see that trajectory going forward." Overall, SLAM's revenue reached By Michael Puffer mpuffer@hartfordbusiness.com A s SLAM Collaborative marks its 50th year, newly appointed President Kevin Herrick is stepping into an expanded leadership role as the Glastonbury-based archi- tecture, engineering and construction firm continues to grow — driven in part by rapidly changing economics in college athletics. Herrick officially became president March 1 as part of a broader leader- ship transition that began in 2024, when Terri Finucane stepped down as board chair. In 2025, Greg Coles, then SLAM's president, took on the additional role of board chair, holding both positions until Herrick — a longtime senior leader — was elevated to president. Herrick said the firm does not plan a major strategic overhaul, but he is taking the helm as one of its fast- est-growing segments — collegiate athletics — undergoes rapid change as universities take on new costs tied to directly compensating athletes. Herrick said schools are increasingly operating like "miniature professional sports groups," with expanded roles focused on compensation, recruiting and revenue generation. Rising costs are pushing athletic programs to develop new revenue streams, particularly through premium fan experiences. At the University of Connecticut, for example, Athletic Director David Benedict said last June that the school plans to share about $18 million with athletes under new revenue-sharing models. That financial pressure is helping drive projects like the $99.4 million renovation of Gampel Pavilion in Storrs, where SLAM is the lead designer, Herrick said. The firm is designing three tiers of premium club spaces featuring upgraded food, beverage and lounge amenities aimed at corporate clients, donors and other high-end buyers — AT A GLANCE: The S/L/A/M Collaborative Industry: Architecture, Engineering & Construction Top Executives: Kevin Herrick, President; Greg Cole, chairman HQ: 80 Glastonbury Drive, Glastonbury Employees: 275 Revenue: $110M (2025) Website: slamcoll.com Contact: 860-657-8077 Fun Fact: Herrick recently designed and built himself a "net-zero" house overlooking a lake in East Hampton. Continued on next page