Front Office

Don is joined in ownership by a partner with extensive experience leading one of the nation’s largest compliance‑driven contact‑center and receivables‑management organizations, supporting federal agencies and higher‑education institutions across the country. His background in regulated operations, federal‑level debt‑resolution services, and large‑scale workforce management brings a disciplined, nationally recognized operational foundation to the franchise.

The ownership group also includes a former professional athlete and California native, whose athletic experience and entrepreneurial background add a modern, competitive vision to the organization. Together, this leadership team blends league experience, federal‑level operational expertise, and professional sports insight to guide the team’s growth and long‑term success.

Colleagues describe Brand as a builder—someone who thrives in situations where organizations need structure, vision, and leadership. Throughout his career, he has been repeatedly called upon to launch new programs, revive struggling operations, develop leagues, and create opportunities for players, officials, and communities. His ability to connect hockey operations with business development has made him a respected figure throughout the industry.

Brand's impact extends well beyond the teams and leagues he has managed. During his leadership of USA Hockey's officiating development efforts, he helped create pathways for officials who would go on to work in the NHL, professional hockey, collegiate hockey, and junior leagues. His influence can still be found in rinks across North America through the officials, coaches, and administrators he has mentored. As a side note Brand came up with current icing rule that is used by higher level hockey leagues. He has served as Director of Officiating and Hockey Operations for leagues like the Southern Professional Hockey League, United States Hockey League and the North American Hockey League.

In the business world, Brand has earned a reputation for developing innovative partnerships, increasing attendance, strengthening community relationships, and finding creative solutions to challenges facing sports organizations. Whether working with ownership groups, sponsors, municipalities, or fans, he brings a practical approach shaped by decades of hands-on experience.

Today, as President and General Manager of Stockton Pro Hockey, Brand is once again leading the effort to establish a successful franchise while helping return professional hockey to a passionate fan base. Those who have worked alongside him often point to his persistence, industry knowledge, and commitment to growing the game as the qualities that define his career.

For Brand, success has never been measured solely by wins and losses, but by leaving organizations stronger than he found them and creating opportunities for others to succeed.

Richard Albrecht Rodriguez serves as the Director of Season Memberships and Group Sales for the Stockton Thunder. In his role, Richard helps lead the organization’s efforts to connect fans, families, businesses, and community groups with the next chapter of Thunder hockey in Stockton.

Through season memberships, group outings, and community-focused ticket opportunities, Richard plays an important role in creating memorable experiences for fans while helping grow the Thunder’s presence throughout the Stockton community.

Richard Albrecht Rodriguez se desempeña como Director de Abonos y Venta de Grupos del Stockton Thunder. En su cargo, Richard ayuda a liderar los esfuerzos de la organización para conectar a los fanáticos, familias, negocios y grupos comunitarios con la nueva era del hockey Thunder en Stockton.

A través de abonos de temporada, salidas en grupo y oportunidades de boletos enfocadas en la comunidad, Richard cumple un papel importante en la creación de experiencias memorables para los fanáticos mientras ayuda a fortalecer la presencia del Thunder en la comunidad de Stockton.

Abby Eisler serves as the Director of Social Media, Community Relations & Youth Hockey Development. As a recent graduate of Lubbock Christian University with a B.A. in Mass Media, she is passionate about growing the game of hockey in Stockton and creating opportunities for the next generation of players and fans. Abby oversees the team’s digital presence, community outreach efforts, and youth hockey initiatives. 

As a Stockton native, she has deep roots in both the Stockton and hockey communities. Having grown up in Stockton her entire life, she has developed strong connections throughout the region and a firsthand understanding of the impact local sports can have on a community. In this role, she is responsible for connecting fans with the game through engaging content, building relationships throughout the community, and creating opportunities to grow hockey participation among young athletes. She looks forward to meeting everyone in the community. Go Thunder!