Tim Gelt: Changing Industries but Not Ambitions

DENVER, CO- Tim Gelt, a native of Denver, Colorado entered the 2017-2018 NBA season as Director of Media Relations for his hometown team the Denver Nuggets. It was his 18th season with the team and ended up being his final. Gelt started with the Nuggets in the year 2000 as an intern where his strong passion led him to success. That passion most recently led him away from the hardwood and into the thick of the music scene, a tough decision in which Gelt felt compelled to make.

His NBA path started at a young age to which he channeled his fandom of the Nuggets into a career. “Growing up I knew I wasn’t going to be an NBA player, but I was given a gift of personality and that really allowed me to be a part of the game,” said Gelt. “When I was 16 and found out there were jobs that weren’t coaching or playing, I knew I was determined that I was going to work for the Denver Nuggets.

Gelt started his NBA career with the Sacramento Kings in 1999 getting his first taste of the league as a summer intern. This led to his very successful career with the Nuggets where he developed and continued his passion for the city of Denver, the Nuggets organization and its players, coaches and staff. Gelt worked during the Nuggets best stretch in franchise history. During this stretch (03-04 to 12-13) the Nuggets made it to 10 straight playoff appearances most notably under head coach George Karl, who was the NBA’s coach of the year during the 2012-2013 season.

“To have an impact on these types of people and have the role I did in this industry is awesome to think about,” said Gelt. "I would run through a wall for my players. Even now, being away from it if any of those guys ever need anything they know I have their backs."

Becoming the Director of Media Relations for an NBA team doesn’t just happen without the proper work ethic, skill set and passion needed to be successful in the industry. It is important to stay focused to achieve goals. “You have to be passionate about what you are doing in anything because passion drives success,” said Gelt.

Over the years, Gelt had developed another passion for music and it has really meant something to his life. “I’ve always loved hip-hop and R&B music through the years and my role with the Nuggets has allowed me to have some relationships with some pretty notable artists,” stated Gelt.

One of those music artists just so happens to be Grammy nominated R&B singer Jhené Aiko who recently released her album Trip in September of 2017. Trip reached as high as 17th on Billboards top album sales in 2017.

Gelt’s relationship with Aiko derived in a very unique way through the platform of Twitter and has truly had an impact on his life. In 2014, Gelt was dealing with a tough breakup and turned to Aiko’s music, where he felt a direct connection to the message. “Her voice was so soothing and her words were so positive as well as very uplifting,” said Gelt. “We all have our music or artists that we feel is speaking to us directly and every song seemed to reach me.”

On April 1st, 2014, Gelt was listening to Aiko’s “The Worst” while driving home in Denver. He felt so compelled to share her music with others based on the impact it was having on him that he pulled over his car and took to twitter.

His post read: “There isn’t an artist with more energy, spirit & style than Jhené Aiko. If she has a bad song, I haven’t found it.”

He set his phone down and got back on the road to head home. Within 10 to 15 minutes, he checked his phone and saw that Aiko started following him on twitter. The power of social media was in full effect. She thanked him for his support and was glad her music could help him through a tough time. By connecting on twitter, they began forming a relationship and friendship, speaking from time to time.

It was during this time that Gelt used his platform with the Denver Nuggets and would invite Aiko to games in Los Angeles and in return would give Gelt access into her concerts. A truly unique relationship formed and has translated into Gelt’s current passion in the music industry. He has changed industries professionally, but hasn’t chaged his ambitions.

“Being around Jhené as a friend really inspired me to the point where working in the music industry was really something I wanted to pursue,” said Gelt. “I have met so many great people through Jhene and her team and it has truly changed my life. I never anticipated stepping down from my position with the Nuggets during the season, but that’s just how it happened as I was inspired to chase my new passion.”

Gelt doesn’t take any of his opportunities for granted and is in hopes to have as successful of a career in the music industry as he did in the NBA.

“At 40 years old, I want to have 20 years in the NBA and over 25 years in the music business, and that would truly make my life fulfilling,” said Gelt.

The process of switching industries brings him back to the days when he was fresh out of college and excited to chase his NBA endeavors. Building relationships, getting experience and finding an opportunity.

“In a sense I am starting from scratch,” said Gelt. “Relationships have been 80% of my career and building those relationships is what helps get you to your goals.”

Gelt looks to continue to expand on his newest career endeavors and continue to share the music of Jhene Aiko as well as other artists. He hopes the message in the music helps inspire others as it inspired him.

By taking risks, chasing his passions and having an impact on others, Gelt feels he has lived life to the fullest thus far. “Doing the things that make you happy is what living is all about, even if that comes with a tough decision,” said Gelt.

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