Prodigy Search Presents

Episode seven of PRODIGY SEARCH PRESENTS features Abe Madkour, Publisher and Executive Editor with Sports Business Journal/Sports Business Daily.  Since launching the Sports Business Daily in 1994, Abe has become one of the most influential executives within the sports industry.  The SBJ/SBD franchise has grown beyond the two of must-read trade publications to producing numerous conferences in the business, including hosting two of the most prestigious events on the sports calendar each year – the Forty Under 40 Awards and the Sports Business Awards.  A true professional and one the kindest individuals – a big thank you Abe for your time and willingness to share. It was a pleasure having you!

Episode six of PRODIGY SEARCH PRESENTS features Leonard Bonacci, Regional Vice President, Stadiums & Arenas with ASM Global. Among his duties, Leonard oversees ASM's NFL stadium portfolio which primarily includes five stadiums, in addition to two NBA arenas. Given travel restrictions amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Leonard talks about the changes in his day-to-day management, now having to communicate with multiple General Managers across the country, virtually, instead of his preferred method of live, in-person meetings.  Leonard also shares his views on the recent merger of AEG Facilities and SMG in October 2019. Thank you Leonard for your time and willingness to share. It was a pleasure having you!

Episode five of PRODIGY SEARCH PRESENTS features Chris Hibbs, President of Legends Global Partnerships, the lead driver of strategy for the newly created division, which offers a comprehensive slate of partnership consulting services including naming rights and various entitlement positions, jersey sponsorships, premier events, sponsorships for properties and rights holders, and commercializing stadia projects. Chris speaks to the development and evolution of this division as well as his involvement as the General Manager and Chief Revenue Officer at Legends for SoFi Stadium and the L.A. Stadium and Entertainment District at Hollywood Park, where he will continue to oversee all of the key revenue channels including PSLs, Premium Seating & Sponsorship & Naming Rights as the project nears completion.  We are privileged to connect with Chris on his experiences with Legends, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges pertaining to opening SoFi Stadium this summer.  We thank Chris for sharing his valuable time.

Episode four of PRODIGY SEARCH PRESENTS features Kevin DeShazo, Founder of Fieldhouse Media. Best-selling author of Leadership Interrupted: daily inspiration to become the leader you were meant to be, and iAthlete: Impacting Student-Athletes of a Digital Generation, Kevin has presented on over 200 college campuses as well is a regular presenter at conferences and conventions, including NACDA, CoSIDA, the NCAA Convention and the Collegiate Athletics Leadership Symposium.  He is also Partner at Culture Wins, helping leaders in the sports industry build a championship culture with their team.  In this episode, Kevin shares insights on how COVID-19 is impacting organizational culture and shares strategies on how to adapt as a leader, not just in the current climate, but into the future. Thanks to Kevin for his time and willingness to share.

Episode three of PRODIGY SEARCH PRESENTS features Mike Nichols, Chief Business Officer of the LPGA's Symetra Tour who oversees the development of the Symetra Tour's strategic plan, budget, sales, marketing, owned events, corporate sponsorships and tournament partner relationships, while also identifying new tournament opportunities.  Mike shares insights on how COVID-19 impacts the Tour and speaks to their efforts on re-launching this season.  You'll also hear more about his extensive experience in golf and where he sees the industry moving in the future.  Thanks to Mike for his time and willingness to share.

Episode two of PRODIGY SEARCH PRESENTS features Peter Luukko, Chairman of Oak View Group Facilities who oversees all venue development and management for OVG, including the development of the new Arena at Seattle Center, Belmont Park and the new Moody Center project in Austin, TX.  A great conversation packed with insights on the COVID-19 impact on our industry and how facilities will need to adapt in order to keep a safe environment for fans. Thanks to Peter for his time and willingness to share.  Be on the lookout next week for Episode 3 of Prodigy Search Presents.

First episode of PRODIGY SEARCH PRESENTS features Frank Supovitz, President & Chief Experience Officer of Fast Traffic Events & Entertainment and former Senior Vice President, Events for the NFL.  Great conversation focused on both the COVID-19 impact on sporting events as well as his other high-level successes throughout his remarkable career.  A big thank you to Frank for his time and wonderful insights.

As one of the leading executive search firms in sports & entertainment, Prodigy Search  is excited to launch a virtual interview series that we have long planned for called Prodigy Search Presents. In the coming days, weeks, months and beyond we will be posting brief, informative, “casual interviews” led by Scott Carmichael and Mark Gress Jr. as they converse with industry leaders and thought-provoking executives to discuss a variety of relevant issues, challenges, and opportunities, with the current content, clearly focused on how their respective organizations are being adversely affected by the global pandemic, COVID-19.