SportsEvents Magazine | Up Close & Personal

Up Close & Personal

Click here to read July's special feature, "Innovators & Influencers," that spotlights 25 individuals who are influencing sports today and building lasting legacies.

In researching the “Innovators & Influencers” spotlight, we asked some serious and not-so-serious questions of the individuals profiled in order to gain additional insight into what has motivated their success throughout the years. Here is a sampling of their responses.

What is your greatest achievement professionally?

Negotiating a 32-year deal to bring AAU events to Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex—Bobby Dodd

Surviving financial losses totaling $1.35 million in the company’s first and sixth years, but still satisfying all debt, retaining staff and customers during that time—David King

Receiving updates from more than 500 alumni of The George Washington University who are now working in the sports, event and tourism industries—Lisa Neirotti

Our recent agreement with U.S. Bowling Congress to bring 13 men’s and women’s Open Championships to the area from 2011 through 2029—John Saboor

What is your greatest disappointment professionally?

The closing of our slowpitch softball division—David King

Not hosting the NCAA Women’s Final Four—Jon Schmieder

USA Baseball’s national team not qualifying for the 2004 Olympics—Paul Seiler

Why do you enjoy working in the sport industry?

For the chance it provides to truly change someone’s life after suffering a debilitating disease or injury.—Kirk Bauer

I admire amateur athletes because they want to the best because they love their sport, not for fame or money.—Joey Cheek

For USA Baseball’s ability to appeal to my patriotic and competitive side every day—Paul Seiler

Whom do you admire most?

Troy Vincent, former NFL Player’s Association president—Jon Butler

John Wooden, former UCLA basketball coach—Tom Jernstedt

Volunteer coaches and officials—Lisa Neirotti

Vince McMahon, WWE chairman—John Saboor

What advice would you give to others in the industry?

Pay attention to details, boil down large topics into small components and execute action plans accordingly.—Bobby Dodd

We will lose our fan and participant base and have to pay astronomical costs for chronic diseases that are the result of sedentary lifestyles if we don’t focus on getting every boy and girl involved in sports.—Donna Lopiano

Don’t focus on making money; focus on making a difference.—Steven Stenersen

If you had to choose another profession, what would it be?

Rehabbing old houses—Kirk Bauer

Fighter pilot or musician—Joey Cheek

MLB announcer—Jack Kelly

Public service—Doug Berman