Mike Rosen Blue Wolf Communications Office

 Media Contact:
Mike Rosen
Blue Wolf Communications
Office: 516-767-9653
Mobile: 516-647-1348
[email protected]
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Table of Contents
Introduction
3
Leadership
4
Board of Directors
18
Talent & Contributors
21
Programming
25
Corporate Headquarters with Digital Studio
26
TV/Video Production Studio
27
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Welcome to the Club
Back9Network, based in Hartford, Conn., is a new lifestyle television network and
media company. Back9Network is inviting everyone into the golf lifestyle, from
those who are already part of the game to those who aspire to live the golf
life…even if they rarely pick up a club.
Back9Network was developed as a complementary alternative to traditional
media’s focus on professional golf tournament coverage. Focused on
compelling storytelling, interesting personalities and characters, features and
fashions, interviews and instruction, travel, gear and so much more, fans of all
kinds will want to hang with the Back9Network.
The newly redesigned Back9Network.com — with an upgraded user experience
— is an ad-supported online clubhouse open to everyone. Featuring free
content with dynamic video storytelling, columns, coverage and commentary
from more than 30 contributors worldwide, and a modern, clean, user-friendly
design, the new Back9Network.com is optimized for viewing and browsing on
any device (smartphone, tablet or desktop).
Back9Network’s Corporate Headquarters and TV/Video Production Studio are a
central part of the rebirth of downtown Hartford. Back9Network joins ESPN, NBC
Sports and YES Network in Connecticut, which is quickly becoming the sports
media capital of the world.
The network’s leadership team, headed by James Bosworth, founder and CEO,
includes respected and outspoken executives from the golf and media
industries. Clint Eastwood serves as chairman of the Back9Network Creative
Committee.
Back9Network, Inc.
30 Lewis Street
Hartford, CT 06103
860-560-7671
For further information, visit www.Back9Network.com.
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Leadership
James L. “Jamie” Bosworth, Jr.
Founder & CEO
James L. “Jamie” Bosworth is considered one of the most dynamic, visionary
and effective golf industry leaders of the last two decades. As Chief Executive
Officer of the Back9Network, he brings a truly unique insight into golf industry
media execution and its impact on its most highly coveted demographic, the
golf lifestyle consumer.
Realizing that both advertisers and the golfing public were being underserved
by current broadcast alternatives, Mr. Bosworth envisioned a global, multiplatform network that would transcend the professional tours and focus on the
golf lifestyle, appealing to passionate player and casual fan alike. In 2010, he
assembled an elite team of broadcast, web and golf industry experts to launch
the Back9Network via a $45M private equity offering.
Prior to starting Back9, Mr. Bosworth served as Executive Vice President of Sales,
Marketing, and Product Development for Callaway Golf, following the
company’s largest-ever acquisition of the Ben Hogan and Top-Flite brands.
Under his leadership, the company introduced a global series of highly
successful new products, created innovative umbrella advertising strategies for
both brands (across multiple media platforms, TV, print, and web), and instituted
a complete restructuring of the marketing and sales departments. As a result,
Ben Hogan sales increased from $12M to $60M globally, while reducing overall
brand losses to a near breakeven point in the first full fiscal year.
Mr. Bosworth began his golf career as the youngest assistant professional ever at
the famed Pebble Beach Golf Links, where he was also a founding staff member
of the Pebble Beach Golf Academy. A short time later, he joined Odyssey Golf
as a Sales Representative where he was promoted to the position of National
Sales Manager just two years later. Mr. Bosworth delivered record sales and
market share, leading to the brand’s acquisition by Callaway Golf. During his
tenure at Odyssey, he was instrumental in the massively successful roll out of
White Hot Putters and the 2-Ball Putter franchise (the most successful putter
launch in the history of the golf equipment industry).
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Mr. Bosworth was recruited away from Callaway Golf/Odyssey by Cleveland
Golf to help manage their expansion into the wood and putter markets. While
there, he worked to help launch several highly successful wood product lines
that contributed to Cleveland Golf doubling its sales within 18 months.
Most recently, Mr. Bosworth founded the Bosworth Sports Group (formerly Blake
and Bosworth) where as CEO, he capitalized on his expertise in sales, marketing,
branding, product development, club design, distribution, and manufacturing
to provide highly sought after consultative services. The player/agent
representative services division was sold after becoming the fastest growing
player representative group in the industry (representing PGA Tour professionals
including Steve Marino, Ricky Barnes and Jeff Quinney).
Additionally, he spearheaded the business development division of the
company and initiated highly lucrative deals with companies as diverse as
Waste Management, Ginn Resorts, Marsh & McLennan and Fred Couples.
Outside of the golf space, Mr. Bosworth represented professional athletes such
as Liz Hatch (Cyclist) and Javier Colon (Recording Artist), where he provided
career advisory services and developed unique marketing partnerships (Hatch –
Maxim Magazine; Colon – IMI Luxury Real Estate). Javier Colon was featured in
April 2011 on the new and highly promoted NBC reality TV program, “The
Voice.”
Mr. Bosworth is a proud graduate of Seton Hall University where he was awarded
the first ever, full golf scholarship in program history, was named Big East
Freshman of the year, and led the Pirates to a Big East Golf Championship.
Jamie currently serves on a board of the PGA Merchandise Show, is interviewed
frequently by Golfweek, Golf Digest, Golf World and The Hollywood Reporter. He
has also repeatedly appeared on the Golf Channel, NBC and Fox Television as
an industry expert.
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Clint Eastwood
Creative Board Chairman
An international icon in cinema, Clint Eastwood’s career began in the mid
1950′s, working as an actor in the TV series “Rawhide.”
1971 proved to be a turning point in Eastwood’s career and one of his best years
in film, if not the best. He starred in three high-caliber films, starting with “The
Beguiled.” Mr. Eastwood then directed his first movie, “Play Misty for Me.” That
same year, he played the hard edge police inspector in “Dirty Harry,” which
invented the loose-cannon cop genre that has been imitated even to this day,
and made him a superstar.
Mr. Eastwood continued his film career with a constant stream of successful
movies. His western, “Unforgiven,” garnered Mr. Eastwood his first Oscar
nomination as Best Actor, and wins for Best Director and producer of the Best
Picture. “In the Line of Fire,” and “The Bridges of Madison County” were both hits
at the box office and hailed as some of his best performances.
In what is arguably the finest film of his career, Mr. Eastwood directed and
starred opposite Hilary Swank in “Million Dollar Baby.” A critical and commercial
triumph, the movie won the Academy Award for Best Picture, as well as his
second nomination for Best Actor and win for Best Director.
After starring in iconic movies for four decades, Mr. Eastwood has proved himself
to be not only the longest running movie star, but also a consummate
Hollywood legend. His career as a director continues to thrive.
Mr. Eastwood’s life and career as well as his love of golf inspired his world-class
golf resort in Carmel, California called Tehama.
In 1999, he led the investor group that purchased the Pebble Beach Company.
He also serves as chairman of the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, which hosts
the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, one of the most internationally
recognized stops on the PGA tour.
Mr. Eastwood has brought his television and film industry experience as well as
his love of the golf game to Back9Network, where he currently serves as creative
director, driving Back9′s mission through casting, content and programming.
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Reid Gorman
President
Reid Gorman is a 20-year veteran of the golf industry specializing in sales and
operations for leading consumer brands.
Mr. Gorman was President of the MacGregor Golf Company from 2005-2008. He
honed his leadership skills in sales and business development as National Sales
Manager for the Callaway Golf Ball Company, Sales Operations Manager and
Strategic Sales Manager for the Callaway Golf Company and Senior Director of
Sales, Top-Flite & Ben Hogan brands.
At Callaway Golf and at the age of 29, Reid was hand picked by company
founder, Ely Callaway, to launch the Callaway Golf Ball brand into the highly
competitive golf ball category as National Sales Manager. Shortly thereafter, he
pioneered the development and management of the Strategic Sales function
at Callaway Golf, well in advance of retail consolidation trends.
A certified Birkman Method® Consultant, Mr. Gorman founded 2James
Consulting, a full-service business management-consulting firm, where he
leveraged his diverse experiences in all aspects of commerce and business
operations, ranging from retail sales, retail management, customer service, field
sales, sales operations, sales management and other senior management
experiences to deliver growth and increased profitability to his clients.
Reid is a graduate of Central Connecticut State University.
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Carlos Silva
Chief Operating Officer (EIR)
Having managed the meteoric growth of some of the world’s largest
multimedia empires and niche sports cable networks, Carlos Silva brings his
expertise to the Back9Network as the company’s acting Chief Operating
Officer.
In early 2006, Mr. Silva was appointed President and COO of Universal Sports
(then called the World Champion Sports Network), the leading content
aggregator and distributor of world championship, Olympic-style sports in the
U.S. After executing syndication agreements with Fox Sports, Yahoo Sports, and
AOL Sports to grow awareness of the company’s content, he helped to raise $35
million and create a partnership with NBC to launch the sports cable TV network
in 10 million homes. The network’s audience had increased to 65 million homes
by 2011.
Prior to Universal Sports, Mr. Silva ran some of the largest web destinations in the
world: AOL News, AOL Sports and AOL Money. He also serves as a Partner and
Entrepreneur In Residence at Park Lane, a sports-advisory investment bank.
As an accomplished strategist, Mr. Silva is highly skilled in business development,
general management, operations, content licensing, product design and
recruiting.
He is an accomplished tri-athlete and Ironman competitor and also won four
BIG EAST Team Championships in Tennis.
Carlos holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Boston College, earning his
Masters degree from George Washington University.
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Paul Pendergast
Chief Relationship Officer
Known as one of the most savvy and successful development executives in the
country, Paul Pendergast joined Back9Network from the University of
Connecticut (UConn), where he most recently served as Director of Institutional
Advancement.
Mr. Pendergast also served as Interim Athletic Director at UConn, President of
the Saint Francis Foundation and Senior Vice President of Development for Saint
Francis Hospital in Hartford, CT. Before leading Saint Francis,
Mr. Pendergast served as the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Development
at the UConn. During this time, Mr. Pendergast was responsible for growing the
division’s donor base during the University’s meteoric rise to national
prominence.
From 1968 until his retirement in 1998, prior to joining UConn, Mr. Pendergast held
various managerial and executive level sales and marketing positions with the
IBM Corporation and its affiliates, both domestically and abroad.
A 1968 graduate of Grove City (PA) College, Mr. Pendergast is active with many
community non-profit boards and committees in the Greater Hartford area,
including the Hartford Symphony Orchestra; The Mark Twain Museum; Middlesex
County Chamber of Commerce; Ray of Hope Foundation (founded by the
Miami Heat’s Ray Allen); Northwest Catholic High School; Mandell Jewish
Community Center; and the Travelers Championship.
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Charles Cox
Chief Financial Officer
Charles Cox joined Back9Network from ESPN, Inc., where he was the Director,
International Finance – Business Development in its Bristol, Connecticut
headquarters, working on mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures,
channel/product launches, and other corporate projects for ESPN’s
international businesses.
In conjunction with upper management at ESPN and its parent company, The
Walt Disney Company, he helped sell Asia’s top sports pay television asset, ESPN
Star Sports, to News Corp. In addition, he led ESPN’s acquisition of Footytips,
Australia’s top sports fantasy-tipping website, as well as helped launch ESPN’s
third Spanish-speaking pay television network, ESPN 3 (Tres), in Latin America.
Prior to ESPN, Mr. Cox worked as an investment banker at Fidus Partners in
Charlotte, North Carolina, providing merger & acquisition advisory and related
services to middle-market private equity firms, corporations, and private business
owners. He also worked in the media and communications investment banking
group of Wachovia Securities, advising corporate clients on mergers &
acquisitions and debt offerings.
Before entering investment banking, Mr. Cox was a corporate attorney in New
York City at Proskauer, the country’s top sports and entertainment law firm,
serving clients like the National Basketball Association. He started his career in
Washington, D.C. at the prominent law firm, Williams & Connolly, primarily
supporting the firm’s sports law practice with the recruiting, marketing, and free
agent analysis of its professional athlete clients.
Mr. Cox earned MBA and JD degrees from the University of Virginia, and
received a BA in economics and political science from the University of North
Carolina at Chapel Hill.
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Robert Abbott
Executive Vice President, Production & Content Development
Robert Abbott joined Back9Network after an award-winning career with leading
media companies, including ESPN, Inc. and CNN. In his most recent ESPN role as
Senior Coordinating Producer of Content Development, Mr. Abbott, who joined
ESPN in 2001, oversaw the development of new shows, special projects and
provided editorial direction for ESPN Films. Mr. Abbott was co-creator of E:60,
the network's first multi-themed, prime-time newsmagazine series. He oversaw
overall production, including staffing, editorial content, budgeting and story
ideas for the Emmy Award-winning show.
Mr. Abbott previously served as a coordinating producer for ESPN Classic from
2004 to 2007, where he created, launched and was responsible for the
production of 59 episodes of one of the network's signature series - Top 5
Reasons You Can't Blame. From February 2003 to September 2004, he was the
coordinating producer and launched “Who's #1?”, “The Headlines” and ESPN’s
Silver Anniversary special programming.
From 2001 to 2003, he produced ESPN Classic's critically-acclaimed
SportsCentury series, profiling sports personalities such as Baltimore Raven Ray
Lewis, legendary NFL coach Bill Parcells, professional women's tennis players, The
Williams Sisters, and Jerry Jones' Cowboys.
Prior to joining ESPN, Mr. Abbott was a producer for CNN (1987 - 2001). At CNN,
he served as the network's Olympic producer for 10 years, spanning five
Olympic games. He also worked as a producer for CNN Sports, news shows,
and as an investigative producer. Mr. Abbott’s investigative work on Bob
Knight's controversial coaching tactics eventually led to the firing of the
legendary coach by Indiana University after 29 years at the school.
Mr. Abbott has been honored for his work, receiving five Sports Emmy Awards in
four categories including Journalism, Long Feature, Best New Approaches and
Anthology Series. He also won a News and Documentary Emmy Award for
CNN's Breaking News Coverage of The Olympic Park Bombing in 1996. His 1999
Bob Knight investigation garnered a National Headliner Award for Sports
Reporting.
A native of Miami, FL, Mr. Abbott is a 1986 graduate of Florida State University
with a Bachelor of Science degree in communications.
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Matt Singerman
Executive Vice President, Programming
Matt Singerman joined Back9Network from Reelz Channel, where he was senior
vice president of programming in charge of the network’s entire lineup,
including in-house programming, acquisitions, and outside development &
production for both reality & scripted shows.
Among the programming he influenced at Reelz was The Kennedys, a miniseries acquired from History Channel, which achieved the highest ratings in
Reelz’ history. During his tenure, Reelz increased total day ratings from 2011
versus 2010 by 230 percent, making Reelz the fastest growing network on
television. He also oversaw the first live event in Reelz’ history, William & Kate’s
Royal Wedding, which became the most watched special in the network’s
history.
He worked from 2005 – 2010 as senior vice president, programming and
production, for TV Guide Network, where he led all facets of programming,
including managing and recruiting on-air talent including Joan and Melissa
Rivers, Joey Fatone, Lisa Rinna, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Chris Harrison. Mr.
Singerman partnered for outside originals with leading Hollywood production
companies, such as Freemantle, Magical Elves, and Zoo, while also acquiring
shows like Ugly Betty, Punk-d, and American Idol Rewind. During this period, TV
Guide Network increased programming from 180 hours per year to 750 hours per
year, including 10 new shows.
From 1998 - 2005, Mr. Singerman served in a variety of roles with Fox News
Channel. He was executive producer of morning programming, responsible for
the Fox & Friends franchise, which grew into the top rated cable morning show
under his guidance. Earlier in his career with Fox News Channel, he was a
producer for special projects and the Fox Files network magazine show. Mr.
Singerman began his career in 1992 as a producer on A Current Affair and, later
on King World’s American Journal.
He is a graduate of Tufts University in Boston.
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Jim Kahn
Executive Vice President, Global Sales
Jim Kahn joined The Golf Digest Companies in November 2002 as Vice President,
National Equipment Director, overseeing alliances, partnerships and integrated
marketing solutions across print, Internet, tablet and mobile platforms with golf
equipment manufacturers. In August 2004, he was promoted to SVP, overseeing
the Travel segment and involved in developing and maintaining strategic
alliances with leading organizations in the golf industry (e.g. PGA Tour, GC,
USGA, etc.).
He also served on the Board of Directors for the National Golf Foundation from
2002 through 2008. He is a high energy sales leader and strategist with proven
success in generating revenues and creating partnerships. Twenty-five years in
the golf industry have yielded deep and long term relationships at all levels in
the manufacturing, industry and marketing sectors.
Previously, from 2000-2002, Mr. Kahn held executive positions at Entrepreneur
Magazine and Profile Publishing, where he was responsible for overseeing sales
and marketing for various publications. He also served on the Board of Advisors
for Book4Golf, a golf Internet company.
Mr. Kahn worked from 1986-2000 at Golf Magazine Properties, a division of Times
Mirror Magazines, and held several positions during his 14-year career with the
company, starting as a salesperson and leaving as Senior Vice President, Group
Publisher.
He served on the National Golf Foundation’s Board of Governors from 1996-1999.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Kahn held the position of Media Planner and then
Account Executive for Backer & Spielvogel Advertising Agency. He began his
career in 1980 at Vanguard Advertising.
Mr. Kahn earned his B.S. in business management from SUNY Binghamton. He
carries an 8-handicap as a member of the Woodcrest Club in Long Island.
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Dennis Allen
Senior Vice President, Global Business Development
Fluent in Japanese, Dennis Allen has lived and worked in Asia for 18 years
bringing with him a unique understanding of the Asian markets.
From July 2005 until May 2009, he served as Vice-President and Managing
Director of the Asia Pacific Region for TaylorMade-adidas Golf, based in HongKong. In this capacity, he managed TMaG’s golf business in 13 countries, and
led his team to revenue and profit growth exceeding 120% in less than four
years. His efforts included signing a three-year agreement with the China Golf
Association, the exclusive development arm for golf in China.
From January 1999 until January 2005, he was President of Acushnet Company
(owner of Titleist and FootJoy golf brands) in Japan where he oversaw all
business areas, with five direct reports. He grew revenue to $60MM in 2004, up
from $40MM in 1999, growing distribution from 69 outlets to 1,100 accounts, while
maximizing employee productivity in 15 key markets.
Mr. Allen is a graduate of the University of Washington.
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Steve Shaw
Vice President, Production
After helping to shape the on-line personas and video communications
strategies of more than a dozen golf companies, Steve Shaw serves as Vice
President of Production for the Back9 Network.
Mr. Shaw is a producer, communications consultant, writer, and founder of
Visual Concepts, one of New England’s premiere multimedia production
companies. He started the company in 1986, producing documentaries, web
sites, internal and external video programs, as well as sales meetings and special
events for corporations around the world, specializing in work for the golf
industry.
With 638% growth in four years, the company was named to the prestigious INC
500 list of the fastest growing, privately held businesses in America. Mr. Shaw was
an award winning television journalist for WTNH-TV in New Haven, CT from 1980
to 1986.
Mr. Shaw has worked with some of golf’s most iconic brands, including Top-Flite,
Ben Hogan, and Spalding Sports. Over the last two decades, he has helped
launch new products for Callaway Golf, Odyssey, MacGregor, Etonic, and
many more.
He has produced dozens of programs that have received national honors from
the International Television Association [ITVA], The National Telly Awards, The
International Association of Business Communicators [IABC], CINE, and the New
York Festivals. Recent documentary work was honored with an Emmy Award
from the New England chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and
Sciences.
A Magna Cum Laude graduate of Emerson College and a former member of its
Board of Overseers, Mr. Shaw lectures at colleges and universities across the
country.
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Mike Feld
Chief Technology Officer
Mike Feld has more than 20-years of experience in telecommunications and
information technology.
Prior to joining Back9Network, Mr. Feld founded fc.com, Inc., a company
specializing in the then-emerging field of remote network management for
telecom carriers and enterprises.
Fc.com also designed and implemented network operations centers (NOCs)
and local network infrastructures for exchange carriers such as CTC, Nynex/BA,
and VTel (Vermont Telephone). Fc.com was sold to CTC, one of the largest
Northeast CLECs, in 2000. At CTC, Mike created the first fully remote (Voice/Data
over Frame) NOC.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Feld served as the Chief Technology Officer of
Connecticut Broadband, where he designed a statewide VOIP network. He
also served as a Senior Consultant for Connecticut Broadband’s consulting
division, Partner Consulting, focusing on complex voice, data and Internet
applications.
Mr. Feld has also worked with numerous Municipal Utilities across the country
assisting with the technical assessment, vendor selection and rollout of
Broadband Data Services.
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Ryan Ballengee
Managing Editor, Back9Network.com
As managing editor of Back9Network.com, the online clubhouse for
Back9Network, Ryan Ballengee is responsible for all actions behind the scenes to
ensure Back9Network.com is the home of compelling, entertaining and
engaging content.
He guides a team of 30 national and international contributors to
Back9Network.com, while also being a regular contributor himself, providing the
same kind of insight and perspective on professional golf, the golf business and
the golfing life that he has since 2001.
Mr. Ballengee has been writing, blogging and broadcasting about golf for over
a decade, working for NBC Sports, Golf Channel and SB Nation.
From November 2010 to August 2012, he wrote about golf for NBC Universal,
where he was a frequent contributor to GolfChannel.com's blog,
GolfTalkCentral. He also oversaw editorial content for NBCSports.com's
ProGolfTalk blog. Ballengee hosted a popular podcast, The 19th Hole Golf Show,
for nearly a decade. In 2003, he created Golf News Net (GNN), the online news
complement to the podcast, providing information, analysis and opinion.
Mr. Ballengee loves to golf, even when trying futilely to qualify for the U.S. Open.
He carries a .8 handicap index, though he’ll happily add strokes to play in a
scramble.
A graduate of the University of Maryland in 2004 (B.S., Business Administration)
and 2006 (Master of Public Policy), Ballengee is an avid Terps fan.
###
Media Contact:
Mike Rosen
Blue Wolf Communications
Office: 516-767-9653
Mobile: 516-647-1348
[email protected]
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Board of Directors
Ray Allen
NBA Superstar, Philanthropist
Ray Allen is the most prolific three-point shooter in NBA history, a future Hall of
Famer and a noted philanthropist. A ten-time NBA All-Star, Allen turned
professional in 1996 following an All-American career at the University of
Connecticut. He has played for the Milwaukee Bucks, Seattle SuperSonics, and
Boston Celtics, where he won a World Championship in 2008, and joined the
Miami Heat for the 2012 season. Mr. Allen has served as the NBA spokesman for
the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, the Juvenile Diabetes Research
Foundation and founded the Ray of Hope Foundation, which assists sports
related and community based youth programs across the country. He is an avid
fan of the golf lifestyle and carries a plus 1 handicap.
Greg Hopkins
Former CEO, Cleveland Golf/Srixon
Greg Hopkins led and fueled one of the golf industry’s most extraordinary
company transformations during a 16-year tenure as Chief Executive Officer of
Cleveland Golf/Srixon. Mr. Hopkins was responsible for reshaping the company’s
product line, incorporating new technology, and boosting Cleveland Golf’s
presence on the professional tours. Sales skyrocketed 500% during the first seven
years of his tenure. When Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. (SRI Sports Ltd.)
purchased the company in December 2007, he continued on as Chief
Executive Officer of Cleveland Golf/Srixon. Mr. Hopkins also served as an
Executive Director of SRI Sports Ltd. He is a member of the European Senior Tour
and competed in the British Senior Open in 2006 and US Senior PGA
Championship in 2009. Mr. Hopkins earned his Bachelor’s degree from Millikin
University.
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Joseph Mayernik
CEO, Sonoma Holdings, LLC
Joseph Mayernik is successful entrepreneur and senior executive in the
healthcare and waste industries. He is currently the CEO of Sonoma Holdings,
LLC and was the Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of Healthcare
Waste Solutions (HWS). At the time it was sold in 2011, HWS was the second
largest medical waste company in the United States. Mr. Mayernik also was the
Founder and CEO of Human Resource Services, an organizational restructuring
firm specializing in the analysis of strategic and business plans, forecasts and
executive personnel assessment. He earned his undergraduate degree from
Penn State University.
Michael M. Michigami
President, MMM Business Advisory Services
Michael Michigami has over thirty year in senior management positions at
Fortune 500 companies as well as smaller public and private companies. An
experienced corporate officer, Mr. Michigami has led communications,
software, e-commerce, computing, and networking corporations, and currently
serves as the President of MMM Business Advisory Services. He is the former
Chairman and CEO of Digital Microwave Corporation (STXN), President and
CEO of Datapoint Corporation (DPT), and Divisional President at United
Technologies Corporation (UTX). Mr. Michigami has also served on several
boards at venture capital and private equity funded technology start-ups, as
well as numerous community organizations. He received his Bachelor’s degree
from Trinity College and a Master of Business Administration from the Wharton
School at the University of Pennsylvania.
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Paul J. Spengler
Executive Vice President, Pebble Beach Company
Paul Spengler is one of the world’s most influential and respected golf industry
executives. Mr. Spengler is currently the Executive Vice President of Pebble
Beach Company, where his primary responsibilities include business
development and sponsorships. He has served as the General Chairman of two
U.S. Open Championships and as a consultant to numerous professional golf
tournaments across the United States. Mr. Spengler was a venue director for the
1984 Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee, and from 1984 to 1990, served
as Director of Golf Operations at Ohlmeyer Communications Company,
producer of ESPN golf telecasts for the PGA, Senior PGA, and LPGA Tours, The
Skins Game, The Senior Skins Game, and The LPGA Skins Game on NBC. A
multiple winner of Hawaii State Amateur Championships and winner of the 1996
California State Senior Amateur Championship, he qualified for the USGA Senior
Open in 1993, the US Senior Amateur in 1994, the British Senior Open in 1995, and
the British Senior Amateur in 1998. He also has competed in 25 Bing Crosby/AT&T
Pebble Beach National Pro-Ams, beginning in 1964. Mr. Spengler was elected to
the Hawaii Golf Hall of Fame in 1997. He serves as a National Trustee of the Boys
and Girls Clubs of America.
James D. Wehr
Jim Wehr leads one of America’s oldest life insurance companies as President
and Chief Executive Officer of The Phoenix Companies, Inc., where he was
appointed in April 2009 after serving as Senior Executive Vice President and
Chief Investment Officer. Mr. Wehr joined Phoenix in 1981 and held a series of
increasingly senior investment positions, including credit research, trading and
portfolio management. As Chief Investment Officer, Mr. Wehr oversaw the life
insurance company's general account and affiliated investment portfolios,
directed the public fixed income group, and managed institutional client
portfolios for Goodwin Capital Advisers, a Phoenix subsidiary. Mr. Wehr also
serves on the Board of the Greater Hartford YMCA and the Eastern Connecticut
Healthcare Network, Inc. He has a Bachelor's degree from Fairfield University
and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Connecticut.
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Talent & Contributors
Matt Adams
Matt Adams is host of the popular Sirius XM PGA Tour Radio program “Fairways
of Life with Matt Adams,” which airs from 7-9am ET, Monday through Friday. The
program is simulcast online, free-of-charge, at Back9Network.com; listeners do
not have to be SiriusXM subscribers to tune in. An archive of past shows is also
available at Back9Network.com. Mr. Adams serves as a contributor to
Back9Network and Back9Network.com, providing commentary from each of
golf’s major championships, as well as a unique look at the best golf courses in
the world. He is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author, and
commentator for European Tour Productions, PGA Tour Entertainment, ESPN and
ITV and a 25-year golf industry veteran. Mr. Adams has hosted broadcasts from
every major and the Ryder Cup, with no one else in the world hosting more
weekly golf talk. He started his career at ESPN, then moved on to the golf
industry, where he worked in golf equipment manufacturing, having built clubs
for Wilson, RAM and Nicklaus, among others, and continues to consult on golf
course operations.
Jennifer Bosworth
An Emmy nominated television reporter/anchor, Jennifer Bosworth is a co-host
of Back9 in 90, an update on daily headlines seen weekdays at
Back9Network.com and will also serve as a host and correspondent for the
Back9Network’s signature daily TV show, The Scorecard. Ms. Bosworth’s
television news career has taken her all over the Eastern seaboard, from
Tennessee to Georgia to Connecticut, where she earned a New England
Associated Press award for her investigation into a deadly crash that resulted in
the arrest of two local police officers. She has also written for the country’s
longest- running newspaper, the Hartford Courant, as a humor columnist.
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Javier Colon
He is “The Voice” that captured America’s heart and soul on the first season of
the popular NBC show and is Back9Network’s Artist in Residence and
entertainment correspondent. Blessed with a stunningly soulful voice, uncanny
writing ability, and a commanding stage presence, Mr. Colon has created his
own unique style of music that can be described as an eclectic blend of R&B,
folk, soul, rock and country. A graduate of the prestigious Hartt School of Music,
he has performed around the world with the likes of Joss Stone, Darius Rucker,
The Indigo Girls, Chaka Khan, Anthony Hamilton, and many more. After winning
NBC’s The Voice, he signed with Universal Republic Records. Mr. Colon is an avid
golfer, a devoted husband, and the proud father of two young girls.
Charles Everett
A veteran actor and self-described sports fanatic, Charles Everett is co-host of
Back9 in 90 at Back9Network.com and will also be a host and correspondent on
The Scorecard. In addition to numerous indie film and theater credits, Mr. Everett
has appeared in the television shows Law & Order, 30 Rock, and Rescue Me, as
well as national commercial campaigns for Coca Cola, Home Depot, Burlington
Coat Factory, ESPN, Verizon, Wheat Thins and McDonald’s.
Tony Jacklin
Tony Jacklin, widely viewed as the man who helped revitalize British golf and reestablish European competitiveness in the Ryder Cup, is Back9Network’s Global
Brand Ambassador. Mr. Jacklin will leverage Back9Network’s multimedia
platform — TV, web and mobile — to expand upon his lifelong passion and
commitment to make a positive difference in the world of golf. From his years
playing on the professional tour, to his experience designing world-class golf
courses all over the world, Mr. Jacklin will work with Back9Network to honor golf’s
history and traditions, while growing the sport’s appeal for a new generation. He
will make appearances on behalf of Back9Network and be a frequent
contributor online and on-air. In his first online video feature, Mr. Jacklin shares
personal, inside stories of the 1969 Ryder Cup and “The Concession.”
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John Maginnes
Mr. Maginnes, contributing editor, is a former PGA Tour player who spent more
than a decade and a half playing professional golf. While recovering from
elbow surgery in 2004, he was offered an opportunity as an on course
commentator by USA Network for early round coverage of PGA Tour events.
With microphone in hand, Mr. Maginnes found his second passion. He joined the
XM Team (now SiriusXM) in 2005 and launched his guest and caller driven talk
show on SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio, “Maginnes on Tap,” in March of 2011.
Anna Rawson
Australian professional golfer, model and writer, Anna Rawson covers the
business of golf, player profiles and serves as resident fashion and style expert for
Back9Network. Ms. Rawson grew up in Adelaide, South Australia and was
discovered at a modeling contest at age 15. She was one of the top junior
players in Australia and a straight A student, which awarded her a golf
scholarship to the University of Southern California in 2000. In 2003, as Captain of
the USC golf team, she made history by leading her team to the University’s firstever NCAA National Championship in golf. After graduating from USC with a B.A
in communication, she turned professional and began to play on tour. She has
had top 10 finishes on the LPGA, LET and KLPGA tours and was voted by Sports
Illustrated as one of the top 10 sexiest athletes in the world. Ms. Rawson led the
2009 LPGA Canadian Women’s open with a career low 64, and has graced 17
different magazine covers and been featured in over 100 fashion, golf and
lifestyle publications world-wide.
Alison Waite
The quintessential girl next door, Alison Waite is a contributor to
Back9Network.com with her “Ask Ali” dating and relationship column and serves
as a travel and lifestyle correspondent. A native of the Pacific Northwest, Ms.
Waite has had a successful career as a television hostess and reporter,
appearing on the hit TV game show Deal or No Deal, the nationally syndicated
TV magazine show Extra, and the World Poker Tour.
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Back9Network.com Contributors
Back9Network.com’s coverage is led by former NBC Sports and SB Nation
commentator and blogger, Ryan Ballengee, Managing Editor, with contributions
from more than 30 established and up-and-coming golf and lifestyle writers,
including: Jeff Shain (player profiles), Brian Mcallen (travel), Rick Young (business
and equipment), Conor Nagle (in-depth features), and Jon Lord (pop culture)
among others worldwide.
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Programming
Led by Matt Singerman (Reelz Channel, TV Guide Network, Fox News Channel)
and six-time Emmy Award winner Robert Abbott (ESPN, CNN), Back9Network is
deep into discussions with the entertainment industry’s leading production
companies.
Three foundational programming pillars (a mix of original and acquired):
o Core Golfer: professional tour coverage, in a non-traditional and more
entertaining way – personality, character and story driven to go way
beyond who won and why.
o Entertainment: taking the proven and the most popular TV genres (reality,
documentary, animation, sitcom, etc.) and developing shows with golf as
a backdrop.
o Lifestyle: focused on the things that those who live — or aspire to live —
the golf lifestyle spend their money on (travel, gear, automotive, fashion,
food/beverage, real estate, health/fitness, etc.).
Stay tuned for details about initial development deals and programming lineup.
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Corporate Headquarters with Digital Studio Space
Located on the 10th Floor of One American Row in downtown Hartford (known
as The Phoenix Building), construction began in the fourth quarter of 2012 on the
Back9Network Corporate Headquarters with digital studio space. The dualpurpose office space will also be used as a digital soundstage for online and onair programming. Featuring a spectacular lobby and lounge area overlooking
the city, Back9Network will welcome visitors into an interactive working studio
space that will include more than 15 different locations for filming and ample
capacity for growth. Visit www.back9nation.com/offices to view plans.
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Back9Network TV/Video Production Studio
Back9Network broke ground in August 2012 on its state-of-the-art TV studio and
video production facility in downtown Hartford, Connecticut, which is quickly
becoming the sports media capital of the world with ESPN, NBC Sports and YES
Network also based in the state. View plans at www.back9nation.com/studio.