INSPIRATION:

Back in 1960, a visionary entrepreneur named Mark McCormack saw a blossoming market and, within it, a lucrative yet under-served audience.  Mark’s idea matured into IMG, a new breed of company that proved to be an industry-shaping force. 

Of course, without a supportive and well-connected network rallying around his brilliant idea, Mark and IMG would be relative unknowns.  And guys like A-Rod and LeBron and Peyton Manning?  Well they would still be star athletes, but they wouldn’t be global brands or influential ambassadors worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

And we’re certainly inspired by other great individuals who have built and stood for great things in their lives...

1. •Steve Jobs—The inventor.  Comeback artist & creator of the 5th great wave with Mobile Computing
   

2. •Bill Campbell—The Coach of Silicon Valley; Brings ideas to life; The leader of many of the great growth companies of the 21st century
   

3. •Lou Holtz—The coaches’ coach; Belief that little things make a big difference; Greatness could be learned if only everyone had him as a coach
   

4. •Jackie Robinson—A quintessential example of overcoming adversity, along with competitive pride & excellence
   

5. •Pete Musser—The first Venture Capitalist on the east coast that brought west coast values & innovation; Deal maker; Believer in great entrepreneurs building important companies
   

6. •Bono—Tremendous voice, in more ways than one; On a constant mission to do good by giving back
   

7. •Richard Branson— Power through inspiring great ideas & global brands; Who says being a world-class entrepreneur is not an art form?
   

8. •John Wooden—Extraordinary coach, teacher & motivator; creator of the “Pyramid of Success”
   

9. •Mother Teresa—A selfless servant helping people of humble means to survive & thrive
   

10. •Howard Schultz—Vision, mission & passion has created one of the most powerful brands in world, one cup of coffee at a time
    

11. •Admiral Tom Lynch—A leader among men; Former head of the U.S. Naval Academy; Unwavering belief in what is right
    

12. •Mark McCormack—The original agent for athletes; Best-selling author of What They Don't Teach You At Harvard Business School

Today’s entrepreneurs—the men, women, and sometimes even kids with the big ideas and business aspirations—stand to gain just as much.  Don’t they deserve similar guidance and muscle to help their careers reach their full potential?  And while sports and entertainment are important to our identities and culture and competitive spirit, couldn’t you argue that entrepreneurs contribute far more to the health and vitality of our communities, our economy, and, in fact, our world?

We think so, and we believe it’s their time.

Thank you, Mr. McCormack—plus many other brilliant leaders before & since