Kantarian was the CEO of USTA for the past nine years. As much as I follow the tennis industry I was not in the know, or lame, on the information on who the CEO was for the USTA. In fact, I knew of the executive director in Florida but did not think twice of anyone higher than that. In August of 2007 I had the privilege of travelling from Jacksonville to Cincinnati to attend the Cincinnati Masters Series representing Tennis Life Magazine based out of Tampa, Florida. I must say, I have had some issues with Tennis Life Magazine before this trip and after but I was treated reasonably well during. Besides the fact of not being shipped first class and staying in a two star hotel, the rest was great. Let me tell you one crazy thing about the Cincy Master Series. The Cincinnati airport is in Kentucky. The Cincinnati tournament is in Mason, Ohio. So, after figuring out the geographic cure I began to show up to the venue everyday early. I mean, very early so I could watch the players train when no one was there. Anywho, I wandered into this area restricted for only professional tennis players, campers, coaches, and select others. I literally walked into Guillermo Vilas and several other old time pros. I end up chatting with the "TENNIS GURU" for about an hour who keeps pointing into the bleachers saying, "that's Arlen Kantarian." Truth be told, I pretended to know what he was talking about and he mentioned this several times. The Tennis Guru was one of the directors to a fantasy camp taking place during the Cincinnati Master Series tournament at the same venue with its own restricted playing area. Fortunately, I had a badge that basically gave me access to everything, press conferences, players lounge, like I said I got hooked up in that regard. So this guy Kantarian, I locked eyes on who he was and then forgot about it and continued to chat with the tennis guru. About 15 minutes later I noticed a lot of other people around him, I believe it was his family. He walked by me, smiled, shook my hand and asked me how I was doing. He didn't introduce himself, but did stop to say hello and neglected to give any attention to the tennis guru, which I liked. I still didnt know who this guy was and I didnt care, he was old and friendly. Months later I recognized the name in the press and this guy was the CEO of USTA, cool. If I had only known, I would have picked his brain and built in a connection. Lesson learned. Anywho, according to the press we are losing a leader who made the USTA a ton of money, and helped promote the sport to all new levels. It seems that another tennis CEO is following suit and retiring onto bigger and better things, whatever they may be...If anyone is interested I would be interested in the CEO position at the ATP or USTA, I don't discriminate, so either would be great. ATP preferred because of PVB in Florida. Would be happy to furnish a resume if necessary.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Best of the Best
Kantarian was the CEO of USTA for the past nine years. As much as I follow the tennis industry I was not in the know, or lame, on the information on who the CEO was for the USTA. In fact, I knew of the executive director in Florida but did not think twice of anyone higher than that. In August of 2007 I had the privilege of travelling from Jacksonville to Cincinnati to attend the Cincinnati Masters Series representing Tennis Life Magazine based out of Tampa, Florida. I must say, I have had some issues with Tennis Life Magazine before this trip and after but I was treated reasonably well during. Besides the fact of not being shipped first class and staying in a two star hotel, the rest was great. Let me tell you one crazy thing about the Cincy Master Series. The Cincinnati airport is in Kentucky. The Cincinnati tournament is in Mason, Ohio. So, after figuring out the geographic cure I began to show up to the venue everyday early. I mean, very early so I could watch the players train when no one was there. Anywho, I wandered into this area restricted for only professional tennis players, campers, coaches, and select others. I literally walked into Guillermo Vilas and several other old time pros. I end up chatting with the "TENNIS GURU" for about an hour who keeps pointing into the bleachers saying, "that's Arlen Kantarian." Truth be told, I pretended to know what he was talking about and he mentioned this several times. The Tennis Guru was one of the directors to a fantasy camp taking place during the Cincinnati Master Series tournament at the same venue with its own restricted playing area. Fortunately, I had a badge that basically gave me access to everything, press conferences, players lounge, like I said I got hooked up in that regard. So this guy Kantarian, I locked eyes on who he was and then forgot about it and continued to chat with the tennis guru. About 15 minutes later I noticed a lot of other people around him, I believe it was his family. He walked by me, smiled, shook my hand and asked me how I was doing. He didn't introduce himself, but did stop to say hello and neglected to give any attention to the tennis guru, which I liked. I still didnt know who this guy was and I didnt care, he was old and friendly. Months later I recognized the name in the press and this guy was the CEO of USTA, cool. If I had only known, I would have picked his brain and built in a connection. Lesson learned. Anywho, according to the press we are losing a leader who made the USTA a ton of money, and helped promote the sport to all new levels. It seems that another tennis CEO is following suit and retiring onto bigger and better things, whatever they may be...If anyone is interested I would be interested in the CEO position at the ATP or USTA, I don't discriminate, so either would be great. ATP preferred because of PVB in Florida. Would be happy to furnish a resume if necessary.
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