Chris Colgan - Born in Brooklyn, NY 1962
Background:
Raised in Merrick, Long Island, I traded securities for over twenty years. In 2002, my love of the water brought me to South Florida. I have been blessed with a great wife Elisaine and son Christopher Jr. No words could explain my love for them. My family is my life! When I was 8 years old my father gave me a poster with the following words that I believe has had a large effect on my life and the way I approach things: PRESS ON: Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan Press On! Has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race. - J. Calvin Coolidge, 30th President of the United States of America
Sports of Interests:
Any day on a boat is a good day! I am a certified rescue diver and love all recreational sports involving water (Diving, Boating, Fishing, Waterskiing, etc.) I also spend 5 mornings a week weight training, which is too much if you ask my wife.
History of Athletic Background:
Competed in waterskiing and fishing events.
What I Love about Exclusive Sports Marketing:
ESM encompasses every aspect of the business mind and I love being able to immerse myself in a variety of different projects (Marketing, Event Planning, Sales, Promotions, Creative Thinking, etc.) I also love that ESM helps promote a healthy lifestyle to people of all ages, especially children. My favorite event by far is the FFW Kids Race.
Duties:
President
Matt Lorraine - Born in New York, NY 1974
Background:
Born and raised in New York City, and a graduate of the University of Virginia. I worked in the trenches of Wall Street for 10 years before looking for a change of lifestyle and greener pastures. This and more has been discovered in the lush state of Florida! Always one to take on new challenges and opportunities, I have dove into ESM looking to help and improve this great organization in any way possible.
Sports of Interests:
Football, basketball, soccer, running, mountain biking, snowboarding and can be found in the gym at least 4 times a week. And if playing guitar is considered a sport, we can add that one to the list.
History of Athletic Background:
I played defensive back in a ROUGH Touch football league up until last year in New York. Early in life, soccer was my main passion, playing right through high school. My love of basketball was hindered due to my diminutive size as a youngster (5'2" until I was 16; now 6'!), but I definitely could be considered a gym rat. My next athletic endeavor is to compete in this coming season's Zephyrhills Beach Volleyball Series.
What I Love about Exclusive Sports Marketing:
What I love about Exclusive Sports Marketing is the combination of 2 great personal passions: sports and business. This past year has been a dream come true, invigorating my personal and professional life. I have always been a team player and this organization takes that to the fullest degree.
Duties:
CEO and Sales Manager To put smiles of satisfaction on the faces of our athletes and sponsorship partners. I am here to facilitate the growth of ESM and its valuable staff and volunteers.
Linda Anne Meyer
Background:
I attended University of Toledo, and have a degree in Marketing, with a Minor in Accounting. My husband (Joe) and I moved down to Florida in 1995, with our two children, Samantha (15) and Alex (9). I started working For Exclusive Sports Marketing as a part-time bookkeeper in April of 99’, and gradually started to get more involved.
Sports of Interests:
Softball, Bowling, Volleyball, Soccer, Pilates, Gymnastics (retired), Football (Fan)
History of Athletic Background:
I competed in gymnastics for the Sunrise Gymnastics Academy and The University of Toledo until my second year of college. I Medaled and placed throughout my career, Highest achievement -Placed 4 th in States in 1983. Qualified for Nationals but Stress-fractured my leg and couldn’t Compete, but I went and was a great cheerleader for my fellow teammates. I lettered in Volleyball at Sylvania Southview High School, I‘ve played softball since 3 rd grade, I lettered in Softball at Sylvania Southview High School, Went to States twice, 1980 came in 3rd, 1981 came in 5th. I still play Coed softball for the Southeast Sluggers here in Boca Raton, Florida. First Place in 2000 and 2002, second in 2001 and 2003, and we are tied for First right now. I am a WIBC and ABC sanctioned bowler, have placed in tournaments and I am going to the National Tournament this March in Reno I trained and just completed my very first ½ marathon, and plan to do more.
What I Love about Exclusive Sports Marketing:
I have always loved sports, and really enjoy the Healthy, Family focused atmosphere at ESM. It has assisted me as I apply these attitudes and disciplines in my own life, both in myself and with my family.
Duties:
Comptroller, Athlete Relations and Registration.
Katty Peraza - Born in Caracas, Venezuela in 1965
Background:
I began my working life as an intern for a Magazine in New Jersey. I had the opportunity to work for all the different departments that created the magazine was particularly interested in the Design and Photography departments. Some how in college I decided to change my major to Computer Electronics at the time it seemed like the way of the future. I spent over 12 years in the computer industry doing everything from fixing PC across the country for an airline to running a network infrastructure for a $100 Million company. Through divine intervention I found my way back to Graphic Design/Photography where I finally have found my calling. I absolutely love what I do and couldn?t see myself doing anything else.
Sports of Interests:
My first love would have to be Softball/Baseball and Tennis! I am a huge Yankee fan... I bleed pinstripes! I also love a mean game of Racquetball or friendly game of tennis.
History of Athletic Background:
* 1982-1983 Tenafly High School, NJ Varsity Softball, Catcher
* 1981-1982 York Prep High School, NYC Varsity Softball, Catcher
* 1981-1982 York Prep High School, NYC Track & Field, Shot Put
* 1979-1981 Forest Hills High School, Queens, NY Softball, Catcher
* Competed in several Skate Board competitions, Slalom and Freestyle events
* Still play Softball in Women?s and Co-Ed leagues in Fort Lauderdale and love the game of Racquetball!
What I Love about Exclusive Sports Marketing:
I am fortunate enough to have the opportunity to provide exciting and cutting edge media pieces to our Sponsors and Athletes. I am closely approaching my fourth season here at ESM, and I am as excited as I was the first day. I am amazed all the images I have captured behind the lens and looking forward to what is yet to come.
Duties:
Graphic Designer and Event Photographer.
David Swanson
Background:
The Chicago suburbs were my home as an adolescent. Moving to Iowa followed for college obtaining degrees in sports science and administration of athletics. And in May of 2005, I moved to Florida starting my experiences with ESM.
Sports of Interests:
Having a father who is a collegiate football, basketball, and baseball coach, athletics was a key component to our life. Play and the fun of sports developed into the thrill of competition and in turn have evolved into a lifestyle.
History of Athletic Background:
Starting my career as a recess legend and moved into lottery pick status for physical education classes. High school athletics were non-stop with football, basketball, and baseball. The glory days continued in college with football and baseball. There I was able to play baseball for Steve’s brother, Carl, and eventually moved on to work as his assistant coach. I may also be the greatest wiffleball player of all time.
What I Love about Exclusive Sports Marketing:
Because athletics and competition have integrated into my lifestyle, it’s a blessing to have a job focused on creating an exciting and healthy environment bases on the ideals of sport. As a youngster in the business world, I’m learning with each passing day management, marketing, and logistical skills required to run effective programs. My friends also seem to think working on Florida’s beaches full of beautiful women isn’t too rough either.
Duties:
Beach Volleyball
Butch David Cassidy - Born in Freeport, Illinois in 1983
Background:
I attended Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa and got my bachelors degree in Sports Management with a minor in Business. I did an internship with Exclusive Sports Marketing in the summer of 2004 and moved down to Florida all by myself in 2005 to further my career with Exclusive Sports Marketing. I am young and trying to absorb anything and everything I can.
Sports of Interests:
I will play just about any sport! I love competition and turn the littlest things, like mini golf, into a competition. The four sports I enjoy the most would have to be football, basketball, bowling, and slow pitch softball! But I will take on any comers in any sport!
History of Athletic Background:
I have been playing sports since I could walk. I grew up with a big back yard and depending on the season we played just about every sport in the back yard. I always played with kids that were bigger and taller than me. I played organized football and basketball since 4th grade. I played Varsity football my junior and senior year of High School at Freeport High. I even bowled Varsity my junior and senior year to collect scholarship money for when I went to college. I then went on the college to play Division III football. I played JV tailback for my sophomore and part of my junior year, due to an injury; I then played Varsity fullback for my senior year. I led the team in rushing TDs and had six kick-off returns for 100 yards. As for now, I am looking to get involved in community sports.
What I Love about Exclusive Sports Marketing:
I love being able to set up an event site and stand back while it is running smoothly and say, “We put this together and people are enjoying themselves to the fullest!” I am the youngest here at ESM but still believe in giving athletes the best time they can have. Working for ESM has made me really look at my life and change some of my unhealthy habits and trade them in for some healthier ones. ESM only gets better and stronger as the years move on!
Duties:
Event Director of Beach Volleyball, not too mention putting together the best sports and recreation at great locations for everyone to enjoy and never forget!
Scott Langen - Born in Denville, New Jersey in 1979
Background:
I am originally from Byram, NJ and moved to Florida in 1997 for college. I attended Saint Leo University where I obtained an undergraduate degree in Business Administration as well as my MBA.
Sports of Interests:
I try to compete in as many sports as I can; I love competition.
History of Athletic Background:
I have been involved with athletics for as long as I can remember. I started off playing Soccer at the age of five and then branched out to other sports: Basketball, Baseball, Wrestling, Track, Cross Country and Triathlon. At the High School Level I ran Track, for the best school in the state (Pope John XXIII), and Wrestled. As College approached, I decided on pursuing Cross Country and walked on to Saint Leo University team where I earned a spot on the SSC All Conference Team. After my college career came to an end, I started competing in Triathlon and have been doing so ever since.
What I Love about Exclusive Sports Marketing:
Working for a company that strives to be the best in recreational sports as well as being able to provide great events for the local communities and sponsors.
Duties:
Provide a safe, fun, forum for athletes of abilities.
Chris Laskey - Born in Yukon, Oklahoma in 1979
Background:
After completing my undergraduate degree at Drake University in Des Moines, IA I moved back to Denver and eventually to Aspen, CO where I perused the lofty ambitions of skiing as many powder filled days as possible! After fulfilling my snow buzz I moved to Miami to pursue my Masters degree in Sport Administration. I have had the opportunity to work with USA Table Tennis, a minor league hockey team called the Manatees, the University of
Miami, and now ESM!
Sports of Interests:
I love competition, I am an avid fan of all the major leagues including hockey. I will watch golf, tennis, any type of racing and one of my favorite things to do is watch the Tour De France.
History of Athletic Background:
First I consider myself a skier, which is weird since I now live in South Florida! Second I am a triathlete. My first iron distance triathlon was in May of 2005 at IronMan Brazil with a finishing time of 12 hours and 27 minutes.
I have also been a competitive swimmer, played hockey, lacrosse, and rugby. Currently I focus a lot on improving my running; I have to keep knocking off time in the IronMan!
What I Love about Exclusive Sports Marketing:
Providing the venue for competition is a big kick! I don't feel like ESM's events are about who wins, but about raising your own level of competition. It could be against yourself, your friends or even your spouse! I love that
ESM creates a venue for the everyday warrior to get out give it their all!
Duties:
To share the responsibility of bringing ESM's vision of the new A1A Marathon to life in any way I can!
Katie Hettler - Born in Williamsport, Pennsylvania 1982
Background:
Grew up in central Pennsylvania and went on to attend Bucknell University after a small stint in Wilmington, NC. After graduating with a degree in Business Management I moved to South Florida to attend FAU to obtain my Masters, which landed me at ESM.
Sports of Interests:
Basketball, Volleyball, Softball & Football (Go STEELERS!)
History of Athletic Background:
Played just about every sport imaginable growing up and if the sport did not exist, my friends and I made one up. But, my first love is basketball, and I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to go on to play college ball at Bucknell.
What I Love about Exclusive Sports Marketing:
ESM incorporates every aspect of business which is giving me a great opportunity to learn, yet ESM offers that personal interaction with athletes of all skill levels that are passionate about what they do. Being someone who loves sports, helping to put on top quality events for these athletes is very rewarding.
Duties:
Registration Manager
Troy Forte - January 18, 1982
Background:
I was raised in Rochester, New York. I lived in the suburb of Pittsford until I left for college heading to West Virginia University. There I received my undergraduate degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing and a Minor in Communication Studies. Following graduation in May of 2006, I moved to Florida January 2007.
Sports of Interests:
WVU Mountaineers!! NY Giants, NY Yankees, Action Sports
History of Athletic Background:
After competing in just about every sport as an adolescent I soon found my calling in wrestling. Leaving H.S. I was a three time state place finisher (2x 3rd, 1st), going undefeated my senior year, winning the state championship, and leaving with the most wins in the history of NY wrestling. I took my wrestling career to West Virginia University were I was a member of an EWL Championship Team and an EWL All-Academic Team.
What I Love about Exclusive Sports Marketing:
The end result. There is no better feeling then to see an event take shape. Also, working with ESM and putting on events for the recreational athlete it feels good to know that you are contributing to a healthier America by providing communities throughout Florida an opportunity to be active.
Duties:
Beach Volleyball
A.J. Sills - born in Buffalo, NY on August 30, 1984
Background:
My life began in Buffalo, New York. Most of my childhood was on an ice hockey rink. The next stop for my family was Brentwood, Tennessee, and after that, we eventually found ourselves in Fishers, Indiana. I finished high school and attended Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. After four memorable years, I graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Sport Adminstration and minor in Business. In the summer of 2007, I moved away from the corn fields and down to the palm trees of Florida to pursue an internship with Exclusive Sports Marketing. My career has just begun and I look forward to experiencing as much as possible.
Sports of Interests:
College Basketball and Football, European Soccer (UEFA), Beach Volleyball, hockey, IndyCar, Track and Field, and the NFL. GO COLTS! Super Bowl XLI Champs
History of Athletic Background:
I grew up playing hockey in New York. I also tried my hand at baseball, soccer, and roller hockey. Basketball was my next phase once I moved to Indiana. In high school I ran track, cross country, wrestled, and played golf. Currently, I am learing to play beach volleyball.
What I Love about Exclusive Sports Marketing:
My goal in life is to be actively involved in sports with people who share my passion of competition. The staff here at ESM enjoy sport just as much as I do, if not more, and we use this passion to fuel our efforts into putting on the best events we possibly can. The great aspect of ESM is that all the events promote healthy, active, lifestyles for people of all ages. Whether a 75 year old triathlete crosses the finish line or a 7 year old completes his/her first kid's race, the effect is the same; pure inspiration. As a result, my love of sport only grows stronger.
Duties:
A1A Expo Coordinator
