Jesse Itzler

Last updated
Jesse Itzler
Jesse Itzler on The Art of Charm.jpg
Itzler in 2018
Born (1968-08-22) August 22, 1968 (age 56)
CitizenshipAmerican
Alma mater American University (BA) [1] [2]
Occupation(s)Founder of The 100 Mile Group, entrepreneur, author, rapper, singer, songwriter
Spouse
​
(m. 2008)​
Children4

Jesse Itzler (born August 22, 1968) is an American entrepreneur, author, and rapper. [3] He is the co-founder of Marquis Jet, one of the largest private jet card companies in the world, a partner in Zico Coconut Water, the founder of The 100 Mile Group and one of the owners of the NBA's Atlanta Hawks. [4] [5]

Contents

Early life and education

Jesse Itzler was born on August 22, 1968, to a Jewish family [6] and raised in Roslyn, New York, [7] on Long Island, the son of Daniel Itzler, an inventor, and Elese Itzler, [8] the president of the Roslyn Board of Education. He was the youngest of three or four children, depending on the source. [9] [10] Three generations of his father's family were raised in Brooklyn. [11]

Itzler earned his bachelor's degree in 1990 from American University. He later obtained a degree in justice, law, and society. [1] [2]

Career

Music career

After graduating from college, Itzler signed with Delicious Vinyl records as a songwriter/artist. He released his debut album Thirty Footer in Your Face using the pseudonym Jesse Jaymes in 1991. He co-wrote songs for various artists including Tone Lōc. [3] His first released single, "College Girls (Are Easy)", while not ranking on the Billboard Hot 100 chart did become a club anthem. This was followed by his second single "Shake It Like A White Girl", which did reach 74 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1991 [12] and was featured in the soundtrack of the 2004 movie White Chicks . [13] In 1992, Itzler wrote and sang the New York Knicks theme song "Go NY Go" [14] as well as original songs for more than 50 other professional teams. Itzler wrote and sang the Emmy Award-winning song "I Love This Game" and also produced the theme song for Inside the NBA. Itzler is credited with campaigns for Foot Locker and Coca-Cola. [15]

Itzler's music partner was Dana Mozie, whom he met in 1987, a man described as being from a "strikingly different background... raised in the southeast section of Washington... as streetwise as Itzler was suburban," with whom he collaborated on several musical projects in his period as Jesse Jaymes. [2]

Entrepreneurship

In 1996, Itzler co-founded Alphabet City Sports Records with his friend Kenny Dichter. [16] The record company is known for mixing classic arena songs with highlights of historical play-by-play calls for professional sports teams including the Wizards, the Mavericks, and the Lakers. In 1998, the company was sold to SFX. [17]

In 2001, Itzler co-founded Marquis Jet, one of the largest private jet card companies in the world. [18] Itzler served as the company's Vice Chairman until the company was acquired by Berkshire Hathaway, parent company of NetJets, in 2009. [4] [19]

In 2009, Itzler created the 100 Mile Group, a brand incubator and accelerator. [20] [21] The company announced a partnership with ZICO Coconut Water and the Coca-Cola company in 2009. [22] In 2012, ZICO was acquired by Coca-Cola for an undisclosed sum. [18]

In November 2015, Itzler released his book Living With a SEAL: 31 Days Training With the Toughest Man on the Planet. [23] The book was a New York Times Best Seller and ranked first on the LA Times book list. [24] [25] He released Living With the Monks: What Turning Off My Phone Taught Me about Happiness, Gratitude, and Focus in 2018. [26] Itzler is represented by literary agent Lisa Leshne of The Leshne Agency. [27]

Recently, he has begun to pursue keynote speaking. [28]

Atlanta Hawks

In 2015, Itzler and his wife, Sara Blakely were part of a group led by Tony Ressler along with Grant Hill, Steven Price, and Rick Schnall, that purchased the Atlanta Hawks for $850 million [29] [30] [31] from Bruce Levenson. [32] [33] [34]

Personal life

In 2006, Itzler competed in the USA National Ultra Marathon Championship in Grapevine, Texas, successfully completing a 100-mile run in under 24 hours. [35] Itzler finished 49th out of 80 in the SEA Paddle NYC 25 mile stand up paddle race around Manhattan in 2012. [36]

In 2008, Itzler married Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, at the Gasparilla Inn and Club in Boca Grande, Florida. [18] [37] The couple have four children and reside in Georgia. [38] [39]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Coca-Cola</span> Cola soft drink

Coca-Cola, or Coke, is a cola soft drink manufactured by the Coca-Cola Company. In 2013, Coke products were sold in over 200 countries and territories worldwide, with consumers drinking more than 1.8 billion company beverage servings each day. Coca-Cola ranked No. 94 in the 2024 Fortune 500 list of the largest United States corporations by revenue. Based on Interbrand's "best global brand" study of 2023, Coca-Cola was the world's sixth most valuable brand.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Atlanta Hawks</span> National Basketball Association team in Atlanta, Georgia

The Atlanta Hawks are an American professional basketball team based in Atlanta. The Hawks compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference. The team plays its home games at State Farm Arena.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">King & Spalding</span> American law firm

King & Spalding LLP is an American multinational corporate law firm that is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with offices located in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. It has over 1,300 lawyers in 23 offices globally. It is Am Law 100, Global 30, and white-shoe firm.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Asa Griggs Candler</span> American business magnate

Asa Griggs Candler Sr. was an American business tycoon and politician who in 1888 purchased the Coca-Cola recipe for $238.98 from chemist John Stith Pemberton in Atlanta, Georgia. Candler founded The Coca-Cola Company in 1892 and developed it as a major company.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">State Farm Arena</span> Arena located in Atlanta, Georgia

State Farm Arena is a multi-purpose arena located in Atlanta, Georgia. The arena serves as the home venue for the Atlanta Hawks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). It also served as home to the Atlanta Thrashers of the National Hockey League from 1999 to 2011, before the team moved to Winnipeg, as well as the Atlanta Dream of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) from 2008 to 2016 and 2019, and the temporary home of Georgia Tech basketball in 2011. It opened in 1999 as Philips Arena at a cost of $213.5 million, replacing the Omni Coliseum. It is owned by the Atlanta Fulton County Recreation Authority and operated by the Hawks, owned by Tony Ressler along with a group of investors including Grant Hill.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Coca-Cola Company</span> American multinational beverage corporation

The Coca-Cola Company is an American multinational corporation founded in 1892. It manufactures, sells and markets soft drinks including Coca-Cola, other non-alcoholic beverage concentrates and syrups, and alcoholic beverages. Its stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and is a component of the DJIA and the S&P 500 and S&P 100 indexes.

Spanx, Inc. is an American underwear maker focusing on shaping briefs and leggings, founded in Atlanta, Georgia.

The 1969–70 NBA season was the 24th season of the National Basketball Association. The season ended with the New York Knicks winning the NBA Championship, beating the Los Angeles Lakers 4 games to 3 in the NBA Finals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Willie Naulls</span> American basketball player (1934–2018)

William Dean Naulls was an American professional basketball player for 10 years in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was a four-time NBA All-Star with the New York Knicks and won three NBA championships with the Boston Celtics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sara Blakely</span> American businesswoman (born 1971)

Sara Treleaven Blakely is an American businesswoman and philanthropist. She is the Founder of Spanx, an American intimate apparel company with pants and leggings, founded in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2012, Blakely was named in Time magazine's "Time 100" annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. In 2014, she was listed as the 93rd most powerful woman in the world by Forbes.

Atlanta Hawks, LLC was an Atlanta, Georgia-based parent company formerly the holder of the franchise of the Atlanta Hawks, a professional basketball team in the NBA, and the Atlanta Thrashers, a former professional hockey team in the NHL. The Atlanta Spirit LLC name was changed to Atlanta Hawks, LLC on March 14, 2014.

Antony P. Ressler is an American billionaire businessman. He co-founded the private equity firms Apollo Global Management in 1990, and Ares Management in 1997. As of May 2024, his net worth was estimated by Forbes at $11.3 billion.

Zico is a brand of coconut water and other drinks containing coconut water. The drinks are produced by Zico Rising, originally founded as Zico Beverages in 2004.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Laurie Ann Goldman</span> American investor

Laurie Ann Goldman is an American businessperson and investor. She is best known for serving as the chief executive officer of Spanx from 2002 to 2014 and is the CEO of Tupperware Brands.

Eddie Mast was an American professional basketball player who played for the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks of the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Kenny Dichter is an American entrepreneur and founder of publicly-traded private aviation company, Wheels Up. He also co-founded Alphabet City Sports Records, Marquis Jet, and Tequila Avión.

Steven Price is an American businessman serving as executive chairman of Townsquare Media, and minority owner of the Atlanta Hawks.

Rick Schnall is an American businessman, co-president of private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, minority owner of the Atlanta Hawks, and among the majority owners of the Charlotte Hornets.

Steve Koonin is the chief executive officer of the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena. He is the former president of Turner Broadcasting System. Koonin chairs the Georgia Aquarium and is on the boards of TKO Group Holdings, Rubicon Technologies, Fox Theatre, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, Emory Healthcare, and the Woodruff Arts Center.

References

  1. 1 2 Reichley, Melissa, "Alumni Success Story: Go-Getter Itzler on Third Career: Marquis Jet", Alumni News, American University
  2. 1 2 3 Rhoden, William C. (February 18, 1995). "Sports of The Times; Hip-Hop In Orange And Blue". The New York Times . Retrieved February 25, 2017.
  3. 1 2 Janes, Erika Rasmusson (November 1, 2004). "NBA Idol: An Entrepreneur Raps His Way Into The Big Leagues". money.cnn.com. Retrieved October 8, 2012.
  4. 1 2 Natalie Robehmed (January 14, 2014). "How To Pitch Successfully From Rapper-Turned-Entrepreneur Jesse Itzler". Forbes . Retrieved March 31, 2015.
  5. ↑ Atlanta Hawks Agree to Sell Team to Antony Ressler-Grant Hill Group. USA Today.Jeff Zillgitt. April 22, 2015. accessed February 9, 2016
  6. ↑ Atlanta Jewish Times: "Jewish Investor Buying Hawks" by David R. Cohen April 29, 2015
  7. ↑ Best, Neil (May 25, 2021). "He wrote the Knicks' 'Go New York' anthem of the mid-1990s. Now, Long Island's Jesse Itzler co-owns the Hawks". Newsday .
  8. ↑ Kroll, Chana (July 20, 2009). "Jewish News: '100-Mile Man' Funds Educational Center for Underprivileged Children". Chabad.org.
  9. ↑ Rhoden, William C (February 18, 1995). "Sports of The Times; Hip-Hop In Orange And Blue" . The New York Times . p. A.29. ProQuest   430065520 . Retrieved May 18, 2024.
  10. ↑ Scooby Axson (June 2, 2021). "Hawks co-owner Jesse Itzler, who wrote Knicks anthem, will see his NBA worlds collide again in Game 5" . USA Today . ProQuest   2535769381 . Retrieved May 19, 2024.
  11. ↑ Frankel, Bethenny (June 17, 2021). "Episode Transcript". Just B. iHeartMedia . Retrieved May 18, 2024.
  12. ↑ Billboard Hot 100 Original: Week of February 01, 1992, Referenced: February 22, 2011
  13. ↑ "White Chicks Soundtrack". IMDB. Retrieved February 22, 2011.
  14. ↑ Erika Rasmusson Janes (November 1, 2004). "NBA Idol: An entrepreneur raps his way into the big leagues". CNN Money. Retrieved February 22, 2011.
  15. ↑ Executive Transactions. Street and Smith's Sports Business Daily. November 1, 2001. accessed February 9, 2016
  16. ↑ Billboard Magazine May 17, 1997 By Gina Van Der Viliet via Google Books accessed February 22, 2011
  17. ↑ Alphabet City Alums Soar After Selling Firm to SFX. Street and Smith's Sports Business Journal. Andy Bernstein. December 9, 2002. accessed February 9, 2016
  18. 1 2 3 "This Rapper From The Nineties Has A Sick New Startup". Business Insider . November 11, 2013. Retrieved March 31, 2015.
  19. ↑ Teresa Novellino (October 31, 2013). "Good music, great grub? Vowch it to friends, says Jesse Itzler" . Retrieved March 31, 2015.
  20. ↑ American Booty. Forbes. Clare O'Connor. March 7, 2002. accessed February 9, 2016
  21. ↑ Following A Winner:Tracking The Investment Profile of Super Investor Isaac Blech.Reuters. Scott Matusow. September 20, 2012. accessed February 9, 2016
  22. ↑ Coca-Cola Finishes Purchase of Majority ZICO Stake. Bevnet. April 11, 2012. accessed February 9, 2016
  23. ↑ What You Learn Living One Month With a Navy SEAL. CBS News. November 9, 2015. accessed February 9, 2016
  24. ↑ "Advice, How-To & Miscellaneous". The New York Times. November 20, 2016. Retrieved February 17, 2017.
  25. ↑ "Paperback Nonfiction". Los Angeles Times. November 20, 2016. Retrieved February 17, 2017.
  26. ↑ Living with the Monks: What Turning off My Phone Taught Me about Happiness, Gratitude, and Focus. Center Street. 29 May 2018.
  27. ↑ "Jesse Itzler – the Leshne Agency".
  28. ↑ "Jesse Itzler".
  29. ↑ "NBA unanimously approves sale of Atlanta Hawks" (Press release). National Basketball Association. June 24, 2015. Archived from the original on June 27, 2015. Retrieved June 24, 2015.
  30. ↑ "Hawks finalizing sale with billionaire Antony Ressler". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Archived from the original on 24 April 2015. Retrieved 23 April 2015.
  31. ↑ NBA: "Group Led By Tony Ressler Completes Purchase of Atlanta Hawks" June 25, 2015 | "Other investors include seven-time NBA All-Star Grant Hill, who will serve as Vice Chair of the Board, Townsquare Media Chair and CEO Steven Price, Clayton Dubilier & Rice partner Rick Schnall, and Spanx founder Sara Blakely and Marquis Jet co-founder Jesse Itzler, who are married"
  32. ↑ Bloomberg: "NBA Governors Approve $730 Million Hawks Sale to Ressler's Group" By Scott Soshnick and Zeke Faux June 24, 2015
  33. ↑ "Atlanta Hawks Sold to Ares' Ressler for $850 million, Group Includes Sara Blakely and Grant Hill". Atlanta Business Chronicle. April 24, 2015. Retrieved January 27, 2016.
  34. ↑ Atlanta Hawks Selling for $850 Million. The Wall Street Journal. Ben Cohen. April 22, 2015. accessed February 9, 2016
  35. ↑ Abramson, Mitch (January 6, 2007). "Nothing's Impossible, Not Even 100 Miles in 24 Hours". Newsday. Retrieved May 5, 2016.
  36. ↑ Parker, Christopher (August 17, 2012). "[RESULTS] Rojas, Anderson Win The 2012 SEA Paddle NYC". SUP Racer. Retrieved May 5, 2016.
  37. ↑ Atlanta Weddings (Atlanta Magazine): Spanx inventor Sarah Blakely on her wedding day" by Vikki Locke Archived 2013-04-18 at the Wayback Machine October 18, 2008
  38. ↑ The Wall Street Journal (New York): "A Day in the Life of Spanx's Founder Sara Blakely" by Christopher Ross August 14, 2014
  39. ↑ The Observer (London): "Sara Blakely: a woman with a great grasp of figures" by Zoe Wood March 10, 2012
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.