Home: Los Angeles, CA. Age: 48. Birthplace: Newton, MA. Profession: Entertainment executive. Organization: Omaha Productions. Title: President and Co-Founder. Significant other: My wife, Kara. Alma mater: Amherst College.
Current project: The Starting 5 docuseries, which premiered on Netflix on October 9. Follows NBA stars like Jayson Tatum and LeBron James, exploring their lives on and off the court. The series offers a unique, intimate look at their personal journeys and the pressures they face as top players in the NBA. Recent recognition: Omaha Productions continues to be recognized for its innovation in blending sports and entertainment. In 2024, we were honored to receive a second Sports Emmy for Monday Night Football with Peyton and Eli (aka, The ManningCast). Recent professional development: In the past year, working with Peter Chernin’s North Road allowed Omaha to expand its production capabilities. Latest accomplishment: The successful release of Full Court Press, a docuseries on ESPN following NCAA women’s basketball stars like Caitlin Clark, Kiki Rice and Camilla Cardoso. The show helped celebrate the meteoric rise of women’s college basketball. Latest contribution to others: Supporting veterans through my involvement with organizations like Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) and UCLA’s Operation Mend. Hobbies: Coaching the rec basketball teams for each of my 3 sons. After eight years, it’s unclear if I am getting any better, but they are. Last book read: The Power of Nice: How to Conquer the Business World with Kindness, by Linda Kaplan Thaler and Robin Koval. Recently viewed and recommended: Receiver (Netflix). Recent unique acquisition: Our first dog, Waffle.
Personality profile: Optimistic, kind, energetic, creative, confident. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Driven. How do you define an ideal business relationship? We always want to think about the long-term relationship, rather than short-term wins. We want partners to feel great and want to do business with us for the next 10 years. What is your greatest joy? My family.
What is your guilty pleasure? Playing basketball, which has been my favorite activity since I was five years old. What word or phrase do you use far too often? That’s right. How do you relieve stress? Getting outside and exercising.
What was your first paying job? At a grocery store, the Waban Market in Massachusetts. What book have you repeatedly read? Blink, by Malcolm Gladwell. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Good Will Hunting. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? My kids playing basketball. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? My grandfather, Walter Bachenheimer. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Relationships matter most. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Remember that people are your most important asset. What is best advice from someone in your business: The challenge every day is this: here is something I should do that I really don’t want to do. Can I make myself do it? (Nick Saban). What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? Instagram.
What is your big idea?
Building a media company based on only making uplifting and unifying content.
What change would you like to see in the world? Everyone being nicer to one another. What widely held belief do you reject? I don't believe motivating people through fear works long-term. What mega-trend most concerns you? The rise of inaccurate information that divides us.
Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My grandfather, Walter Bachenheimer. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A basketball coach. What advice would you give your younger self? Being right is not the most important thing.
Personal mission: Bringing people together by celebrating our commonalities. Personal motto: Work hard and be nice to people. Favorite quote: “Individual success is a myth. No one succeeds all by herself” (Pat Summitt). Desired epitaph: Being around him made me happy.
