Much has been said about the Glieberman's (Dad Bernard and Son Lonie) failed CFL attempts over the past two decades. If you are in the CFL know, than Ottawa can be considered a laughing stock whenever this father-son combo laid their hands on the proud Rough Rider and Renegade franchises. This born into wealth family from Detroit truly had no idea the heritage and prestige they were getting themselves into in the early 90s and mid 2000s.
The biggest mistake they made was getting the league to agree to split the 90s Rough Riders into two separate sports franchises, with one going to Shreveport, Louisiana. This was a massive failure on both the CFL and the Gliebermans. The CFL hadn’t even been heard of in the southern states, and it had to compete with the intensely popular New Orleans Saints and the LSU Tigers. Seriously, was a market study even done on this before hand, for it would have certainly reported this was a no brainer NOT to get into.
Lonie, Lonie, Lonie… the appoint of this Glieberman only makes sense if your Bernard Glieberman. Hiring a person with no CFL experience or background is a recipe for disaster. Better recruiting for the General Manager position should have been orchestrated. What makes matters worse was his quid pro quo status of dating Ottawa Cheerleaders, and terrible signings of drug addicted athletes.
What I dislike most about their tenure with the Renegades was the fact they just gave up. Average attendance was dwindling as the 2005 season progressed. The Renegades last home game brought about 16,504 fans (a depressing statistic). Instead of reaching into their wallets, or coming up with a new strategic direction, they just held their hands out to the CFL and demanded the league pay them money to continue operating the Renegades. I’m pretty sure Business 1000 teaches you that this is not the way a successful business model works. Making demands, when you have the power to change something to me seems extremely selfish.
Enter Jeff Hunt a self made millionnaire and long time CFL fan. Hunt should be seen as the “White Knight” to CFL Ottawa. His resume, character, and determination speak volumes on the type of owner the city of Ottawa should expect when their new football franchise opens again in 2013. Looking at his resume, he started his own carpet company and made millions. Then Hunt in the late 90s took over the near brink Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Ottawa 67s. He knew he had to spend marketing $ to get people interested in minor league hockey again, so he did. The attendance, and the on ice team quickly improved after his investment. Not only is he OK with splashing cash when necessary, he also gets what it takes to build a proper sports franchise. In the service industry, customer service and interaction is key! Are you likely to go back to a restaurant that served you bad food or had poor customer service… NO. The sports industry should be treated no differently. All it takes is one bad experience, and then the customer will NEVER return.
Hunt wants to keep the Ottawa 67s in Lansdowne Park with the CFL team. This I feel is genius as the two diverse sports teams will synergize together in getting more people and more buzz to Lansdowne Park. It will become the MECA of the sports industry in Ottawa.
Determination is one of the best assets I see in people, and Hunt has it. In 2006, he was part of a failed bid to take over the suspended Ottawa Renegades. A lot of business people would say, well that was a waste of time, and never bid again. Hunt defied this mold. In some ways I’m glad it was a failure, as I think this new Ottawa model, with a new draft scheme, renovated Frank Clair stadium, and new attitude will be make CFL Ottawa a much better team.
My last plug for Jeff Hunt is simple. He is a Memorial University of Newfoundland Commerce grad back in the 80s. This is a stellar business program… How do I know this? Well I’m graduating from it in a couple months and its been great to me! Newfoundland and Memorial University Rocks (Pun intended)!
Dear Jeff Hunt… YOU GOT THIS!
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