He’s rich like whoa, he’s one of the most outgoing owners in pro sports, he’s fan and media friendly, and he’s on Facebook. He’s Ted Leonsis, and he was gracious enough to grant SVPS an interview. Check his views on the Capitals’ undefeated start, Sports Talk 980, and blenders.
If I’m lucky, I’ll be able to have a list of 101 things to do that comes half way close to his. One of the things will definitely be making Ted Leonsis’ buddy list.
1. In team history, every time the Capitals have begun the season 3-0, the team has made the playoffs. The Caps are 3-0 this season. Where do you objectively see the Capitals finishing this season?
I wouldn’t get too ahead of ourselves–it is just three games into the season–we need 45 more wins before we can feel safe. We have set this year’s bar to make the playoffs– and then see what happens.
2. Have you ever instant messaged someone from your box in the Verizon Center during a game?
Yes—of course…I carry my Treo everywhere.
3. You are widely regarded as one of the most fan and media friendly owners in pro sports. What motivates you to be so interactive, and has it ever backfired?
I grew up in an interactive industry–I have surrendered the team to the fan base–I am merely a member of the flock. In a web 2.0 world– the new consumer expects authenticity and personal involvement– there is nothing to fear in being too close to customers and fans.
I get flamed via email–a lot of keyboard courage out there –I have been cursed at–and I even had a bad interaction with a fan–but that is such a small percentage of the interactions–literally tens of thousands of good interactions–a small price to pay for all the goodness. On a Myers Briggs exam–I am an ENTJ–extroverted– intuitive– thoughtful and judgmental– I need interaction to make good decisions.
4. Would you ever appear on ‘Dancing With The Stars’ like fan-favorite owner Mark Cuban?
Yes– but I would probably do better on ” America’s got talent”:-).
5. It’s clear that Washington is not the biggest of hockey towns. The Redskins are doing well, the popularity of Gilbert Arenas and the Wizards is ever growing, and the Nationals will open a new stadium next season after exceeding expectations this year. Even if the Caps do well this season, do you think their recognition will be lost in the fervor for the other sports?
I am hopeful that if we build a generational great team that wins a Cup– that we will take our place as a must see event in DC; I am confident the city will embrace a winner. If it doesn’t–then we will deal with it–but I do have faith and confidence in the fan base.
6. If someone wanted to compare you to a cooking appliance, like Gilbert Arenas and a hibachi, what would that appliance be?
A blender–I mashup ideas–and input –I connect dots and I am fast– the output is pretty tasty too.
7. You had a very public feud with Sports Talk 980, and a lot of fans seemed to galvanize behind your stance on their coverage. Any remaining thoughts on that issue?
We left 980 for a competitor– end of story.
8. What’s your favorite way for fans to reach out to you? Facebook, Ted’s Take, or that handy AIM you use in the owner’s box?
Come up and introduce yourself and say hello; that works best. But email is very convenient in that it lets me timeshift. I am using Facebook more and more.
9. Metro you’d least like to catch - Red Line, Blue Line, or Green Line?
All of metro is good– I usually drive– but we want to be eco friendly and the Metro is convenient–safe–inexpensive and green friendly.
10. Fill in the blank. The one thing I really wished you would’ve asked about but now I won’t tell you about is___________________.
The secret to happiness—it is a science– 1..Be an active participant in multiple communities of interest;2..volunteer and give back;3..personally express; 4..show gratitude; 5.. pursue a higher calling.
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