Blaze Make Ownership Transition

Published on September 8, 2010 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Utah Blaze News Release


SALT LAKE CITY -The Utah Blaze announced today the transfer of ownership to Logan Hunter and Kristin Murdock. Hunter and Murdock, who were partners in the previous ownership group, will now be the sole owners looking forward to the 2011 season.

"Utah is a key market for the AFL and their dedicated fans deserve the absolute best," said AFL Commissioner Jerry Kurz. "We are extremely pleased with Logan and Kristin moving this team forward, and are grateful for the Affleck's previous contributions to the re-launch of the team."

Bill Gibson was also named President of the Utah Blaze in order to further strengthen and build the Blaze brand as they look forward to providing fans with a premiere arena football experience.

Hunter has served as President/Owner of Hunter Management Company for the past 27 years. In 1983, HMC became the second franchisee in the state of Utah for the SUBWAY(r) Sandwich Franchise and shortly thereafter was awarded the Utah Territory Development Agent position with DAI. Over the years, the territory has grown to over 218 locations and continues to grow. HMC, independently owns and operates 43 of those Subway locations.

In July of 2005, Hunter ventured off in partnership with HMC and the SUBWAY(r) franchisor to run and operate a new restaurant concept called Bajio Mexican Grill. In October 2009 he was able to obtain complete ownership of the Bajio National Headquarters. Numerous franchises have been sold throughout the United States and they currently operate 17 of the Bajio locations in Utah and Nevada. Between the two restaurant chains the company employs around 500 employees.

Murdock, an entrepreneur, is the owner of Cow-Pie Clocks. From that first cow-pie clock, she has developed a full line of entertaining "tongue-in-cheek" creations including Cow-pie clocks, mirrors, a full line of greeting cards, cookies and bumper stickers. Her art licensing company includes a wide variety of products including t-shirts, hats, baby bibs, posters, post-cards, mugs, magnets, calendars and bumper stickers.

For several years she taught "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" for Steven Covey as a volunteer facilitator in her community. She is a sought after lecturer in university entrepreneurial business schools and has appeared on game shows and the "Tyra Banks Show" with her cow-pie creations.

Gibson, a long time associate and business partner of Hunter brings a history of business, sports and franchise acumen. He began his career at North American Food Services and has taken part in the operation, training and development for Subway Development of Northern California, Hunter Management Company and Bajio LLC. Gibson has also been business concept developer, coach and corporate success trainer for over 30 years, operating as a consultant for Complete-Wealth Consulting. Gibson's passion for sports along with business expertise lends strength to the Blaze while serving on the TruePlayers, LLC advisory board and coaching basketball at the high school collegiate levels.

The Utah Blaze enter their fifth season in the Arena Football League in 2011 and were recipients of the Best Support Staff Award for the 2006 and 2007 seasons as recognized by the League office. There are still big things to come for the Utah Blaze amidst the offseason. Make sure to follow the Blaze on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest news on the team. The 2011 Blaze Season Tickets are on SALE NOW! Call 888-99BLAZE to reserve your seat in the action or information can be found at www.utblaze.com.

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