Houston Aeros President Tom Garrity to launch Quan Sports Marketing
Published on August 21, 2008 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Houston Aeros News Release
HOUSTON, Texas - Houston Aeros President Tom Garrity announced today that he is departing the American Hockey League club to launch Quan Sports Marketing LLC, a consulting company, with his wife, Gina. The company will provide various marketing and sales consulting services for teams. Garrity also served as Vice President of Corporate Sales and Service for Minnesota Sports & Entertainment, as well as President of the National Lacrosse League's Minnesota Swarm.
Garrity, 44 (1/8/64), joined the Aeros in July 2003 and accepted the challenge of transitioning the team into the Toyota Center. Under his guidance, the Aeros increased their attendance in each of the first four seasons. Before his arrival, the Aeros had never increased attendance over a prior season. Since Houston endured a franchise-low average attendance of 5,124 in the Calder Cup season of 2002-03 - the year before Garrity arrived - the Aeros increased their attendance by 25.3 percent to 6,422 fans per game in the 2006-07. In the past two seasons, the Aeros have had crowds over 10,000 seven times. His leadership has transformed the Aeros into a top five performer in sales revenue in the AHL.
"Tom's passion and leadership have inspired team efforts and results," Minnesota Sports & Entertainment Executive Vice President Matt Majka said. "We all have been touched by Tom's positive attitude, sense of humor and fun, and we wish he and Gina the best of luck in their new endeavor."
As President of the Minnesota Swarm lacrosse team, Garrity was named NLL Executive of the Year in each of the past two seasons. He increased Swarm attendance by more than 1,000 fans per game and played a vital part in the recent transition of ownership.
His successful 15-year career in sports administration and sales has included occupation with the NHL's Minnesota North Stars and Dallas Stars, the National Basketball Association's Minnesota Timberwolves, Major League Soccer's San Jose Clash, the AHL's Cincinnati Mighty Ducks and at the collegiate level with the University of Minnesota. The University of Wisconsin at Platteville graduate is a native of Prairie du Chien, Wis. Garrity and his wife, Gina, have two daughters, Caitlyn and Ciera, and two sons, Connor and Cameron. The family resides in Stillwater, Minnesota. Garrity will transition from the Aeros at a date to be determined.
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