SBSM Group Adds Industry Veteran Steve Violetta to Head up All Three ECHL Teams
September 25, 2015 - ECHL (ECHL)
Allen Americans News Release
Steven Brothers Sports Management Chief Executive Officer Steve Violetta
(Allen Americans)
Allen, Texas - SBSM has announced the hiring of industry veteran, Steven M. Violetta, as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SBSM, and he will also carry the title of CEO and Alternate Governor for each of the ECHL franchises owned by SBSM; the Allen Americans, Tulsa Oilers and Wichita Thunder.
Violetta is responsible for the overall strategic vision of the three franchises, including the execution of key goals for all three organizations. Working closely with each of the team GM's, Violetta has full responsibility of the Corporate P/L, driving forward all club business operations, including but not limited to; sponsorship sales, ticket sales, box office operations, broadcast rights, facility relations, new media and publications. His immediate priority will be to increase all team revenue streams and subsequently raise the overall profitability of the franchises.
Violetta has extensive experience doing just that; leading organizations through the next levels of their business development by crafting a strategic plan & corresponding business plan, communicating a clear vision and motivating all stakeholders to deliver gains on the revenue and profit side. Violetta has run the business operations for four NHL teams in his career (Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins, Ottawa Senators and Nashville Predators), as well as Major League Baseball's San Diego Padres. Since 1996, he has personally negotiated over $370 million of sponsorship contracts. This includes four facility naming rights deals, most notably PETCO Park in San Diego and the Sommet Center in Nashville.
"It takes a very organized, focused and enthusiastic person to run one hockey team, let alone three," said SBSM owner, Rodney Steven. "Steve has the skill set and gravitas to do that and do it successfully. He is unique in the sports & entertainment industry; a bottom line achiever who combines a strategic marketing mindset with the sales acumen to personally lead companies upward through next levels of their business evolution."
Violetta stated, "First I want to thank Rodney, Brandon and Johnny for their trust and confidence in me as CEO of a company that carries their family name; Steven Brothers Sports Management. That is a responsibility I do not take lightly.
From my initial meeting with the brothers, where I saw their passion and drive to be the best at *everything* they do, I was convinced this was the role for me. Together with them, as well as the talented staffs we have in place with the three teams, I look forward to the Allen Americans, Tulsa Oilers and Wichita Thunder becoming the three elite franchises of the ECHL.
The Allen Americans have achieved their ultimate goal on the ice the last three seasons, with three straight championships, and we look forward to growing our revenue in both corporate partnerships, as well as tickets to match the same success the team has endured on the ice. The Wichita Thunder has a rich tradition in minor league hockey and have one of the most passionate fan bases in all of sports. There is added excitement in Tulsa this off-season, as well with the hiring of new head coach, Jason Christie, who is a proven winner and is expected to make an immediate impact both on and off the ice."
With the hiring of Violetta, SBMS has made a strong statement in minor league hockey that all three franchises are solid and will continue to grow through his leadership. His knowledge and passion will be a big addition, not only to the three franchises he represents, but to the ECHL.
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 Steven Brothers Sports Management Chief Executive Officer Steve Violetta |
ECHL Stories from September 25, 2015
- Americans Add Young, Skilled Players Roy and Courtnall to Roster - Allen Americans
- Mike Leopardo Accepts Position with Lehigh Valley Phantoms - Wheeling Nailers
- Martell Heading to Lake Erie's Training Camp - Wichita Thunder
- Swamp Rabbits Acquire Ryan Rashid from Wichita - Greenville Swamp Rabbits
- Stingrays Re-Sign Forwards Joe Devin and Brett Cameron - South Carolina Stingrays
- SBSM Group Adds Industry Veteran Steve Violetta to Head up All Three ECHL Teams - Wichita Thunder
- Thunder, Northrock Lanes Form New Bowling League - Wichita Thunder
- SBSM Group Adds Industry Veteran Steve Violetta to Head up All Three ECHL Teams - Allen Americans
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