DAN BELMONT
President
The Marketing Arm
I’m a gadget guy, so there aren’t many devices that I really need right now. That said, I have my eye on some other toys: A new 9-weight fly rod, maybe a new bike. Plus, I have a shoe problem, so a new pair of shoes is always good. Giving is a lot more fun, especially now that I have a granddaughter. And though she’s too young to know what she wants right now, when she’s old enough, I want to give her whatever it is she wants.
BRUCE BINKOW
Chief operating officer and chief marketing officer
Golden Boy Enterprises
I’ve tried to condition the family to exchange “experiential” gifts where we can spend more time together. We usually give each other tickets to concerts, sporting events, plays, etc. The only caveat is you have to bring the gift giver as your “plus one.” Luckily, we all have similar tastes so it usually works out. I’m looking forward to some great concerts (Sting and Paul Simon), hockey and basketball games at Staples Center, and I know my wife wants to see “Book of Mormon” again. Of course, all of them will get great seats to Golden Boy fights!
HEATHER BROOKS KARATZ
Vice president of legal
Relativity Sports
 |
Up wristband by Jawbone
|
I just bought my husband an Up by Jawbone and now want one for myself! I love buying Dana’s Bakery gift sets. Dana is a close friend, and she makes the most delicious, creative and fun macaroons!
DEREK EILER
Partner
Fermata Partners
Giving: Our family decided this year that time connecting with each other was more important than more stuff. So we drew names among adults and we will spend a quality two hours with that family member just connecting about life goals, challenges and the year ahead.
Receiving: I have one item on my wish list each year — a 30-year-old bottle of balsamic vinegar from Zingerman’s Deli in Ann Arbor, Mich. It’s only about 3 ounces, but it’s the greatest liquid on earth. A bottle lasts me a year!
BENITA FITZGERALD MOSELY
Chief of organizational excellence
U.S. Olympic Committee
For me, anything in a tiny robin’s-egg-blue box with a white ribbon is always welcome under the tree! However, with the hectic pace of starting a new job, some uninterrupted family time would be the best gift of all.
As for gift giving, my husband recently lost a Colorado Golden Bear necklace that I gave him for Christmas 18 years ago when we got engaged, and I’d like to replace it. We met in Colorado, our first child was born here, we’ve just moved back to the state, and we now have bears in the park behind our new house, so it’s very fitting!
CHARLIE STILLITANO
CEO
Relevant Sports
The whole team is getting Sir Alex Ferguson’s new book, “My Autobiography.” In addition to being one of my best friends, Sir Alex is a wonderful mentor, leader and in my opinion the best manager in the world.
BETSY GRIDER
Senior director of strategic development
NASCAR
Giving: My husband wants a new Sprint Samsung Galaxy Tab 3. He’s also receiving a full-size replica Leg Lamp from “A Christmas Story” as he deserves a “Major Award” for taking night shift with our little guy!
Receive: A Qualcomm Toq wristwatch smartphone to put Twitter on my wrist or an Xbox One for Xbox Live game nights with my family around the country.
LESA FRANCE KENNEDY
CEO and vice chairperson of the board
International Speedway Corp.
For me, sunglasses, earphones and iPhone chargers … you can never have too many.
I will be purchasing car accessories for Ben, my son. He also wants a PlayStation 4 … we will see.
DANIEL NEAR
Director of consumer products licensing
NHL
Giving: Skis (and helmets!) to our son (3) and twin daughters (2). Some of the best family time I can remember growing up in Toronto was on the ski slopes, and we’re anxious to spend a few weekends this winter on tow ropes and chairlifts.
Getting: With all the outdoor hockey coming this season, I’m hoping Santa brings warm winter boots that will fit in my carry-on and aren’t so goofy and clunky that I’ll be waddling around the stadiums like an astronaut.
BILL SQUADRON
Head of Bloomberg Sports
I’m going to give Kindles and “NBA 2K” to my three teenage sons, and give to friends a great book about Teddy Roosevelt’s New York City years, “Island of Vice,” written by a high school buddy of mine, Richard Zacks.
I hope I get a new paddle tennis racket, since I’ve just started playing the sport and can’t keep borrowing equipment.
DAVID SCHWAB
Managing director
Octagon First Call
Book: “Perfect Pitch: The Art of Selling Ideas and Winning New Business,” by Jon Steel. I have heard excellent reviews and will purchase for colleagues.
Gadget: Motorola P4000 Universal Portable Power Pack. With upcoming events like the Super Bowl and entertainment awards season, having an everlasting battery is key.
DALE KOGER
Vice president and general manager
Turner Construction
New golf clubs — the kind that will consistently shoot sub-85!
CHRIS MCGOWAN
President and CEO
Portland Trail Blazers
Giving: For my 11-year-old, Ryan: new clothes and iTunes gift cards. For my 9-year-old, Kyle: new Nike Mercurial Cristiano Ronaldo CR7 soccer cleats. For my wife, Susan: It’s a surprise! (I know she reads SBJ.)
Receiving: Anything from Filson (my new favorite store).
