Crawford has been in N.Y. this week meeting with different marketing and branding companiespro football hof
MIKE CRAWFORD was named CEO of the Johnson Controls Hall of Fame Village at the Pro Football HOF almost six months ago, and the relocation from Toronto to Canton has been seamless for the Ohio-native -- with one caveat: “The weather has not been a surprise.” Crawford in December left his position with Four Seasons Hotel & Resorts to head up the project. He likes what he’s seen from his team so far in the group’s efforts to bring the $889M development to completion. Crawford caught up with THE DAILY to dish on his plans for the weekend, his Notre Dame football fandom and how he helps his daughter prepare for her college finals.
WEEKLY AGENDA: It’s been an interesting week. I’ve been in N.Y. meeting with different sorts of marketing and branding companies. It’s exciting to take some of the value-based stuff that the Hall of Fame does so well and build off that to where this mixed-use destination can come to life.
HOME COOKING: Working for Four Seasons, I felt like I was ready for a more diverse opportunity than just being in the hotel business. When I had the chance to learn what this job was going to be about -- building a place that people feel a connection to, something that resonates with everyone -- that was pretty exciting for me. I have a lot of emotional connections here too. I grew up in northeast Ohio, and I have family that still lives there.
OUTSIDE THE OFFICE: I’m a golfer and I’m trying to build my game back up. I travel so much and you don’t have time to play. Weekends I’ve been hitting the range and taking lessons. I play tennis as well and fortunately I have a court in my backyard so I can get out there and hit it around. I have a 21-year-old daughter who is a junior at Notre Dame and she’s getting ready to go through finals. We’ll spend some time this weekend going through her study game plan and making sure that she’s ready and feels supported. She’s pre-med, so it’s a monster of an agenda for her. Then later this summer I’ll be preparing for her to come here to Canton where she’ll actually have an internship. So this weekend I’ll also do a bit of house prep and get things ready. The weekend for me also can’t go by without some level of work. I do have to find time to make some phone calls, send some emails and do some things to ensure that I’m prepared for the next week. Both days also start with a workout and I’m often walking my Alaskan Malamute.
LOCAL SUPPORT: I am a huge Notre Dame football fan. I have a condo in South Bend so I’ll usually go there and have a little tailgate and enjoy the game. When Sunday comes, the Browns are my team, and this year I may not be embarrassed to say I’m a fan! I’m also a TIGER WOODS guy -- I really enjoy the enthusiasm and the energy he brings to the game. I thought it was great that he won The Masters. I know he’s had some challenges in his personal life but I think his work ethic and his commitment to excellence is really something to admire. You watch him win The Masters and you immediately want to go out and play.
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