Summertime, and the livin’ is supposed to be easy, right? Continuing on a theme we hit on last week, I touched base with a few friends and readers about their plans over the summer months. Here are their to-do lists:
HARLAN STONE
SJX Partners | Co-Founder and Managing Partner
In terms of must-reads, I really must finish “The Enigma,” by Alan Turing. It was a great movie but slog of a read; also “The Teller,” the newest Jonathan Stone thriller, and I need to catch up on New Yorker magazines.
A must-do: Old man’s (55+) USTA tennis events. Five on the schedule this summer. Same doubles partner for 30 years.
Must-vacation: Shelburne Farms at Lake Champlain in Vermont. I will play the world’s finest private six-hole course (Links at Quaker Smith Point). Barefoot suggested and canine caddies encouraged.
Must-see TV: None except Wimbledon and the Mets. Yes, hope springs eternal.
Must-have: As much time as I can with my three 20-somethings who seem to surface a bit more during “pool season.”
PATRICK RYAN
The Ticket Experience | Co-Owner
I have started going on walks to get fresh air and listen to podcasts. The most impactful one is Tim Ferriss, who is best known for his book “The 4-Hour Workweek.”
The back catalogue of past guests is quite impressive, as he focuses on people who have excelled in their respective fields. Some of the most interesting knowledge I am gaining as a sports business professional is from those in the technology startup world and those in venture capital focusing on technology. The episode with legendary investor Chris Sacca is a can’t miss. Ferris asks all of his guests some similar questions as it pertains to their daily habits and world views. It is quite insightful to learn how the best of the best are starting their days and investing their time.
JOHN CURRIE
Kansas State | Athletic Director
Must read: “Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy,” by Eric Metaxas
Must visit: A certain front porch in Buncombe County, North Carolina, and foosball with my kids at the nearby Black Mountain Ale House.
DONNA ORENDER
Orender Unlimited | CEO
While my LinkedIn profile begs for a must-redo and my Facebook account certainly pleads for a facelift, I’m not sure they make the summer musts lists. With our twins turning 18 this summer, it is a rite of passage to be humbled by the beauty and majesty of the good ole USA. A visit to the National Parks and in particular a tour of the oldest and certainly among the grandest of parks, Yellowstone, is a must. We are talking natural beauty, wildlife and a destination that lets us know just where we fit in the ecosystem.
“Orange is the New Black,” Season 3 awaits. Is Crazy Eyes the most remarkable of actresses?
Favorite authors, new summer books: Nelson DeMille, “Radiant Angel,” [and] Talia Carner, “Hotel Moscow,” on the reading list, and “Citizen,” a new play about the issues of race, starring actress Tina Lifford, in L.A. is on the viewing list.
Of course, all bets are off as the No. 1 must on the list is to binge-watch, view and stalk my sons who leave for college in just a few short weeks.
JAIME FAULKNER
E15 | CEO
Must visit summer spot: Watercolor, Fla.
With our family’s busy schedule with me running E15, Colin in the middle of the season with the Chicago Cubs, we want to go somewhere where there are only two options — pool or beach — and we can focus on connecting as a family. And we’ll need that break, getting ready for the Cubs’ run in the playoffs this season. We’re doing just that this year in August, heading to Watercolor, Fla., with my brother-in-law Chris Faulkner (manager of premium seating with the Denver Broncos).
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CHUCK BAKER
DLA Piper | Partner
High on my bucket list is a return to Napa Valley and its wonderful vineyards and farm-to-table restaurants. My last trip through was a decade ago when I cycled through. Napa and Sonoma and down the Pacific Coast Highway to Big Sur. Nothing like smelling the grapes on two wheels.
I want to make sure to read David Brooks’ “The Road to Character.” His Dartmouth commencement speech was outstanding and certainly worth a view on YouTube. In contrast, summer wouldn’t be summer without taking in the new “Entourage” film. It will be nice to see the gang almost grown up.
Lastly, in addition to completing another New York City Triathlon, I want to be sure to take in summer weekends out in East Hampton, happy hours at Wölffer Estate, lazy days at Main Beach and lobster BBQs with friends and family!
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BRIAN COOPER
S&E Sponsorship Group | President
Summer in Canada is treated with much reverence because it is so fleeting, so the wish list is highly prioritized.
My “gotta do” list includes:
I will hit the U2 tour with their epic staging, and Mumford & Sons touring behind their new album.
I take the month of August off and
retreat to our beach house in Kincardine, Ontario, on the shores of Lake Huron. I’ll read, work out, play golf, have quality family time and vegetate.
I’ll be reading “A Curious Mind” by producer Brian Grazer; “Delivering Happiness” by Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh and “Yes Please” by comedian extraordinaire Amy Poehler.
My task is to teach my 10-year-old an ankle breaking “crossover dribble, pull up jumper” basketball move so next season he owns it.
My bingeing late night and rainy day treats will be “House of Cards” and “True Detective.”
And my secret passion is preparing summertime local produce dishes, mixed with traditional and some not-so-traditional BBQ meats, paired with some great wines.
GLENN WONG
Mark H. McCormack Department of Sport Management at the University of Massachusetts | Professor
My vacation plans include Cape Cod for beach, golf and lobster rolls with my family. I also plan on taking a trip with my son to Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Oregon.
My must-do list includes cleaning up and organizing 30-plus years of University of
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Massachusetts files; to begin playing tennis after my Achilles injury; to begin planning the next adventure.
My must-reads are “The Wright Brothers”; “Elon Musk: Tesla, Space X and the Quest for a Fantastic Future”; Richard Branson’s “Like a Virgin: Secrets They Don’t Teach You at Business School.”
Must-attend: PGA Championship at Whistling Straits, Kohler, Wis.; U.S. Open Tennis Championships in New York; and the Deutsche Bank Championship at TPC Boston.
Hope you’re having a great summer. Let me know what you are doing to catch your breath and recharge.
Abraham D. Madkour can be reached at amadkour@sportsbusinessjournal.com.
