Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeff Munn.
Hi Jeff, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It’s been a tremendous journey to say the least, not to mention so many remarkable blessings along the way.
I have always maintained varied interests over the years, but none so strong as the continued desire to create and manage events -I love driving the passions of others and creating positive experiences, which makes my current employer the perfect fit. I didn’t start out in the entertainment business, however. I graduated from the University of Oklahoma and had stints as an Athletic Trainer in the NCAA, Continental Basketball Association and the National Football League before embarking on a new journey back in 1989 with the Harlem Globetrotters. I couldn’t believe it -an opportunity to work with the heroes I grew up with! Up to that point, I had met and worked closely with plenty of great people, tremendous athletes and stars in their sports -but there was just something different about this team that I could not pass on. There were plenty of folks question my decision and some even told me how foolish it was to walk away from what was perceived to be a more lucrative and better positioned career path with other opportunities in front of me -and they couldn’t have been more wrong. For me, it wasn’t about money or prestige I may be leaving behind -it was about purpose. The Harlem Globetrotters had it -purpose.
I came onboard as an Athletic Trainer, but that didn’t last long. It seemed that paying attention in math class all those years began to pay off as I quickly became a Tour Manager, settling large-scale shows and leading the group on the ground from city to city, country to country -still one of my favorite roles to this day. Soon, however, things began to change. With new ownership came new opportunities. Mannie Jackson bought the team out of bankruptcy in 1993, a seasoned executive -and a former Globetrotter himself. He was smart, visionary, and understood business -but also a tremendous mentor and influence on my professional career. He was a teacher and I was ready to learn as much as I could. In 1995, I accepted his invitation to take a corporate role in Tour Operations, then later he gave me the task of reinvigorating our International business -and we did it! Soon thereafter, I became Vice President International, then later roles of VP, Operations, Booking, Marketing, and Merchandising, hitting all departments before becoming Chief Operating Officer roughly 20 years ago. We were securing over 400 shows in 30+ countries annually -things were going great, especially considering where we started back in ’93. With all of this progress, however, the real success was on the court. It was (and still is) the best of both worlds. No matter what any of us did -or do today, there is nothing that compares to the performance in the arena. It really didn’t matter what was happening in the world, community, or in the family -all of that seemed to go away for everyone in attendance, even if only for two hours. To this day, this is where the real magic happens. Laughter, smiles, family memories. Priceless. Purpose.
The team sold to a private equity firm after Mannie’s ownership then was purchased in 2013 by Herschend Family Entertainment located in Peachtree Corners. Herschend is the largest privately owned themed-entertainment company that operates a number of theme parks and tourist attractions within the United States and Canada. To this day, we entertain millions around the world bringing families closer together and creating memories worth repeating -I cannot think of anything better than that!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Smooth? Hardly, but that’s not necessarily a negative either. I always say if we are not making mistakes -we are not trying hard enough. Things happen. Sure, I have made plenty of mistakes along the way, but I just try not making them twice and I ask the same of those around me. So much of what has been my upbringing in the business is simply not learned in school -you learn from practical experience and I have been fortunate to have good people around me with the same passion for the brand and driving success no matter the task big or small.
Over the years, we have run up to four simultaneous tours at a time around the world, 120 people in total, border crossings, inclement weather, transportation delays, media calls, rehearsals, with each unit playing up to 9 shows a week from London to Djibouti -even North Korea… what could possibly go wrong? Hahaha. It’s what we do -and love. So, not always smooth, but we have become pretty good on the planning side and are always exploring contingencies at every turn.
Operationally, getting the entourage to their destination safely is our number one priority. Once our teams arrive, they take on the hard work -and deliver with everything they’ve got, night after night, and do not disappoint.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As Executive VP and General Manager, my job is to oversee all aspects of the business from talent recruitment, tour operations, marketing, public relations, licensing, sponsorships, merchandising, and business/revenue growth. The company is bigger than most would imagine and quite successful. The secret? It’s our people.
Whether on the tours or in a non-tour function, it is our personnel that drive this storied brand -always has been. None of us would be where we are today without our predecessors setting the stage, nor each other today contributing to our collective success. Our players are remarkable -I always say, for instance, I like “Thunder”, but I love “Corey Law”. Like “Torch”, but love “Cherelle George”. The person in that uniform is special beyond definition -they all understand the legacy and responsibility that jersey carries. Every one of them could sit in a boardroom -or watch over your kids. They are not only tremendous athletes and entertainers, they are simply great people, professionals, and have a desire to do what is right, teach what is right, and lead by example -something they refer to as the “Globetrotters Way”. For those in all departments, we have incredible folks with remarkable skills…and passion. I have never simply hired “resumes” -I hire “people” and I believe strongly in promotion from within. Everyone deserves a shot -as a matter of fact, many of those leading departments for us today began in tour roles with little applicable experience at the time of hire for what they currently do. Today, they operate various lines of business and are responsible for millions in revenue and expenses -and they do it remarkably well. It’s the people.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I was fortunate to not only have good teachers and mentors -but I was smart enough to listen, learn, and adapt to most situations as I progressed in my professional path. It seems like yesterday when I graduated and started off on my own since college -it’s been a whirlwind. 32 years with this team, having been to 96 countries to date, and not a day goes by that I am not grateful for the opportunity to carry on the legacy. Beginning in 1926, so many sacrifices by those players before me. Unimaginable conditions and unforgivable treatment and yet the team persevered with dignity, showing the world what humanity should be -they never stopped. True influencers of their day, before the internet or any other apps out there. They led by example. They were incredible. They had purpose.
I listened, learned, and grew. I have a great family that has been patient beyond reason -seemingly endless business trips, moves, and too many late night phone calls to count -I am blessed. At this point in my career, my value is really not what I know, but what I can teach. In my current role, I am able to do just that in hopes that this storied brand will continue for generations to come. Society needs some Globetrotter magic today more than ever, right? No one does it better than they do – and I want to see that carried on.
Contact Info:
- Email: jeff.munn@harlemglobetrotters.com
- Website: www.harlemglobetrotters.com
