Today we’d like to introduce you to Barry Mendelson.
Barry, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
At the age of 8 I knew exactly what I wanted to do with my life because at night I listened to 30,000 watt clear channel radio broadcasting baseball games. I fell in love listening to the announcer and imaging the game. So that’s what I wanted to be, a play by play radio broadcaster. I was fortunate to start during college at a local radio station and I broadcast on weekends for local high school games. After my 2 years of service in the military I returned to New York and went to work for ABC Television. But on weekends I broadcast college football games for a radio station on Long Island. From there I became the color analyst for the NY Giants radio network and then the play by play announcer for the NY Jets radio network (sadly I broadcast the year AFTER they won the Super Bowl). My interest turned to sports management and I was hired by the Boston Celtics to negotiate their broadcast contracts. The Los Angeles Lakers hired me to be the director of marketing for the Lakers, the Kings, and the fabulous Los Angeles Forum. I was hired the year the Lakers won the championship and won 30 games in a row, which is still a record. From there I moved on to become the sports director of KFI radio in Los Angeles which carried the Lakers games along with the LA Dogers and at the same time I became the Personal Manager for the great Jerry West. In 1974 I was asked to start and be in charge of the business operations of a new NBA franchise in New Orleans, called The Jazz. I then became the Executive Vice President and General Manager in 1976 and stayed with The Jazz until their departure for Utah. When The Jazz left New Orleans I went into the rock concert promotion business because it was always my belief that sports were entertainment. I was part of a team that renovated a 3,000 seat historic landmark theater in New Orleans that allowed us to present 175 performances a year. At the same time I promoted many concerts in arenas from Florida to Texas and did the grand openings in 7 venues. In 1988 I was recruited to become Executive Vice President of all Entertainment at Madison Square Garden. In 1991 I went into business with NBC Television Network to produce for worldwide television, thematic Holiday Specials. From there I produced in partnership with FOX Sports Television, a series called, “Beyond the Glory” for 5 years and 91 episodes. Having sold my interest in that show, I began producing syndicated television specials with world-wide distribution and from 1998 to 2004 I syndicated over 55 specials. In 2006, upon moving to Dallas, TX I got involved in producing a number of events for the new Dallas Cowboy Football Stadium in Arlington including the first ever college basketball game between the then national champions, UNC versus UT and a Star Wars film and symphonic show. Currently in Dallas I produce both live entertainment and television specials.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
When you’re in business for yourself, there is no smooth road. There are countless unforeseen struggles every day.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I currently produce both Lightwire Theater and the Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular domestically and internationally.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I still have many hills to climb in the entertainment business. Who knows what tomorrow will bring.
Contact Info:
Image Credit:
Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular and Lightwire Theater
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