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John Bommarito: The Industry Expert That Massively Scaled Bommarito Automotive Group Through Innovation 

They say that the success of an enterprise does not come from one person alone. But at the same time, it also greatly helps to have a leader who inspires the people to band together in working towards progress. Such is the story of the Bommarito Automotive Group, a venture that has experienced massive growth under the insightful supervision of its president John Bommarito.

Having been exposed to the family business since childhood, the entrepreneur developed a strong desire for automotives at a young age. Given this, it did not come as a surprise when he finally decided to pursue it full-time. 

When he officially joined the company, he began working as a salesman selling new Mazdas. Then, eager to learn more about the industry, he transferred to the Nissan location and took on the role of Finance Manager. After that, he went on to handle several positions, including General Manager of Bommarito Cellular.

Over the years, John has made numerous game-changing decisions that helped solidify Bommarito Automotive Group’s reputation as an automotive authority in Missouri. For example, the president has helped the enterprise land the highly coveted Honda and Volkswagen franchises in Hazelwood. In 2007, Audi awarded the Bommarito Automotive Group its new high line point in the West St. Louis County area in Ellisville. Now, the venture is among the elite list of car dealerships to carry the most luxurious and sought brands in the market, such as Pontiac, Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, Toyota, Suzuki, Nissan, and Honda.

Aside from helping grow its incredible portfolio, John also ushered in a new wave of innovation for the company through a collaboration with Gateway Motorsports Park in Madison, Illinois. It is a multi-year agreement that was designed to bring back the excitement and enthusiasm for world-class racing in the St. Louis Region after many years. Additionally, for its inaugural show in 2017, the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 was announced with the title sponsor Bommarito Automotive Group bringing all of the cars and stars of the Indianapolis 500.

In keeping with his vision of scaling the brand’s success, the intuitive man spearheaded the venture’s NASCAR Gander Outdoor Truck Series team in 2018. A year later, the Bommarito Automotive Group Indy car series race had quickly grown to become the 3rd largest attended race in the series. On top of that, Indy Car has recognized the president for his exclusive “Audience Enhancement Program,” which has led to the record-breaking attendance for the Bommarito 500 after only two events in the St. Louis region.

John Bommarito has undeniably proven his unrivaled business acumen and passion for his craft. In recognition of the impressive contributions he has made to the industry, he was named winner of the “President Clubs,” a prestigious honor for outstanding Sales and Service awards from franchises like Ford, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Infiniti, and Volkswagen. 

But more than any accolades and distinctions that he received, what truly makes the president of the Bommarito Automotive Group stand out is his exceptional passion for the industry and the company. 

A New Kind of Basketball Emerges with Global Mixed Gender Basketball League (GMGB)

From one decade to another since its creation in 1891, basketball is undoubtedly one of the most influential sports in the world, continuously influencing the lives of both young people and adults. Basketball has inspired the dreams of many aspiring young athletes, given their purpose, and brought out the best in them. The world witnessed the awe-inspiring careers of legendary basketball icons like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Lebron James, and the late Kobe Bryant, and their lives have been unceasingly igniting the burning passion growing inside of many young athletes today. Just as times are constantly changing and evolving, so is basketball with the emergence of the Global Mixed Gender Basketball League (GMGB).

If anything, GMGB is poised to revolutionize basketball as it introduces a new way of playing it that is inclusive and fun. Established in 2015 by James Scott, the owner and CEO of the world’s first co-ed professional basketball league, GMGB has sought to unite both men and women athletes with exceptional skills in playing the game. Overall, there are seven existing teams in the league, each owned by different internationally known celebrities or entertainers. Interestingly, the players in the league are former professional basketball players in the NBA, WNBA, and the Harlem Globetrotters. They all agreed to be part of the league as they believe in Scott’s vision and what it can do for future generations. 

“The unique formula that we’ve developed for play is three women and two men on the court in the first quarter, followed by two women and three men in the second quarter, on each team. Each quarter it rotates. This, along with a few other minor changes in play, ensures an exciting and never-before-seen format, what we believe to be The Future of Basketball,” Scott explained.

There are bound to be a few raised eyebrows along the way, but Scott believes it is just a matter of time before basketball fans all over the world open themselves up to embracing new possibilities. By introducing GMGB, barriers and biases will be broken.

“There are no other professional basketball teams or leagues that have men and women playing together on the court at the same time. The vision of equality is evidenced not only in the players but in the coaches and referees as well. Everything is men and women. That coupled with the internationally known celebrity team owners and the outstanding halftime entertainment that they bring sets us apart from all the rest,” he added.

The world has witnessed a lot of role reversals for many decades now, from the basic home setting to business and politics, where women are boldly taking center stage. Seeing the same role reversals happen on a basketball court is quite life-changing and exciting, to say the least. Scott hopes to be able to one day effectively bridge the gap that has made gender a gauge in professional sports. 

Guided by the slogan “Equal Pay for Equal Play,” Scott intends to make GMGB a platform instigating genuine change that will benefit everyone who has a deep passion for basketball, regardless of their gender and status in life. While the league is a long way from making mixed gender basketball a normal thing in the sports industry, Scott is determined to see his plans come to fruition. 

Rhys O’Connell: From Beverly Hills to The Hamptons

One common underlying theme among success stories is how powerful passion and dedication are in transforming dreams into actions. In today’s inherently competitive space, these characteristics’ importance can never be emphasized enough. Among those powerhouses who are setting this example in their pursuits of success is Rhys O’Connell, an esteemed leader in the hospitality services industry who is currently making waves.

Rhys O’Connell is a prestigious hotelier who is widely recognized for his incredible track record across the industry. He is highly acclaimed for elevating luxury hotels and resorts, cementing a reputable stance across the trade. While his list of accomplishments speaks volumes of his brilliance and prowess, nothing compares to his passion and dedication to his craft in serving as a catapulting device towards the summits of success.

Boasting colors that exude a zealous spirit and a driven mindset, Rhys O’Connell has always had an incredible affinity toward the hotel business and management. However, before delving deep into the scene, he began carving his path to greatness in the food and beverage industry, sweeping the trade with his impressive command over the craft. He was working at a luxurious Hyatt brand, which allowed him to gain notoriety and the experience he needed to launch himself further. After his exemplary work in the food and beverage industry, Rhys then pursued his true calling and landed a couple of executive roles in the hospitality services trade, including Luxe Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills and Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica.

Having gathered enough experience over the years, this power player was then hired as the director of operations for Hotel Zephyr at the iconic Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. Within only five months, he was promoted to general manager. 

While Rhys O’Connell’s career had climbed the summits of success, the world was at a standstill when COVID-19 shook the hospitality services industry to its core. Many businesses, including hotels, closed down, but this power player managed to maneuver Hotel Zephyr towards the pinnacles of triumph during these trying times. The exemplary service he provided to the hotel helped him land a general manager position at Nobu Hotel in Miami Beach, Florida, where he initiated a five-star luxury upgrade from what had been a standard facility. He identified and hired appropriate staff, established best practices, and created an upgraded guest experience. As a result, Nobu Hotel became a standard across the industry, with ratings and reviews drastically improved.

Because of the successes he has contributed throughout the global health crisis, this esteemed personality has been featured in Forbes Magazine and voted ‘Hotel General Manager of the Year by the New York Weekly. Currently, Rhys O’Connell continues to make waves as he leads the unveiling of exclusive resorts in The Hamptons, New York and Moab, Utah.

Even with his established venture and highly lucrative career, Rhys O’Connell shows no signs of slowing down. Determined to keep going, he plans to continue demonstrating excellence and quality service in her future endeavors within the hospitality services industry.