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Ted Leonsis

Ted Leonsis
Ted Leonsis Head Shot 100113.jpg
Leonsis in 2013
Born Theodore John Leonsis
(1957-01-08) January 8, 1957 (age 60)
Brooklyn, New York
Residence Potomac, Maryland
Nationality American
Alma mater Georgetown University
Occupation Owner of Monumental Sports & Entertainment
Founder of Snagfilms
Founder of Revolution Money
Founder of LIST Magazine and Redgate Communications
Former President and Vice-Chairman of AOL
Chairman of Clearspring Technologies
Spouse(s) Lynn Leonsis (1987–present)
Children 2
Website tedstake.com

Theodore John "Ted" Leonsis (born January 8, 1957) is an American businessman, investor, filmmaker, author, philanthropist, and former politician. He is a former senior executive with America Online (AOL). As the founder, chairman, and CEO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, he is the majority owner of the National Hockey League's Washington Capitals, the National Basketball Association's Washington Wizards, the Women's National Basketball Association's Washington Mystics, the Arena Football League's Washington Valor and the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. He is a founding member and investor in the Revolution Growth Fund, which includes investments in FedBid, Resonate Insights, Optoro and CustomInk. He is the founder and chairman of SnagFilms, which produced the documentary film Nanking. The film was honored with the 2009 News & Documentary Emmy Award. In 2010, he wrote the book, The Business of Happiness.

Theodore John Leonsis was born on January 8, 1957 in Brooklyn, New York. Born to a family of working class Greek immigrant parents and grandparents who were mill workers, who worked as a waiter and a secretary. Citing his humble beginnings and working-class background, Leonsis states the highest income they ever earned was $31,000 combined as his dad worked for tips – often received in change – as he worked a counter for breakfast and lunch at a diner and recalling his fathers agony when he lost his job. When his high school guidance counselor evaluated his skillsets, the counselor concluded that young Ted was destined to work in a grocery store. Leonsis also reflects on his working-class roots that being a grocery store manager was all his dad aspired him to be. During his youth, Leonsis mowed lawns for extra money. One day when mowing, he stumbled upon mowing the lawn owned by a wealthy stockbroker and Georgetown alumus named Jim Shannon. Impressed by Leonsis's strong work ethic and cutting the grass with extra care to impress the older gentlemen, he helped Leonsis gain admission into Georgetown University.


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