In the Arena: Conversations of a Lifetime

Joe Napoli – President/CEO: Toledo Mud Hens, Toledo Walleye, and Hensville

February 23, 2023 Brad Rieger Season 3 Episode 37
In the Arena: Conversations of a Lifetime
Joe Napoli – President/CEO: Toledo Mud Hens, Toledo Walleye, and Hensville
Show Notes

After several years working in the banking industry in NYC, Joe pivoted to the business-side of sports. Early on he had management roles with the Canton-Akron Indians, Toledo Mud Hens, Chicago Bulls, and Detroit Tigers. In 1998 he returned to the Toledo Mud Hens as VP and General Manager and was instrumental in elevating minor league sports in the Toledo region and nationally. He was the force behind Fifth Third Field being built in downtown Toledo. Several years later he joined forces again with community leaders to expand downtown redevelopment in the form of the Toledo Walleye hockey team, Huntington Center, and entertainment district Hensville. The City of Toledo has consistently been rated one of the best places in the country for minor league sports. His ability to work with people and build supportive coalitions around transformational initiatives is reflective of Joe’s dynamic leadership approach. His laser focus on the fan experience and bringing value to the community is driven by the question: How can we make things better? 

Host/Executive Producer; Brad Rieger, Audio Engineer/Production Coordinator; Kerry Schwable, Social Coordinator; Tim McCarthy, Graphic Designers: Stephen Shankster/Jeremy Thomas. Content made possible by Cooper-Smith Advertising LLC 2023