Editor’s note: This talk was part of the Kogod School of Business’ Alan Meltzer CEO Leadership Speaker Series. Moderated by Kogod’s Dean David Marchick, the event featured an in-depth discussion with Mark Ein, DC-based sports leader, venture capitalist, and entrepreneur. In addition to the CEO Speaker Series, this event was co-sponsored by the Kogod School of Business, the AU Department of Athletics and Recreation, Washington College of Law’s Sport and Society Initiative, and the Veloric Center for Entrepreneurship.
When Mark Ein decided to quit his job to launch his own company, the process took months. Night after night, he woke up drenched in a cold sweat, his mind racing through every scenario that could go wrong.
Eventually, he persevered, moving on to found the private equity firm Venturehouse Group. He later bought Kastle Systems, a DC-based security company, and the Washington Kastles Tennis franchise—a venture he dreamed of owning during his days as a competitive tennis player.
“I’ve had successes, but I’m not sure people realize how hard it was in the beginning,” he shared with Dean Marchick during his talk. “I got through it by just persisting. It wasn’t a natural thing.”
This mindset and his self-labeled “core mantra” of continuous improvement continue to help him advance in business today.
Now co-owner of the Washington Commanders, DC’s professional football team, Ein is steadily boosting the company’s revenue and clout by reimagining the fan experience.
"You want to get on a virtuous cycle where positive improvements start feeding off each other," said Ein. "This is important for everything in life—but especially business."
Read on for more of Ein’s insights from his discussion with Dean Marchick, including which business lessons he points to as pivotal to his success.
