Cosmo DeNicola Companies News

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Leigh Steinberg Launches Venture Capital Arm for Sports, Entertainment

Cosmo DeNicola and his partner Leigh Steinberg are at it again. This time, they decided to launch a venture capital arm for Steinberg Sports & Entertainment agency that they established in 2014.

The following is taken from a Variety article called “Leigh Steinberg Launches Venture Capital Arm for Sports, Entertainment” written by Dave McNary on January 29, 2016.

Iconic sports agent Leigh Steinberg is launching venture capital initiative Steinberg Ventures to invest in emerging companies and start-ups in sports and entertainment.

Steinberg Ventures is a partnership with private equity firm Alpha Strategies, led by founder and President Jay Rogers. It will leverage relationships and opportunities sourced primarily through the Steinberg Sports & Entertainment agency, led by Steinberg and Chief Operating Officer Chris Cabott.

Steinberg has represented the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft eight times and his clients have included Steve Young, Troy Aikman and Warren Moon. He was the basis for Tom Cruise’s character in 1996’s “Jerry Maguire” and served as a technical consultant on the film. .

The joint venture will explore sports-related investments and start-ups ranging from entertainment projects such as movies, TV pilots and digital content to sports properties, consumer goods, food and beverage, sports safety and health, concussion-related products, apparel, gaming and apps. That focus will include stadium financing, franchise purchases and relocations.

“The expertise of Jay and his team gives us the ability to analyze and evaluate the investment potential for all the exciting deals that we encounter,” Steinberg said. “There are promising businesses with innovative ideas emerging daily in the sports and entertainment space — we want to help them achieve their goals.”

Alpha Strategies specializes in working with high net worth individuals, family offices and institutional investors. It has syndicated over $1.5 billion in private equity, venture capital, hedge funds and real estate.

“Leigh is a visionary in the sports industry who has always been able to recognize value beyond the numbers on a contract,” said Rogers. “When you consider how large and diversified the sports, health and fitness, media and entertainment industries have become, you get a sense of the upside potential for Steinberg Ventures.”.

Alpha Strategies executives Andreas Saucedo and James Wynne have joined in the venture. Saucedo formerly held senior positions as an alternative investment specialist at Man Investments, Meridian Capital Partners, UBS and Merrill Lynch.

Wynne is a former William Morris Agency executive and a senior consultant specializing in the media, technology and sports industries. He’s advised Disney, Fox, NBC Universal, General Motors and the NFL.

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Amtech Software Opens Registration for 2016 iThink Users Conference

Fort Washington, Pennsylvania based Amtech Software announced that registration is now open for its 2016 iThink User Conference. The conference will be held from September 25-29 at Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, and will feature Amtech’s System of the Future iNext, Visual Analytics and the new In-Plant Digital Signage System, all in the Cloud. This year, guests can personalize their agendas and access event details and registration via a singular, online platform.

“The inspiration for this year’s conference was a two- year project to redo all Amtech systems through substantial investment and innovations,” said Amtech President Cosmo DeNicola. “It’s expected that these new system and technology will transform the packaging industry and set new standards for world class service.”

During the three-day conference, attendees can take advantage of keynote presentations, breakout sessions and one-on-one consultations with Amtech’s support experts.

Visit www.amtechuserconference.com/ithink for more information, online registration, pricing, and hotel accommodations.

A New Generation Continuing A Family Legacy

Following closely in the footsteps of her parents, Morgan DeNicola prepares to usher a second group of students to Humpty Dumpty Institute’s (HDI) United Nation’s Boot Camp on June 26 through July 2 2016. As daughter to Philadelphia based serial entrepreneurs, Cosmo and Janet DeNicola, Morgan strives to continue her family’s legacy which includes humanitarian and other charitable works.

“I’ve participated in the UN Boot Camp before and absolutely loved every second of it,” explained DeNicola. “It has opened my eyes to see the world in a different way that can be brought together through diplomacy and shared purpose.”

The Humpty Dumpty Institute’s “United Nations Boot Camp” is considered to be one of the best UN study programs in the world. Now in its third year, the annual program has attracted young minds from all over the world. At the end of the intense week of study and reflection, participants walk away with deeper understanding of the world and with new lifelong friends.

“The boot camp gave me the opportunity to meet, study with and interact with students from all over the world most of whom I’ve stayed in touch with since it ended,” stated DeNicola. “I hope that other students are just as eager to participate in this unique program.”

Past Boot Camp participants came from Brazil, Ethiopia, Australia, China, Taiwan, Turkey, Sudan, Italy, and the United States. Participants attend briefings at UN Headquarters, the United States Mission to the UN, and several leading non-governmental organizations in New York. They also spend two days of the program in Washington, DC, where they get to meet with key decision-makers and other senior officials from the Department of State, Congressional Staff, the United Nations Information Center and representatives of various, non-governmental organizations, and think tanks which interact with the UN system.

Monday, January 11, 2016

HGE Partners with Temple University to Launch Center for Digital Health

HGE Health Care Solutions, a Temple University Health spinoff and portfolio company of Cosmo DeNicola Companies, is helping to launch the Center for Digital Healthwith a program intended to improve the quality of life for patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). This department-specific digital health center is the first of its kind and a testament to the innovative nature of HGE and Temple University.

The health center will be run by Dr. Gerald Criner, founding chair of Temple’sDepartment of Thoracic Medicine and Surgery who also founded and continues to serve as chairman of HGE Health Care Solutions.

“I am honored to work with my alma mater, HGE and Dr. Criner on this significant endevour,” stated Cosmo DeNicola. “I have high hopes that this project will become a success and a model for other health systems across the country.”

Philly Biz Names Cosmo DeNicola as Executive of the Year

Business entrepreneur, investor, and sports influencer, Cosmo DeNicola, has been named as an Executive of the Year by Philly Biz Magazine. The small and elite list of executives includes only 12 people and comes as a great honor to those who are recognized for their outstanding business feats in the City of Brotherly Love.

“I am very humbled to be named Executive of the Year by Philly Biz,” stated DeNicola. “When I look back over the last 40 years, I am grateful for all the people along the way who have encouraged me and I thank all the hardworking employees that have helped to make my businesses successful.”

The following is an excerpt from the Philly Biz Magazine Executives of the Year feature article written by Michelle Boyles and published in volume 1, issue 1.

Cosmo DeNicola

Owner & Operator, Cosmo DeNicola Companies

Cosmo DeNicola Companies represents an ever-growing portfolio of businesses ranging from sports and entertainment to health care and technology. As a 35-year technology industry veteran, DeNicola has founded and led several national companies (both private and public) to market- leading positions. He co-founded enterprise mobility provider of wireless/ RFID technology, InfoLogix Inc. and international SAP services company, LogiStar Solutions.

DeNicola also serves as an owner of the Philadelphia Soul Arena Football team and chairman of MKSD Talent Management. In fall 2014, he announced a new business partnership with Steinberg Sports and Entertainment (SSE).

Q&A

How did you first start in the industry?

My girlfriend (now wife of 41 years) and I decided to get married when I was 19 and a sophomore at Temple University. Since I was going to be a “married man,” I needed a real job. I found a packaging company in my neighborhood in Northeast Philly that needed a junior accountant. My career kicked off at that plant in 1974 and led me to start my own software and technology company in 1981 focused on the packaging industry.

What inspires you?

Innovating, inventing and mentoring young people.

What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

My ability to meld cultures in the companies I have acquired and to maintain focus on all my 13 portfolio companies at the same time.

Steinberg is Back… with Paxton Lynch Signing

Leigh Steinberg, one of Cosmo DeNicola’s most famous partners, is energized with the signing of Paxton Lynch, star quarterback from the University of Memphis. This deal is the first significant contract since Steinberg relaunched his company Steinberg Sports & Entertainment in 2014.

“I am very excited about this news,” said DeNicola referring to his partner’s comeback. “This move will be a catalyst for continuing up the path of success.”

Excerpt below barrowed from “Houston-backed agent Leigh Steinberg lands Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch'” written by Aaron Wilson and published by Chron on Jan 1, 2016.

The inspiration for the “Jerry Maguire” movie about an idealistic sports agent portrayed by actor Tom Cruise, Leigh Steinberg has landed the equivalent of franchise quarterback Frank “Cush” Cushman in real life.

One of the most famous sports agents for four decades, Steinberg, 66, is orchestrating a major comeback by signing strong-armed, imposing Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch. One of the top NFL draft prospects, Lynch officially declared for the draft on Thursday on the Memphis campus.

After representing Troy Aikman, Steve Young, Warren Moon, Ben Roethlisberger and Drew Bledsoe in a successful practice that started with him signing top overall pick and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Steve Bartkowski in 1975, Steinberg relaunched his business, Steinberg Sports & Entertainment after conquering alcoholism and financial issues. Based in Newport Beach, Calif., Steinberg and Philadelphia-based agent Chris Cabott are working in tandem to guide Lynch and his family into the NFL.

Excerpt below barrowed from “Q&A: Agent Leigh Steinberg says Paxton Lynch 'looks like a franchise quarterback to me'” written by Geoff Calkins and published by The Commercial Appeal Memphis on Dec 31, 2015.

Here’s a quick Q and A with the man who will be guiding Lynch on his journey to the NFL.

Q: How was the recruitment of Paxton?

A: There was very little contact with him. It was constantly done though the family, because the whole point was to let him focus on school and the rest of it. So, actually, David (Paxton’s father) called me in October of 2014 because he just wanted to pick up information. Agents wouldn’t believe that, but that’s what happened. And then we met several times with the parents. And then I came to the Mississippi game, which was all you sort of needed to see. And then we went to Houston, which was exciting. And I had a meeting with Paxton last summer, but just for an hour and a half, and I loved him. As you know, our practice is all about role-modeling. Go back to the high school, set up a scholarship fund, do something at the college, and then have a foundation at the pro level where you try to make an impact and a difference. He was excited about all that. The parents were great. It’s a family, so the values meshed. It just happens to be the thing I’ve done for 42 years.

Q: What potential do you see in Lynch?

A: I’ve had the first pick of the first round eight different years. I had Troy Aikman, Ki-Jana Carter, Dan Wilkinson, Russell Maryland, Drew Bledsoe, Steve Bartkowski. But quarterbacks, it was Warren Moon, Troy Aikman, Steve Young. I helped Ben Roethlisberger’s first years. At one point I had half the starting quarterbacks in the NFL. And he’s all that. He’s a new mode of quarterback. If you look at Cam Newton, or Roethlisberger, they’re tall, have size, but they can run, escape the pocket. It’s a different dynamic. He has a lot to offer. He can go over the middle on third-and-one. ... He looks like a franchise quarterback to me. He’s got those same characteristics. And then it will just come down to individual team choice and who falls in love.

Q: Can he be the No. 1 pick in the draft?

A: Absolutely. History will show that even if other players are rated higher, quarterbacks go above them. The year that Troy Aikman came out, you had Deion Sanders, Barry Sanders and Derrick Thomas in the draft and Troy went first. The position is so much more critical than when I started in 1975, it’s a quarterback-centric game. And there are a number of teams out there who are looking, a larger number of teams than normal who are looking.

Q: Do you already have a sense that particular teams are interested?

A: I’d rather not say the teams but, yes, I do. ... This will all play out, but clearly people know that Houston needs a quarterback, St. Louis may be in the market for a quarterback, the 49ers need a quarterback, Philadelphia may need a quarterback. It flips around. I call it a team falling in love with a player, and they get excited, so we’ll see how it all develops.

Q: What is the process from here?

A: He is leaving Saturday to tour three potential training facilities. Then you start with the training, which is now the thing everybody does. Then you go to the combine, which is the physicals, and the 20-minute interviews with teams.

Q: Will he throw at the combine?

A: Probably not. The key will be a pro scouting day here, at Memphis, where he does a 40-minute throwing session. It will be back on campus in March. That throwing session is important. Years ago, when Jeff George did it, they called it the $15 million workout video because that’s what he signed for. If it’s a thing of beauty, that sort of locks it in. But this is all about individual teams falling in love with the player. It’s going to be a lot of fun.

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

A Night in Miami With Mack Wilds and Paris Hilton

Cosmo DeNicola and Natalie Scarantino meet up with MKSD client, Mack Wilds at his performance at the Nikki Beach Club in Miami. Wilds was among the many music and Hollywood celebrities and performers who added to the creative spirit and environment of Art Basel Miami edition. The annual art festival brings together many of the art world’s stars and up and comers. Mack Wilds is largely known for his role as Michael Lee in the HBO drama The Wire, Dixon Wilson in 90210, and Ray “Junior” Gannon in the movie Red Tails. He was also nominated for a Grammy for the release of his album New York: A Love Story and is featured in Adele’s latest music video Hello which has over 600 million views.

“Mack always brings so much energy and life to a crowd, “said DeNicola. “I enjoy his performances and look forward to his continued success.”

Later that evening, DeNicola and Scarantino met up with Paris Hilton who was DJ’ing a party at the W Hotel’s “Wall Lounge.”

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Cosmo Moderates Temple University’s Executive in Residence Program Featuring Ron Jaworski

As part of it’s Career Day, Temple University’s School of Tourism and Hospitality Management hosted its annual Executive in Residence (EIR) program designed to enhance the academic excellence of the school through exposure to the experiences of accomplished and veteran business executives. Cosmo DeNicola, Temple graduate, businessman, and co-owner of the Philadelphia Soul football team, moderated discussions between featured guest, Ron Jaworski, former NFL player, business man, and co-owner of the Soul.

Moderators are usually selected from the same industry as the guest so that they can facilitate and provide parallel insight to the discussion. “I was honored when asked to be a part of such a great event,” stated DeNicola. “Not only did the exchange of ideas and information provide exception value to the students, but it was also rewarding for me.

Monday, November 23, 2015

Futura Mobility Earns a Spot on Deloitte’s Fast 500 for 2015

Futura Mobility, a leading mobile technology solutions company based in the greater Philadelphia area, announced that it has once again earned a place onDeloitte's Technology Fast 500™, a ranking of the 500 fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and energy tech companies in North America.

This honor solidifies Futura Mobility as one of the fastest growing enterprise and healthcare mobility companies in the country. Futura Mobility’s revenue grew nearly 154 percent from fiscal year 2011 to fiscal year 2014, an impressive feat in a fiercely competitive climate.

“We are honored that Deloitte has recognized our business for our significant growth accomplishments,” said David Gulian, CEO of Futura Mobility. “Our carefully executed expansion is indicative of our ability to adapt to market challenges and customer demands as we strive to deliver nothing but the highest quality solutions and services.”

Futura Mobility serves the needs of customers in various industries including enterprise, logistics, manufacturing, retail, and healthcare. Some of the customers mentioned by Gulian that have helped contribute to Futura’s growth include large corporations such as Reynold’s Consumer Products and Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, and Mercedes-Benz USA as well as healthcare providers such as Kaiser Permanente, Cleveland Clinic, Inspira Health Network, Main Line Health and Cooper University Hospital.

Monday, November 23, 2015

Soul Adds Prominent Business Leaders to Ownership Group

Cosmo DeNicola, co-owner of the Philadelphia Soul of the Arena Football League is pleased to announce five new exciting additions to the Soul ownership group – Stewart Anmuth, Principal at Kistler Tiffany Benefits; Phil Jaurigue, President and Founder of Sabre Systems, Inc.; Nicholas Giuffre, President and CEO of Bradford White Corporation; Gil Peter, Director of Foru Holdings and Hal Brunson, Entrepreneur. These prominent leaders join Cosmo and the existing ownership group, which consists of Ron Jaworski, Dick Vermeil, Craig Spencer, Pete Ciarrocchi, Cosmo DeNicola, Marty Judge and New Orleans Saints’ Marques Colston and Jahri Evans.

“We continue to add some of the best business leaders in the Philadelphia area which will help take our organization to the next level,” said Soul majority owner and ESPN analyst, Ron Jaworski. “We are very strategic about who we want to bring into our group. Not only do they have to be dynamic business executives with a passion for our sport, but they also have to be great people. We found that perfect combination with each of our new partners.”

Stewart Anmuth is a Principal at Kistler Tiffany Benefits (KTB), one of the region’s premier employee benefits consulting firms. A Drexel University graduate and entrepreneur with progressive visions for growth, Stewart is one of the area’s leading experts in strategic healthcare benefits savings.

Phil Jaurigue is President and CEO of Sabre Systems Inc., founded in 1989 in Warrington, PA. Under his guidance and leadership, Sabre has grown into a highly successful technological and engineering services company that has been recognized for its history of continuous growth. Phil has been inducted into the Philadelphia 100® Hall of Fame. His business and community leadership along with his commitment to the entrepreneurial spirit earned him the prestigious Greater Philadelphia Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year® Award.

Nicholas “Nick” Giuffre is the President and CEO for Bradford White Corporation, based in Ambler, PA. Bradford White has been in business since 1881 producing wholesale water heating, space heating, combination heating and water storage products that are 100% American Made. Nick began his career at Bradford White Water Heaters in the service department and ultimately worked his way up through the organization to President and CEO.

Gil Peter has been Director of Foru Holdings since April 2010. Mr. Peter’s focus has been on developing companies from early stage to acquisition or public offering. He launched companies in many sectors, including Internet, Business Services, Real Estate Communications, Software, Sports Apparel, Entertainment and Health Consulting. Gil’s current ventures center around health, wellness and ageless living. In addition to his leadership role with Foru Holdings, he is a partner in a successful high-end urgent care center in northern New Jersey.

Hal Brunson is a successful entrepreneur in the oilfield services and oil and gas exploration for 30 years. Hal is also owner and CEO of an investment firm that has extensive investments in the health and wellness sector, real estate and energy. He has an extensive portfolio of national and international ventures.

The Soul will kick off their 11th season in March of 2016. With four division championships, three conference championships and a World Championship, the Soul is the winningest sports franchise in Philadelphia since their inaugural season in 2004. read more ...

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