ION's Evolution and the Art of Leadership

What do you have your eye on? Join us for an intriguing conversation with Dave Behar, the visionary CEO and Chief Executive Athlete of ION, as he takes us through the captivating story of ION's transformation from a sports merchandising startup to a dynamic digital media giant. Discover how Dave's innovative mindset propelled the ION brand into e-commerce, media production, and even quirky sporting spectacles like turtle and pig racing. Learn about the brand's unique name origin and delve into Dave's insights on what constitutes a remarkable brand, focusing on integrity, sustainability, and recognizing untapped market opportunities. But it's not all business talk. We also explore the profound role of fun and passion in entrepreneurship. Dave shares how the entrepreneurial journey mirrors a strategic game, where enjoyment is interwoven with ambition. You'll hear about his personal quest to reignite a passion for track and field with the goal of competing in the Senior Olympics, revealing the intrinsic link between sports and entrepreneurial spirit. There's also a playful recounting of a golf rivalry with a cousin, highlighting how personal enjoyment and a competitive edge can fuel both business and leisure pursuits. This episode will shed light on balancing business success with personal fulfillment. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Welcome to Business Legacy Podcast 00:00:10 - Introducing Dave Behar, CEO of ION 00:00:30 - The Origins of ION 00:01:15 - Inspiration: "What do you have your eye on?" 00:02:00 - From Sports Merchandising to Digital Media 00:03:00 - Diverse Model: E-commerce, Media, Sporting Events 00:04:00 - Integrity and Sustainability in Branding 00:05:30 - Dave Behar's Entrepreneurial Background 00:06:45 - Managing Multiple Business Sectors 00:08:00 - Collaboration and Leadership 00:09:30 - Fun and Passion in Entrepreneurship 00:10:14 - Sports and Business Strategy 00:11:00 - Dave's Journey in Track and Field 00:12:30 - Passion in Success 00:14:00 - Personal Anecdotes: Golf and Sports 00:15:30 - Reflecting on Achievements and Goals 00:16:45 - Enjoyment in Business 00:18:00 - Legacy and Impact at San Diego State University 00:19:30 - Philanthropy and Community Involvement 00:20:30 - Closing Thoughts from Dave Behar 00:21:30 - More About Dave Behar and ION 00:22:00 - Conclusion and Farewell Episode Resources: Find out what Dave and his team is up to here:  https://ions.com/ Legacy Podcast: For more information about the Legacy Podcast and its co-hosts, visit businesslegacypodcast.com. Leave a Review: If you enjoyed the episode, leave a review and rating on your preferred podcast platform. For more information: Visit businesslegacypodcast.com to access the shownotes and additional resources on the episode.