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Mark French

Serial Entrepreneur (Sports - Entertainment - Tech)

Professional Background

Mark French is a distinguished entrepreneur and business leader known for his innovative spirit and expertise in creating, operating, and selling successful ventures across a diverse array of industries, including consumer goods, sports, media, and technology. Recognized by Forbes as one of the foremost business disruptors, French has built a reputation for transforming traditional business models and driving growth in the field of sports nutrition and entertainment.

Throughout his career, Mark has launched and scaled numerous influential companies. He is the co-founder of MISSION®, a company renowned for its sports hydration products, and The Players’ Tribune®, a media platform that empowers athletes to share their stories. Additionally, he has played a pivotal role in the establishment of Healthy Together®, a community-focused health initiative designed to connect people and promote wellness. As the founder of NLP Ventures, he serves as an investor and hands-on operational partner for portfolio companies within the Sports, Entertainment, and Technology sectors.

One of his most notable roles came when he was invited by leading consumer private equity firm L Catterton to join the Board of Directors of X2 Performance, a clean sports energy brand. Taking the reins as CEO, French notably expanded X2's offerings and solidified partnerships with elite athletes such as Kawhi Leonard and Saquon Barkley. Under his leadership, X2 secured prominent retail distributions with outlets like CVS, Subway, AMPM, and GNC, illustrating his capacity to drive brand growth effectively.

Moreover, Mark spearheaded the strategic merger between X2 Performance and Keurig Dr Pepper’s sports protein brand DON’T QUIT, showcasing his ability to leverage corporate partnerships to enhance product offerings. Today, DON’T QUIT is recognized for its clean and healthy sports beverages, supported by reputed investors including LA Libations, Madison Square Garden, and Sweetwater Private Equity.

Education and Achievements

Mark’s educational journey laid a solid foundation for his business acumen. He studied Communications and Media Studies at Ithaca College, where he not only honed his communication skills but also fostered an enduring relationship with the institution as an active member of the Athletic Department’s Advisory Council. He later elevated his expertise in the entertainment and sports sectors through the Business of Entertainment, Media, and Sports Executive Education Program at Harvard Business School. This combination of practical experience and scholarly knowledge has equipped him to excel in the competitive business landscape.

In addition to his impressive corporate achievements, Mark is an active philanthropist. He received the Lowell B. Mason Award for exemplary volunteer service in recognition of his unwavering commitment to mentorship for at-risk inner-city youth. His dedication to social responsibility was also acknowledged when he was selected as one of 150 delegates by Pope Francis for the Global “Sport at the Service of Humanity” Council, an accolade that underscores his commitment to leveraging sports for positive social impact.

Mark's entrepreneurial journey has been well documented, with features in prominent media outlets such as CNBC, ESPN, Fox Business News, and Forbes. He frequently shares his insights and best practices with corporate giants, including General Electric (GE) and the NFL, emphasizing his role as a thought leader in the business community. French’s strategies and experiences are often set as paradigms, inspiring emerging entrepreneurs and established executives alike.

Notable Achievements

  • CEO at DON’T QUIT! Sports Nutrition: Successfully led the company to merge with Keurig Dr Pepper’s brand and expanded the product line with clean sports beverages.
  • Board Member for X2 Performance: Instrumental in scaling the brand through partnerships with elite athletes.
  • Founder of NLP Ventures: Established as a vital force in the Sports, Entertainment, and Technology sectors, creating successful business models and alliances.
  • High-profile Partnerships: Collaborated with legendary figures such as Dwyane Wade, Serena Williams, and Derek Jeter, significantly enhancing the visibility and impact of his ventures.
  • Award-winning Philanthropist: Recognized for exemplary volunteer service and commitment to mentoring young individuals.

Questions

  • How did Mark French's educational background at Ithaca College contribute to his entrepreneurial success?
  • In what ways did Mark French leverage his role at NBCUniversal to initiate groundbreaking projects in media and technology?
  • What lesson does Mark French emphasize when mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs in the sports and entertainment industries?

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Highlights

Nov 20 · BevNET.com
NBA All-Star Kawhi Leonard Joins X2 Performance For Launch of Natural Energy Line - BevNET.com
Apr 22 · Salt Lake Tribune
Utah launches an app to track people — and help trace their ... - Salt Lake Tribune
Utah launches an app to track people — and help trace their ... - Salt Lake Tribune
Mark French
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Location

New York, New York