Aeros Clean Out Front Office; Name New GM
October 19, 2000
CHARLOTTE, NC – The
North Carolina Aeros today fired their remaining front office staff, and named 25-year-old Illinois native Gordy Hulten to the dual positions of President and General Manager.
The Aeros, after their third straight last-place finish, are embarking on what their press release called “a complete organizational evaluation and overhaul.” The franchise has made the postseason just once since 1978, and was recently named by ESPN.com as the worst-run organization in major professional sports.
Aeros owner Bob Tillman, who is also Chairman and CEO of [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lowe%27s]Lowe’s[/ulr], one of North Carolina’s highest profile companies, was blunt about the hiring. “We think Gordy brings a fresh perspective. We needed to try something different, and Gordy’s analytical background and leadership philosophy are going to lead to creative changes around here. The traditional way of running a baseball organization hasn’t worked very well for us. We wanted someone new, and some new methods and ideas, both on the business side and on the field. Experience didn’t matter nearly as much as creativity. Experience hasn’t gotten us anywhere.”
Tillman refused to answer questions about the Aeros’ finances, but public document requests by this newsroom have revealed that the Aeros haven’t been profitable in almost a decade, and that the franchise is carrying about $15 million in debt. The franchise has pushed for a new stadium, claiming that public financing is necessary for the team to remain financially competitive. “We love Capitol Field. It’s our home and has so much tradition. We’ll need be creative to match the spending of
Georgia or
New York. And we can make up for the revenue disparities in other ways while we look for long-terms solutions to it.”
Hulten took only a handful of questions during his introductory press conference. “The Aeros are a fixture, and not just for Charlotte. I’m looking forward to working with Mr. Tillman to assemble a great organization, and to fielding a team of great people and great players. I know you have high expectations. So does Mr. Tillman. But so do I, and my goal is to bring a National Championship to North Carolina.”
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