Alex Martins is the CEO of the Orlando Magic, a professional basketball team based in Orlando, Florida. Under his leadership, the Magic has become one of the most successful teams in the NBA. Martins has been with the organization for over 30 years and has played a crucial role in its development and growth. One of the highlights of Martins' tenure as CEO was the construction of the Amway Center, the Magic's state-of-the-art arena. This arena has been instrumental in creating a world-class fan experience and has helped attract top talent to the team. Martins was heavily involved in the planning and execution of the arena project, ensuring that it met all the needs of the organization and its fans.
Martins left the Magic in 1998, and took jobs with the Cleveland Browns and the New Orleans Hornets before he and his wife, Juliet, moved back to Central Florida.
Martins left the Magic in 1998, and took jobs with the Cleveland Browns and the New Orleans Hornets before he and his wife, Juliet, moved back to Central Florida. Martins left the Magic in 1998, and took jobs with the Cleveland Browns and the New Orleans Hornets before he and his wife, Juliet, moved back to Central Florida.
Martins was heavily involved in the planning and execution of the arena project, ensuring that it met all the needs of the organization and its fans. Martins is also known for his strong emphasis on community involvement. He has been actively involved in various charitable initiatives, working to make a positive impact in the Orlando community.
After long journey, Alex Martins becomes Magic’s CEO
Alex Martins means it when he says he’s worked his way up through the sports business.
In his first job, he scooped Italian ice at Giants Stadium.
In his newest job, he’ll guide the Orlando Magic as their chief executive officer.
“I didn’t start on this path scooping Italian ice thinking that this is where I would end up,” Martins said. “But I’m grateful for the opportunity. I’m grateful for the people that I’ve worked for and worked with.”
Martins’ latest opportunity became official Wednesday, when the team held a press conference to announce major changes to its hierarchy. Martins moves into the CEO role after Bob Vander Weide stepped down from his twin responsibilities as CEO and vice chair.
Dan DeVos, the son of Owner Rich DeVos, will serve as the franchise’s chairman and as the primary conduit between the DeVos family and team officials.
“This organization is in great hands,” Vander Weide said.
Martins, 47, already served as a focal point in the Magic’s push to get Amway Center approved. And now that he’s CEO, he’ll play a role in making sure that the arena stays filled.
With Vander Weide’s departure, General Manager Otis Smith now will report directly to the Martins.
“I don’t know if Alex and I could work any closer together,” Smith said. “I’m not sure that’s possible. Prior to this move, we already share everything.”
Martins has had two separate tenures with the Magic.
He started with the expansion franchise in 1989 in his mid-20s as the team’s director of publicity and media relations. But he got the job only after Pat Williams had attempted to hire seven other people for the position and was turned down each time.
A basketball writer named Dick Weiss had recommended Martins to Williams.
“You could tell right away . . . that he was going to go way beyond the first mile,” Williams said.
“He’d stay late, until the last writer had left. He was absolutely a workhorse. But he had bigger aspirations.”
That work ethic, Martins said, game from his parents, Manuel and Dorothy Martins, who immigrated to the United States from Portugal. Manuel worked on a General Motors assembly line for 30 years, and Dorothy worked as a bank teller.
Martins left the Magic in 1998, and took jobs with the Cleveland Browns and the New Orleans Hornets before he and his wife, Juliet, moved back to Central Florida.
That’s when, he said, his career reached a critical turning point. As he worked in a consultant’s role with the Magic, he earned his MBA from UCF.
There was no guarantee he’d be hired to work again by the Magic, but the DeVos family paid for part of his tuition.
Martins was working for The Tavistock Group when Vander Weide asked him to have dinner one night in mid-2005. Vander Weide asked him to rejoin the team and oversee most of the team’s business operations.
There was no question he was going to say yes.
And, now, Martins said fans won’t see any change in the way the organization runs its business.
“I think our goal has never been so focused in this organization – ever-probably because our senior chairman [85-year-old Rich DeVos] is getting on in years, and I don’t mean that disrespectfully,” Martins said.
“There’s not one person in their family or in this organization that wants to win a championship more than to win it for him.”
[email protected]. Read his blog at OrlandoSentinel.com/magicblog. Subscribe to our Orlando Magic newsletter at OrlandoSentinel.com/joinus.
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That’s when, he said, his career reached a critical turning point. As he worked in a consultant’s role with the Magic, he earned his MBA from UCF.
Martins believes in the power of sports to bring people together and has used the platform of the Magic to support numerous philanthropic efforts. Under Martins' leadership, the Magic has had its fair share of success on the court as well. The team made it to the NBA Finals in 2009 and has consistently been a playoff contender. Martins has been instrumental in building a strong front office and coaching staff, creating a winning culture within the organization. In addition to his role with the Magic, Martins is involved in the NBA Board of Governors and serves on various league committees. He is respected within the NBA community for his business acumen and leadership skills. Overall, Alex Martins has been a key figure in the success of the Orlando Magic. His vision and dedication to the organization have resulted in continued growth and success both on and off the court. Martins' leadership has helped establish the Magic as a prominent franchise in the NBA, and his impact will be felt for years to come..
Reviews for "How Alex Martins Took the Orlando Magic From Rebuilding to Contention"
1. Maria - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with the "Alex Martins Orlando Magic" show. The tricks were so predictable and I could see the hidden wires and props being used. It felt like there was no originality or creativity in the performance. Moreover, the magician's stage presence was lacking and he seemed disinterested in engaging with the audience. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this magic show to others.
2. John - 1/5 stars - I have seen many magic shows before, but "Alex Martins Orlando Magic" was by far the worst. The tricks were poorly executed and it was obvious that they were relying on basic sleight of hand techniques. The magic itself was not impressive and lacked any wow factor. Additionally, the show was poorly organized and the pacing felt off. I left feeling bored and underwhelmed.
3. Emily - 2/5 stars - I attended "Alex Martins Orlando Magic" with high expectations, but unfortunately, it fell short. The magician seemed to rush through the tricks without allowing the audience to fully appreciate them. The overall presentation was lackluster and there was no sense of mystery or wonder. It felt like I was watching a low-budget magic show with poorly rehearsed acts. I wouldn't recommend wasting your time and money on this show.
4. Michael - 3/5 stars - "Alex Martins Orlando Magic" was an average magic show at best. While there were a few impressive tricks, most of them were quite basic and could be easily figured out. The magician did have a good stage presence and interacted with the audience, but it wasn't enough to make up for the lackluster tricks. Overall, it was an underwhelming experience and I expected more from a professional magician like Alex Martins.
5. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I was underwhelmed by "Alex Martins Orlando Magic". The tricks were predictable and there was nothing innovative or unique about them. The magician's stage presence was also quite average and there was no real connection with the audience. Additionally, the show lacked a cohesive storyline or theme to tie everything together. Overall, it was a forgettable magic performance that failed to leave a lasting impression.