Danny Lefebvre (luh-FAYVE)
PRESIDENT/CSO
I lived my first 17 years in Grosse Pointe, MI. I played 5 sports in high school, and kept pretty busy with extracurriculars. After graduating from the University of Michigan Business School, I went to work for the Detroit Tigers, and Detroit Red Wings, before accepting a fellowship to the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill's MBA program. I worked as a sports agent representing NBA basketball players before taking a position in venture capital. I left VC to start TRI SPORTS in August 2001, which has grown to a membership of well over 21,000 people. The best part of my job is knowing that I'm making a difference in people's lives. TRI SPORTS is now responsible for over 200 engagements and tens of thousands of friendships. Additionally, I was a finalist (final 100 out of 1 million applicants) for The Apprentice 3; to me, it's not much of an accomplishment, but people find it interesting. Someone once described me as "fun personified" and I couldn't be happier with that descriptor.
WATCH ABC11 - Family Stakes Future on Brier Creek Sports Facility
Tracy Taylor
I grew up outside of Chicago in an environment where I was always involved in sports. Through high school I concentrated on Tennis, Basketball and Soccer. I continued my soccer career at West Virginia University where I majored in Secondary Education. I took the role as water-skiing instructor and program director at Camp Walden in Denmark, Maine during the summers while I was a student. After teaching Junior High School for a bit I changed courses and began working full time at Camp Walden as Assistant Director and later Director. I took several years off the traditional work environment to concentrate on raising my three daughters, where I was often found as the girl scout leader, school volunteer, or coach. Now that I am back working, I am lucky to be working for TRI SPORTS where I can incorporate my love for sports, social events, and working with people.
Bryan Townsend
I grew up in the Raleigh/Durham area, where I have lived my whole life. I played basketball and football throughout high school and I went on to graduate from North Carolina State with a bachelor’s degree in financial analysis with a minor in accounting. In my free time, I enjoy wakeboarding, snowboarding and watching NFL Football.
How it all Began
The question I get asked most often is: "How did this all start?" Well, when the economy was booming and Internet start-ups were all the rage, I found myself working 70-90 hours a week and having no social life. At that time I wished someone else would come along to start a social organization like TRI SPORTS, so I could meet other busy professionals like myself. Then, when the economy slowed and the investing environment cooled, I looked to start a new company, this one more resistant to economic fluctuations and investor whims. The Triangle being an area largely composed of transplants, and the lack of a great way to make new friends was the perfect environment for a sport & social club. Our first sports league was scheduled for the week of September 11, 2001. After the terrorist attacks of 9/11, we debated postponing week 1 of leagues until a more appropriate time, but eventually decided it'd be best to offer the social opportunity for those who felt comfortable with getting out of the house. What we found, with perfect attendance that week, was validation that people need people, and a club like TRI SPORTS that helps people build a solid social support network is a great thing.
I can't tell you the number of times somebody has moved away from the Triangle, only to return within a year, to tell me that their new city didn't have anything like TRI SPORTS and they just couldn't get plugged in socially. Which is exactly the point; we're your one-stop shop for instant social life, sports leagues and travel. We hope to see you soon. - Danny Lefebvre