Alex Martins has played a significant role in the success of the Orlando Magic basketball team. As the CEO of the franchise, Martins has been instrumental in guiding the team to new heights both on and off the court. Under his leadership, the Magic have seen tremendous growth in revenue and attendance, making the team one of the most successful in the NBA. Martins joined the organization in 1989 and steadily climbed the ranks before assuming the role of CEO in 2011. In his tenure, he has implemented various initiatives that have helped transform the Magic into a premier sports franchise. One such initiative was the development of the Amway Center, a state-of-the-art arena that enhanced the fan experience and increased the team's revenue streams.
Martins, who served in various senior-level management capacities with the Magic between 1989-98 and as the organization’s executive vice president of marketing and franchise relations in 2005-06, oversees all operations of the club, as well as those of the Orlando Solar Bears of the ECHL and the Osceola Magic of the NBA G League.
Martins started his career as a student assistant in the Villanova sports information department, assisted in the Philadelphia 76ers public relations department and was also the assistant sports information director at Georgetown University 1988-89. Martins, who served in various senior-level management capacities with the Magic between 1989-98 and as the organization s executive vice president of marketing and franchise relations in 2005-06, oversees all operations of the club, as well as those of the Orlando Solar Bears of the ECHL and the Osceola Magic of the NBA G League.
One such initiative was the development of the Amway Center, a state-of-the-art arena that enhanced the fan experience and increased the team's revenue streams. Off the court, Martins has been equally dedicated to making a positive impact in the community. He has championed numerous philanthropic endeavors, including the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation, which provides support and opportunities for children in need.
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.”
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Martins' commitment to the community has earned him widespread praise and recognition. On the basketball side, Martins has been instrumental in building a competitive team. He has worked closely with the coaching staff and front office to attract top talent and develop a winning culture. Through strategic acquisitions and draft picks, the Magic have been able to assemble a talented roster that has had success in the highly competitive NBA. Despite the ups and downs the team has faced, Martins has remained steadfast in his commitment to building a sustainable winning culture. His leadership and vision have earned him the respect and admiration of players, coaches, and fans alike. In conclusion, Alex Martins' tenure as CEO of the Orlando Magic has been marked by success both on and off the court. Through his leadership, the team has experienced significant growth and achieved new milestones. Martins' dedication to the community and the organization has solidified his legacy as one of the driving forces behind the Magic's success..
Reviews for "Alex Martins and the Evolution of Orlando Magic's Home Arena: The Amway Center"
1. John - 1 star
I recently went to see the "Alex Martins Orlando Magic" show and I was extremely disappointed. The performance lacked any sort of magic and was more like a circus act. The tricks were predictable and not impressive at all. The show also felt disorganized and poorly executed. I would not recommend wasting your time and money on this show.
2. Sarah - 2 stars
I had high hopes for the "Alex Martins Orlando Magic" show but sadly, it did not live up to my expectations. The magician seemed unenthusiastic and it felt like he was just going through the motions. The tricks were uninspiring and nothing stood out as unique or captivating. The overall atmosphere was lackluster and I left the show feeling underwhelmed. I wouldn't recommend this show to anyone looking for a thrilling magic experience.
3. Michael - 1 star
I went to see "Alex Martins Orlando Magic" with my family and we were all disappointed. The show felt amateurish and lacked the wow factor you would expect from a professional magician. The tricks were basic and lacked any sort of innovation. The overall presentation was sloppy and it seemed like the magician was rushing through his routine. I would not recommend this show to anyone looking for a quality magic performance.