Front Office

Fleisig, 45, is the principal owner and CEO of the Bakersfield Condors hockey team. This is the 15^th season for the club under his ownership. While the Condors played in the WCHL, Fleisig was a member of the league’s Executive Committee, and was actively involved in the assimilation into the ECHL for 2003-04.

His sports interests don’t stop with the Condors, however. Fleisig formerly was part of the ownership of the Las Vegas Wranglers from their start in 2003, until 2010. He also has an ownership stake in the Lake County Fielders, in the Northern League, and has been involved with numerous baseball and hockey teams around the country from Kansas to Massachusetts, as well as arena football here in Bakersfield with the Blitz.

In 2010, Fleisig founded Thorium Asset Management as a commodity hedge fund. Thorium Asset Management looks to create returns through various trading strategies that take advantage of inefficiencies that are normal and natural in the marketplace.

Fleisig has had a lifelong dedication to community work and charitable organizations, including Split Hand/Split Foot Malformations (SHFM), the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, Chai Lifeline, and Paul Newman’s The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, among others. The Condors mirror his belief that minor league sports provide valuable and responsible assets to the community through involvement in local charities, schools and civic organizations. They were also awarded the WCHL’s Best Community Development Program in both 01-02 and 02-03, and have raised nearly $4 million for the community during his ownership, in addition to employees individually being involved in countless non-profit organizations in the history of the team.

By his blueprint, the Condors have strived to improve the quality of life in Kern County and the team’s community awards are a tremendous sense of pride for Fleisig. Under his leadership, the team has received numerous awards from the Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce, the United Way, and the Hispanic Chamber of Kern County, including three Beautiful Bakersfield Group Humanitarian Awards.  In 2011, the team received the ECHL’s Award of Excellence and was voted as a Best of Kern County Family Attraction.

Fleisig’s teams off the ice also focus on developing business talent, providing opportunities for internships to college students and those willing to learn while they work their way into the sports industry and beyond, building from within and developing management talent internally. Despite living on the opposite coast, his visibility in Condorstown is high, typically making multiple trips each season to Bakersfield, holding fan forums with season tickets holders and corporate partners, and encouraging communication and feedback from fans, responding to hundreds of personal emails each season.

A New York City native, Fleisig received his BA in economics from the University of Michigan in 1987 and a MBA in marketing from Fordham University in 1994.

Jonathan Fleisig can be contacted at jfleisig@aol.com

Riley, 44, is responsible for the growth and development of Bakersfield Sports Entertainment. Riley is the vice chairman for the ECHL Board of Governors Executive Committee, and also serves on the ECHL Marketing and Scheduling Committees.  Under his guidance, the Condors have attracted more than 200,000 fans in 11 of their 13 years of existence and welcomed more than 2.5 million fans to The Nest.

Riley was awarded the ECHL Executive of the Year for the 2006-07 season, and has been runner-up on several occasions, including this past season. Riley captured the WCHL Executive of the Year during his second season in 1999-2000, and the Condors won ten WCHL awards in five seasons under his leadership. In 2001, his title was expanded to include President. During the summer of 2002, Riley was named the Acting Commissioner of the West Coast Hockey League, and he played a large role in the transition to the ECHL as well as closing down WCHL operations.

The Condors have won eight ECHL front office awards in the last seven seasons, most recently the 2011 ECHL Award of Excellence, presented annually to the top overall organization in the league. The Condors have raised nearly $4 million for charitable organizations in Kern County during the last 13 years. Riley also played an integral role in the start up of the Las Vegas Wranglers in the ECHL.

Riley joined the organization late in 1997, when they were named the Bakersfield Fog, to execute the transition from the Bakersfield Convention Center to Bakersfield Centennial Garden (now known as Rabobank Arena). He took charge of the Condors in July of 1998, and in his first season at the helm, the Condors were named the West Coast Hockey League Organization of the Year.

The Keokuk, Iowa, native has previously served as the Executive Director of the Mobile (AL) BayBears Baseball Club, the class-AA Southern League affiliate of the San Diego Padres, and was integral in the construction of Hank Aaron Stadium, their home park. During their inaugural season in 1997, the BayBears led the Southern League in attendance, and Riley was the Southern League nominee for the National Association’s Larry MacPhail Promotional Trophy. He also served as General Manager with the Mobile BaySharks Baseball Club, Assistant General Manager of the Chattanooga (TN) Lookouts (Southern League) and interned for the St. Louis Cardinals Baseball Club. Riley is a graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan University with a degree in communications. He earned a master’s degree in sport management from the United States Sports Academy in Daphne, Alabama.

Riley serves on the Board of Directors for the American Red Cross Kern County Chapter, and is also very active with Bakersfield Northwest Baseball and the Bakersfield Ice Sports Center youth hockey programs. He and his wife, Teri, reside in Bakersfield with their son, Landon.

Favorite Condors of All-Time:  Paul Rosebush, Sean Venedam

Favorite Condors Moment:  Mikella McAuley Jersey Auction

Most Inspirational Athlete:  Jackie Robinson

Most Inspirational Coaches: John Wooden, Vince Lombardi

Most Admired Leader: Abraham Lincoln

Favorite Movies: Field of Dreams, Caddyshack, Miracle, The Sandlot, The Blind Side

Favorite Bands:  Beatles, AC/DC, KISS

Favorite Book: They Don’t Play Hockey in Heaven by Ken Baker

Favorite Song:  Condorstruck (Condors Opening Lineup song)

Favorite Quotes: “You may be disappointed if you don’t reach your goals, but you’re doomed if you never try.”
“Do the right things long enough, consistently, and success will follow.”
“Individual commitment to a group effort; that is what makes a team or company work.”
“You cannot hold a torch to light another’s path without brightening your own.”
“Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail.”

Matthew Riley can be contacted at mattr@bakersfieldcondors.com

Kevin, 37, is in his ninth season with the Condors and his second stint with the team, and serves as the Condors primary radio and television broadcaster, while also overseeing the communications department.

The Rochester, NY, native first served as Director of Broadcasting & Media Relations with the Condors from 2001-2005, and with the Bakersfield Blitz in 2004 and 2005. He then spent two seasons in the American Hockey League with Lowell as Director of Media and Team Services prior to returning to Bakersfield. Kevin worked from 1999-2001 with the Rockford IceHogs, and also served terms with the Rochester Americans (AHL) and the Batavia Muckdogs (NY-Penn League baseball) before realizing his Manifest Destiny and moving to the Republic of California.

He was named Broadcaster of the Year twice – in 2000-01 with Rockford of the United Hockey League, and in 2002-03 with the Condors in the West Coast Hockey League, and also served as the television broadcaster for the 2011 ECHL All-Star Classic. Kevin an associate board member with the Downtown Business Association. He resides in Bakersfield with his wife, Amanda, and son, Jack.

Favorite MLB Team: Los Angeles Dodgers and whomever is playing the Red Sox

Favorite NFL Teams: Niners, Browns

Favorite Movies: Caddyshack, 2001, Slap Shot, The Big Lebowski, Star Wars, Jaws, Ghostbusters, The Outlaw Josey Wales, and Monty Python and the Holy Grail

Favorite Musicians: Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Clutch, the Doors

Favorite Food: Pizza

Favorite Defunct WHA Team: Los Angeles Sharks

Favorite Planet: Saturn

Favorite Breakfast Cereal: Golden Grahams, Cap’n Crunch Crunch Berries

Favorite Cartoon Character: Captain Caveman

Favorite book: Listen, little man by Wilhelm Reich

Kevin can be reached at kbartl@bakersfieldcondors.com

Justin, 30, is in his ninth season overall with the Condors, and in June 2009 was promoted to Vice President of Operations The Bakersfield native began his career with the Condors during the 2002-03 season assisting Condors broadcaster, Kevin Bartl. Now as VP of Operations, Justin oversees the front office staff and is the liaison with Rabobank Arenas Operations. Justin oversees the in-game promotions plus helps with the teams marketing and corporate sponsorship packages. He also oversaw the operations of the 2011 ECHL All-Star Classic.

As part of the Kern County Officials Association, Justin enjoys officiating high school football on Friday nights. He is also apart of the Executives’ Association of Kern County, Bakersfield’s oldest and most trusted business networking group. Justin also works closely with several non-profit organizations, including Kern Bridges Youth Homes, Children Joining Children for Success, and California Brain Injury Association.

Justin, who grew up in Bakersfield,  graduated with a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Sports Management from Cal State Bakersfield. He currently resides in Bakersfield with his wife Leina and son Oliver.

Justin Fahsbender can be contacted at fahsbender@bakersfieldcondors.com

Jose, 32, joined the Condors in September of 1999 and is in his 12th season with the organization. In June 2009 he was promoted to Vice President of Ticket Sales, and he is responsible for the daily operation and development of the sales staff, including sales training and motivation. In addition to selling season ticket packages, Jose is also in charge of ticket services for our bilingual fans.

Before joining the Condors, Jose worked for Texaco North American Production Kern River Field, assisting with various production and drilling aspects. Since being appointed Director of Ticket Sales in July of 2004, the Condors were named ECHL Ticket Department of the Year in 2004-2005, and had Co-Ticket Executives of the Year in 2006-07.

The Bakersfield native graduated from Arvin High School and attended Bakersfield College. Jose is active in the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Jose resides in Bakersfield with his son Joseph.

Favorite NHL Team: Detroit Red Wings

Favorite NBA Team: Chicago Bulls

Favorite College Football Team: Notre Dame

Favorite College Basketball Team: Duke

Favorite TV Shows: Tosh.0, SportsCenter, TrueBlood, Dexter, The Colbert Report

Favorite Movies: Rudy, Lord of the Rings, Tommy Boy

Favorite Food: Italian

Hobbies: Hanging out with my son, playing basketball, golf,  watching hockey, football, college basketball…I’m game for anything

Jose Rivera can be contacted at rivera@bakersfieldcondors.com

Erica, 29, joined the Condors as an intern in October, 2010, and is now the team’s finance manager. She is responsible for the bookkeeping, payroll, accounts payable and accounts receivable.

A Bakersfield native, Erica graduated in December, 2010, from Santa Barbara Business College with an Associate of Science degree in Business Administration. She has previously worked for State Farm Insurance and Kern Schools Federal Credit Union. Erica and her husband have three children.

Favorite ECHL Team: Condors, DUH…

Favorite food: shrimp enchilada and cheesecake

Favorite TV show: NCIS, Dexter, Sons of Anarchy and Burn Notice

Hobbies: crafts, shopping, and spending time with family

Erica can be contacted at ecardell@bakersfieldcondors.com

Ismael, 27, joined the Condors as an intern during the 2010-11 season. After the conclusion of the season, Ismael was hired on and now works as a Ticket Account Manager. His day-to-day responsibilities include sales and service of season ticket and partial ticket plans and group outings.

After graduating from Shafter High School, Ismael moved on to Bakersfield College where he earned his Associate of Arts in Communications in 2009. He recently graduated from California State University – Bakersfield as a Communications Major, with an emphasis on Public Relations.

Favorite TV Shows: How I Met Your Mother, Entourage

Favorite Movies: Fight Club, The Hangover, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Dark Knight, Out Cold

Favorite Bands: Blink 182, Lagwagon, MxPx, Kanye West, Blind Pilot, TuPac

Hobbies: Going to the movies, Call of Duty on Xbox, Playing basketball, Playing guitar and running.

Favorite Places to Eat: Mamma Roomba, La Costa Mariscos, Tahoe Joe’s  and Sequoia’s

Favorite MLB Team: New York Yankees

Favorite NFL Team: Pittsburgh Steelers

Favorite NHL Team: Los Angeles Kings

Favorite Soccer Team: Manchester United (EPL)

Favorite College Team: USC

Ismael can be reached at icorrales@bakersfieldcondors.com

Matthew, 25, joined the Condors in September 2011 as an account manager. His responsibilities include the sales and service of season ticket and group outings.

From Chatsworth, CA, Friedman previously worked in minor league baseball as a sales associate with the Eastern League’s Akron Aeros (AA affiliate of the Cleveland Indians).

He is a 2009 graduate of Arizona State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies

Interests/hobbies: Playing sports including hockey and golf, video games, and movies.

Favorite NHL Team: Los Angeles Kings

Favorite MLB Team: Los Angeles Dodgers

Favorite NFL Team: New York Giants

Favorite NBA Team: Los Angeles Lakers

Favorite College Team: Arizona State

Favorite Movies: The Bourne Trilogy, Miracle, and almost anything with Will Ferrell

One thing people might not know about me: I play the sax and was in a marching band from 6th grade through college

Matthew can be contacted at mfriedman@bakersfieldcondors.com

Ryan, 29, joined the Condors in May 2005. Ryan is responsible for all print advertising, publications, posters and all aspects of the team’s graphic design. Ryan also assists with marketing, game day operations and website development.

Ryan graduated from Washington State University, where he received his BA degree in Sports Management and a minor in Marketing. While at WSU Ryan interned with the Washington State Athletic Department. Ryan resides in Bakersfield with his wife Jami.

Favorite NHL Team: Washington Capitals and Calgary Flames

Favorite MLB Team: Seattle Mariners

Favorite NFL Team: Seattle Seahawks

Favorite College Team: Washington State University

Favorite TV Shows: Seinfeld, Sportscenter, Entourage, Two and a Half Men, American Chopper

Favorite Movies: Out Cold, Rookie of the Year, Departed, We Are Marshall, Fifth Element

Favorite Food: Club Sandwich

Hobbies: Playing hockey, playing softball, playing with my dogs, going to movies, Call of Duty and beating Frasnelly in NHL ’08

Favorite Quote: “Figure it Out!” ~ Unknown, so I’ll claim it

Ryan Hanson can be contacted at rhanson@bakersfieldcondors.com

Holt, 23, enters his first season with the Condors as the Media Relations and Broadcasting Manager.  His primary duties will include assisting with all matters of the media relations department including providing written and video content for website and game-night materials.  In addition, Holt will team up with Kevin Bartl to provide play-by-play and color commentary on radio, television, and internet.

The North Weymouth, MA native spent the 2010-11 season as the Director of Media Relations and Broadcasting for the Corpus Christi IceRays of the North American Hockey League where he broadcasted all 58 of the team’s games and oversaw the communications department.

In 2009-10, Holt worked in the American Hockey League with the Worcester Sharks serving as a Public Relations and Broadcasting Assistant.  His duties included managing social media, issuing press releases,  and providing commentary on Sharks broadcasts.

Holt received his Bachelor’s of Liberal Arts Degree with a major in Political Science from Holy Cross in 2010.  While in Worcester, MA, he was the president of the student radio station and broadcasted hockey, football, and basketball for the Crusaders.

Favorite NHL Team: Boston Bruins

Favorite Throwback NHL Jersey: California Golden Seals (Green)

Favorite NHL player: Cam Neely

Favorite Movie: Rudy

Favorite TV Show: It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Favorite Cereal: Frosted Flakes

Favorite Food: Clam Chowder

Favorite Celebrity Meeting: Barry Melrose

One place you would like to visit: Ireland

One thing most people don’t know about you: Broadcast was featured on ESPN during a 2009  Holy Cross basketball game

Contact Ryan at rholt@bakersfieldcondors.com

Josh, 30, joined the Condors in November 2009 and is currently serving in the position of Corporate Account Manager. Josh started as an intern in the merchandising department, while assisting with community relations and marketing activities. He then moved into season ticket and group sales for the 10-11 season, and was awarded Group Outing Salesperson of the Year. He was promoted to Corporate Account Manager in the summer of 2011, where he is responsible for establishing corporate partnerships and building the Condors brand.

A native of Bakersfield, Josh recently graduated from CSUB, majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Sports Management. He received his Associate of Arts degree from Bakersfield College in 2008.

In addition to working with the Condors, Josh is also a youth and High School football referee, which he serves with great pride and dedication. Josh resides in Bakersfield with his wife, Pamela.

Favorites:

NBA Team: Lakers

NHL Team: Ducks

NFL Team: Raiders

MLB Team: SF Giants

College Teams: UCLA or west coast schools (west coast bias!)

Food: Thai or Sushi

Hobbies: Officiating football, going on trips/vacations with the wife

Contact Josh at jhuber@bakersfieldcondors.com

Greg, 29, joined Bakersfield Sports Entertainment in May 2005 from Iowa State University, where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing. The ECHL tabbed him Co-Ticket Executive of the Year in 2006-07, and he was also feted as the Condors Salesperson of the Year for 2005-06 and 2006-07.

In June 2009, Greg was promoted to Director of Corporate Partnerships, handling corporate accounts, ticket packages and group ticket sales.

Favorite NHL Team: Chicago Blackhawks

Favorite MLB Team: Chicago Cubs

Favorite NBA Team: Los Angeles Lakers

Favorite NFL Team: Chicago Bears

Favorite College Team: Iowa Hawkeyes

Favorite TV Shows: Sportscenter, 2 & 1/2 Men, Entourage

Favorite Food: Chicken Caesar Salad or nachos

Hobbies: Playing golf, basketball, baseball or any other kind of sport, working out, traveling

Greg Lowe can be contacted at glowe@bakersfieldcondors.com

Brad, 29, is entering his fifth season with the organization and serves as the team’s Director of Group Sales, focusing entirely on group outings and fundraisers, and overseeing the sales staff’s group sales efforts. He originally joined the Condors staff as an Account Manager in May 2007, advancing through the ranks as Senior Account Manager and Group Sales Manager and eventually assuming his current position.

A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Brad graduated from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, in May 2006, with a degree in History and a minor in Marketing. In March of 2007, Brad graduated from Game Face Executive Sports Academy.

Brad can be reached at bradu@bakersfieldcondors.com

Peter, 25, joined the Condors in July, 2010 as a ticket sales associate and is responsible for sales and service of season ticket packages and group outings.

A native of Rochester, Michigan, Peter graduated from Grand Valley State University (Mich.) in December 2009, with a degree in Marketing with a concentration in Sales. Before he joined the Condors, he worked for the university’s athletic department selling seats for all university athletic events.

He enjoys hanging out with friends, exploring all of Bakersfield’s hidden treasures, and bombarding his friends with historical, cinema, and strange trivia facts. Outside of work he can usually be found at an ice rink, disc or golf course, softball diamond, or relaxing with friends.

Favorite NHL Team: Detroit Red Wings

Favorite College Football Team: The University of Michigan and Grand Valley State

Favorite TV Shows: Spartacus: Blood and Sand, the Simpsons, Rescue Me, and Sons of Anarchy

Favorite Sports Logo: Detroit Vipers (check it out, it’s awesome)

Favorite Scar: On my elbow, caused by hitting a traffic cone in my uncle’s Jensen-Healey

Hobbies: I love playing sports, hockey in particular, disc golfing, reading, and meeting new people

Team I love to hate: Any team in Anaheim

Nickname: I have many, but “Poppel” is the most commonly used term

Peter can be contacted at pvandame@bakersfieldcondors.com