Episode 39 – Garrett Boorojian and Fred Whitfield discuss relationship building in a team environment.
They reconnected after 17 years in 2022, and a short time later in 2023 had an in–depth conversation about the importance of building relationships on Garrett’s podcast.
Garrett explained in the Bonus Episode of his podcast that his time spent with Fred, Michael Jordan, and Seth Bennett, at the Hooptee Celebrity Golf Classic – 2022 at the Grandover Resort in Greensboro, North Carolina, in 2005, had a very profound impact on his life. Garrett identifies this event as the bridge between his teenage and adult years – a defining, pivotal breakthrough. During his time at Hooptee, Garrett also met other professional legendary sports icons such as Carmelo Anthony, Larry Fitzgerald, Chris Paul, Dré Bly, Alonzo Mourning, Greg Anthony, Richard Dent, Kenny Smith, Stephen A. Smith, Charles Oakley, Ron Harper, James Brown, and the late-Joe Morgan.
When Garrett met Michael and some of his closest friends, it was only a little more than two years after MJ’s last NBA game with the Washington Wizards, and a year before he became involved as a minority owner of the NBA’s then–Charlotte Bobcats franchise. Michael eventually became majority owner of Charlotte’s NBA franchise (Hornets), and Fred became a minority owner of the team. Seth, who was Fred’s first hire in the organization, currently serves as the Hornets’ Chief Marketing Officer. Garrett reconnected with Seth after Garrett moved to Charlotte in 2014, and was in attendance when Michael received his Charlotte Business Journal’s Business Person of the Year Award at the then–Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte in 2015.
Fred received his undergraduate and graduate degrees at Campbell University in Buies Creek, North Carolina, and his law degree from North Carolina Central University. Fred’s and Michael’s close friendship goes far back to their early years in North Carolina, and their relationship evolved as Fred became one of MJ’s trusted confidants and business associates.
When Garrett first met Fred, he was the Director of Business / Legal Affairs at Jordan / A Division of Nike, Inc.
As a 17–year–old, Garrett was thankful that Fred made the opportunity possible for him to be surrounded by professionals from all walks of life, from Delta Airlines and PepsiCo, Inc., executives, to world–class professional athletes and sports broadcast journalists. Unbeknownst to Garrett at the time, but two years later at 19, he would become a sophomore at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill after his freshman year at UNC Charlotte. Like Michael, Garrett is a proud Tar Heel.
Since this interview aired, ownership and executive related changes occurred in the Hornets’ organization. Citing his and his mom’s health issues, and the need to prioritize more time with family, Fred recently moved on from the Hornets. This happened after Michael resumed his status as a minority owner of the franchise.
Fred accomplished monumental success at Nike, with the Bobcats / Hornets; and as a notable business leader, social advocate, and philanthropist in North Carolina – including in its largest city, Charlotte.
The world is a better place because of Fred’s positive, life–changing impacts on humanity.
Hornets Sports & Entertainment President & Vice Chairman Fred Whitfield Departing Organization | NBA.com
Garrett remains in contact with Fred and Seth, and every now and then reflects on the wonderful memories made at the 2005 Hooptee in Greensboro.