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ION's Evolution and the Art of Leadership

Legacy

Release Date: 05/12/2025

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More Episodes

What do you have your eye on? Join us for an intriguing conversation with Dave Behar, the visionary CEO and Chief Executive Athlete of ION, as he takes us through the captivating story of ION's transformation from a sports merchandising startup to a dynamic digital media giant. Discover how Dave's innovative mindset propelled the ION brand into e-commerce, media production, and even quirky sporting spectacles like turtle and pig racing. Learn about the brand's unique name origin and delve into Dave's insights on what constitutes a remarkable brand, focusing on integrity, sustainability, and recognizing untapped market opportunities.

But it's not all business talk. We also explore the profound role of fun and passion in entrepreneurship. Dave shares how the entrepreneurial journey mirrors a strategic game, where enjoyment is interwoven with ambition. You'll hear about his personal quest to reignite a passion for track and field with the goal of competing in the Senior Olympics, revealing the intrinsic link between sports and entrepreneurial spirit. There's also a playful recounting of a golf rivalry with a cousin, highlighting how personal enjoyment and a competitive edge can fuel both business and leisure pursuits. This episode will shed light on balancing business success with personal fulfillment.

Timestamps

00:00:00 - Welcome to Business Legacy Podcast
00:00:10 - Introducing Dave Behar, CEO of ION
00:00:30 - The Origins of ION
00:01:15 - Inspiration: "What do you have your eye on?"
00:02:00 - From Sports Merchandising to Digital Media
00:03:00 - Diverse Model: E-commerce, Media, Sporting Events
00:04:00 - Integrity and Sustainability in Branding
00:05:30 - Dave Behar's Entrepreneurial Background
00:06:45 - Managing Multiple Business Sectors
00:08:00 - Collaboration and Leadership
00:09:30 - Fun and Passion in Entrepreneurship
00:10:14 - Sports and Business Strategy
00:11:00 - Dave's Journey in Track and Field
00:12:30 - Passion in Success
00:14:00 - Personal Anecdotes: Golf and Sports
00:15:30 - Reflecting on Achievements and Goals
00:16:45 - Enjoyment in Business
00:18:00 - Legacy and Impact at San Diego State University
00:19:30 - Philanthropy and Community Involvement
00:20:30 - Closing Thoughts from Dave Behar
00:21:30 - More About Dave Behar and ION
00:22:00 - Conclusion and Farewell



Episode Resources:

Find out what Dave and his team is up to here:  https://ions.com/

Legacy Podcast: For more information about the Legacy Podcast and its co-hosts, visit businesslegacypodcast.com.

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