From Humble Beginnings to Entrepreneurial Heights: The Story of David Lee Cook, III ‘81

As a father and husband, his resources were limited and he needed to earn more income. According to Cook, when he discovered that sports concessions/merchandising was a S400 billion business and that no Black-owned businesses were involved, he started a small a sports marketing venture and began work with the Atlantic Coast Conference. He remains thankful to then-Commissioner Gene Corrigan, The story of David Lee Cook, III his advisor Jon LeCrone and assistant Fred Barakat, who appears in “The Sport Business gave him an opportunity to be a part of the Tournament. Handbook,” considered by many He was fortunate to receive many other opportunities to be the most influential sports because his friendship with high profile coaches, such as book written in the last 50 years. Duke University coach Mike Krzyzewski. His ultimate

DAVE COOK WITH “THE Chapter 7, entitled “A Mindset break came when his relationship with the owners led to SPORT BUSINESS HANDBOOK of Authenticity: The First Step a concession contract with the National Football League’s

‘’ HERALDED AS THE MOST in a Successful Sports Business Carolina Panthers. He then expanded his career to include INFLUENTIAL SPORTS BOOK OR THIS CENTURY. Venture,” includes Dave’s story, “From Humble Beginnings golf concessions and even horseracing, providing services to the Kentucky Derby. to PGA Concessionaire.” Jack Nicklaus and Cal Ripken, Jr. are also included in this When the National Basketball chapter. Cook ‘s company, the Americana Capital Group, Association formed the Charlotte is widely regarded as one of the best in the golf/sports Hornets, said Cook, he was the concessions business. sole minority company hired and was offered a concession From humble beginnings, Cook went directly into the U.S. partnership. He remains Marine Corps from high school because he could not afford honored to cater for Hornets college. He entered the Marine Corps career and earned the owners Michael Jordan and Bob rank of sergeant before he reached the age of 20. He was Johnson and is proud that the diagnosed with PTSD and left the military. partnership introduced him to Hornets President and Chief Operating Officer and fellow NCCU School of Law alum Cook attended undergraduate Fred Whitfield. school at Los Angeles City College and Pepperdine As he reflects on his journey to University. While in California, countless venues (including 17 he had the good fortune to work trips to the NCAA’s Rose Bowl), at Capitol Records, where he met many connections with the rich many stars, including Natalie and famous, and his passion Cole, Nancy Wilson and Peabo for his company, he thinks, Bryson, the latter of whom he “Unbelievable.” considers a close friend to this day. When his dear mother became ill, he returned to North Carolina where he entered the NCCU School of Law. Cook said that he regrets that she did not live to see him walk across the stage to accept his law degree, but remains grateful to Professor Charles Smith and Daniels Sampson and Dean Harry Groves for their support and encouragement in his darkest days.

DAVE COOK AND RICHARD WILLIAMS WATCHING VENUS AND SERENA COMPETE AT THE US OPEN. DAVE COOK AND WIFE FRAN WHO ARE BOTH KNOWN FOR DAVE AND FRAN’S SOUL FOOD.

DAVE COOK AND BILLIONAIRE AND DALLAS MAVERICKS OWNER MARK CUBAN AT THE NBA ALLSTAR GAMES IN 2019.

DAVE COOK AT THE TOURNAMENT OF THE ROSES, PICTURED IN FRONT OF THE ROSE BOWL.