87:60 by Virtuoso

Rebellion Group
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Jul 30, 2025 • 49min

Shaping Billion-Dollar Brands: Bernt Ullmann

BJ Kito, host of 87:60, sits down with Bernt Ullmann—the strategic force behind global brands like FUBU, Sean John, Jennifer Lopez, and Adam Levine. With over $6 billion in retail sales to his name, Bernt unpacks how he’s helped turn celebrity into enterprise and personality into profit. This episode explores the playbook behind billion-dollar brand launches, the overlooked art of brand longevity, and why staying off-camera might just be the smartest move in the business. A must-listen for anyone serious about fashion, influence, and building brand value that lasts.
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Jul 23, 2025 • 1h 11min

Building a Legacy: Meet Tucci Limited’s Founder and Former Pro Ballplayer Pete Tucci

BJ Kito, host of 87:60, sits down with Pete Tucci— creator of the game-chaning Torpedo bat and founder of Tucci Limited. Once a first-round draft pick, Pete shares the journey from pro ball to the garage workbench, where he began building one of the most respected names in baseball bat manufacturing. In this powerful conversation, Pete shares how a career-ending injury led him to redefine success, channeling his pro athlete mindset into building a performance-driven brand from scratch. They talk legacy, obsession, grief, and the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. A must-listen for anyone passionate about sports, business, and building something that lasts.
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Jun 12, 2025 • 1h 8min

From Tech to the Olympics: The Leadership Blueprint of US Squash CEO Kevin Klipstein

What does it take to change careers and achieve the impossible? Just ask Kevin Klipstein. After building a successful career at a major sports marketing agency and Sun Microsystems, he made the leap into the nonprofit world to lead US Squash. His ultimate goal: get the sport into the Olympics.Join Virtuoso CEO BJ Kito and Shaping CT's Future Executive Producer Sam Barrett with Kevin Klipstein, President and CEO of US Squash, as they pull back the curtain on his incredible journey to securing a spot for squash in the LA 28 Games. They explore the highs and lows of his transition, the leadership principles he brought with him from the corporate world, and how he has managed to steer the organization with remarkable consistency and vision.This is a deep dive into the mind of a leader who knows how to balance a powerful vision with the day-to-day responsibilities of mentoring a team and growing a sport from the ground up.
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Jun 9, 2025 • 1h 12min

From ESPN to the World Stage: Dennis Deninger on the NFL’s Next Era

Join Virtuoso CEO BJ Kito and video producer Tim O’Shea in a forward-looking conversation with Emmy-winning sports producer and professor Dennis Deninger. Fresh off his keynote at Shaping Connecticut’s Future, Deninger dives into how the NFL is preparing for a radically global future—from games in Madrid and London to international fandom, supersonic travel, and AI-enhanced broadcasts. Explore how American football is following in soccer’s footsteps, building grassroots connections abroad, and laying the groundwork for a truly global league by Super Bowl 100.Tune in for a fascinating look at the intersection of sports, technology, and global culture.
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May 14, 2025 • 1h 3min

Why Connecticut? With Travelers & NBC

Nathan Grube, Tournament Director of the Travelers Championship, shares insights on what makes Connecticut a prime spot for major sporting events. Gabrielle Lucivero, NBC Connecticut's lead sports anchor, discusses the state's community spirit and local athlete connections. Together, they explore how the Travelers Championship feels like a home game and highlight the impressive economic impact of over $60M, including significant charitable contributions. Their conversation sheds light on innovative fan experiences and partnerships that enhance Connecticut's sports scene.
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May 5, 2025 • 50min

Hartford Athletic: Beyond the Pitch

Join Virtuoso CEO BJ Kito and video producer Tim O'Shea as they sit down with Hartford Athletic's Dr. Wasserlauf and Bruce Mandel for a fascinating discussion. They explore everything from the latest advancements in sports medicine, education, and biomedicine to how Hartford Athletic is embracing innovation and tackling the season with a focus on player safety and community. Discover the team's powerful reverberation within the community, their commitment to the growth of the sport and advancing their youth programs, and how they're bringing the community together for a shared passion and great times! Tune in for an insightful conversation about the exciting opportunities ahead for Connecticut.
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Apr 30, 2025 • 39min

Connecticut Food Scene: Meet the Foundry's Head Chef

From Michelin-starred kitchens to the heart of Connecticut, listen to BJ Kito, host of 87:60, as he sits down with Jeff Lizotte, Head Chef of The Foundry. Discover the fascinating path that brought this culinary talent back to Connecticut, and hear his passionate vision for the local food scene. They delve into the incredible talent pool thriving here while also candidly discussing the barriers facing aspiring restaurant startups. A must-listen for anyone passionate about food, entrepreneurship, and the future of Connecticut's culinary landscape.Tune in to hear Jeff Lizotte's journey and his aspirations for the future of Connecticut's culinary landscape.
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Apr 23, 2025 • 41min

The USGA: Anyone Can Play Golf

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the USGA's comprehensive marketing approach with Head of Brand and Marketing, Lynn LaRocca. We delve into how they balance the prestige of golf with innovative strategies to broaden its appeal and ensure anyone can play. Learn how they connect with fans, capitalize on golf's rising visibility, and empower players to reach their peak performance. Lynn also highlights the USGA's deep commitment to the long-term health and betterment of the game.We are continuing the 87:60 X Shaping CT's Future series, where Virtuoso CEO BJ Kito sits down with sports and innovation experts ahead of Shaping CT's Future's event on sports and entertainment.
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Apr 22, 2025 • 53min

CT Yard Goats: With Tim Restall

In this episode, BJ Kito and Tim O'Shea explore the dynamic world of minor league baseball and community engagement in Connecticut with Tim Restall, the dedicated President of the Hartford Yard Goats. Get the inside scoop on his vision for the team's connection with Hartford and the surrounding region, their strategies for fostering a vibrant fan experience at Dunkin' Donuts Park, and the leadership that drives the Yard Goats' success both on and off the field. His perspective showcases the Yard Goats organization's commitment to local pride and the vital role sports teams play in shaping the spirit of Connecticut communities.We are continuing the 87:60 X Shaping CT's Future series, where Virtuoso CEO BJ Kito sits down with sports and innovation experts ahead of Shaping CT's Future's event on sports and entertainment.
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Apr 21, 2025 • 40min

The King of D3 NIL: Jack Betts

Jack Betts, founder of Make Your Own Legacy Academy and former Amherst College student-athlete, built a DIII NIL movement helping lower-division athletes monetize and professionalize their brands. He discusses choosing Amherst, landing early NIL deals, securing 40+ partnerships, using micro-influencer strategies, teaching pro skills over one-off deals, and growing a long-term athlete network.

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