Art Levitt: Environmentalist/Entrepreneur, Founder and CEO, FANDANGO movie ticketing company, Pres & CEO, Hard Rock Cafes. Ep. #165

A Mick A Mook and A Mic

World renown entrepreneur Art Levitt will be joining Frank and Billy on A Mick A Mook and A Mic podcast this summer.

Levitt was the founding CEO of Fandango, Inc., the premier online movie ticketing and entertainment business. Art launched Fandango in July 2000, and led the company to growth and profitability, establishing the company as a nationally recognized brand known for its creativity, operational excellence, and premium service experience.

From 1996 to 2000, Levitt also served as President of Disney Regional Entertainment, a division of The Walt Disney Company focused on launching Disney-branded entertainment concepts for expansion in markets throughout the U.S. Levitt was responsible for such businesses as the ESPNZone, a sports, dining, and entertainment complex, DisneyQuest, an indoor interactive theme park, and Club Disney an interactive children’s play center.

Art’s current focus is working with environmental nonprofits, where he is able to leverage his executive experience and pursue his passion for making a difference in the health of the planet. He serves on the boards of The Aquarium of the Pacific, Reef Check Foundation, and Channel Islands Restoration.

.Levitt has been involved in the Philanthropy and conservation world, serving as Chief of Staff of the Dalio Foundation, where his responsibilities included managing initiatives in Global Oceanographic work and Marine Conservation.

Before Disney Regional Entertainment, Levitt served as President and CEO of Hard Rock Café, International from 1993 to 1996, where he managed the company’s global business, including global expansion, repositioning the brand for worldwide growth, business extensions, and increased revenues and profitability.

Preceding Hard Rock Café, Levitt was vice president of resorts and special projects for The Walt Disney Company, where he oversaw the operation of the Walt Disney World Resort’s nightlife and entertainment complex, Pleasure Island, as well as The Disney Village Marketplace, and the resort hotels Disney Village Resort and Disney Vacation Club.

Levitt completed the Program for Management Development (P.M.D.) at Harvard University and graduated from Southampton College with a B.A. in Biology with a focus on Marine Science.

Be sure to join Billy and Frank for this fascinating interview with the iconic entrepreneur.