In this edition of our Leadership Roundtable series, we sat down with another long tenured veteran of the business, Kevin Parkinson, Vice President, Operations & Finance, Rich Entertainment Group (REG). Over the course of his 23-year career, Kevin’s sphere of influence has continually grown and today, in his multifaceted role, his leadership impacts a wide variety of entertainment businesses from baseball and golf to restaurants and outdoor venues.
Kevin joined REG in 2002 as a senior accountant working mostly with the Rich Baseball group, which now consists of Buffalo Bisons, West Virginia Black Bears and Northwest Arkansas Naturals. After a few years, he was promoted to REG controller and his portfolio grew to include financial responsibility for Palm Beach National golf club, the Florida Restaurant group (including the famed Green Turtle Inn, Kaiyo Grill & Sushi and other Islamorada favorites), and Glen Iris Inn.
“At that point, my career gravitated into much more than a financial role and I started to get involved in operations focusing on efficiencies and non-gameday events,” Kevin said of his increased accountabilities. “When REG was awarded the management contract for Outer Harbor 2016 and Canalside in 2017, my responsibilities expanded again, and I assumed financial and operational oversight of both Buffalo Waterfront venues.”
When asked what advice he would give to others presented with an opportunity to grow their skill set through stretch assignments, Kevin says to embrace the new challenge and leverage REG’s extensive network of experienced leaders to find a mentor. He also says it’s important to exercise curiosity and humility – don’t be afraid to ask questions and request assistance.
“When I stepped into expanded rolls, I had to be adaptable every day, often every hour,” Kevin recalls. “I have found that listening, being very patient, and gaining first-hand experience of an operation provides a better understanding and positive future outcomes.”
Kevin’s adaptable skill set and hands on leadership approach have fostered tremendous growth across his portfolio, including significant transformation at the Buffalo Waterfront venues since REG took over nearly 10 years ago. Not only have these outdoor amenities expanded REG’s entertainment footprint to include live concerts, arts and cultural festivals, and various family-friendly recreational activities, but Kevin also says visitors can expect further growth and development along the waterfront.
“In 2024 we opened Terminal B, a versatile outdoor venue that is the backdrop for a highly successful series of live concerts and events,” remarked Kevin. “This summer we are excited to reopen Wilkenson Pointe and a new park golf course at Outer Harbor. Downtown at Canalside, there are three construction projects underway, including a new visitor center and two mixed use buildings.”
Outer Harbor is one of two REG entities that Kevin feels are somewhat undiscovered. He says that Terminal B is the best place to enjoy a concert and watch the sun set over Lake Erie. Another hidden gem he hopes more visitors will endeavor to explore is Glen Iris Inn.
“From conversations I’ve had, many people have not had the opportunity to enjoy Glen Iris Inn at Letchworth State Park,” acknowledged Kevin. “It’s worth the drive. Just over an hour outside Buffalo, the Inn itself is historic and beautiful, but the surrounding hiking trails, waterfalls and scenic views are just as special.”
As someone who clearly appreciates the outdoors and adventure, we couldn’t resist the chance to ask Kevin about his most memorable entertainment, leisure or travel experience. He easily cited a three-month backpacking trip through Asia as a highlight.
“I spent time in Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Thailand and the Philippines,” Kevin said as he recounted the journey. “It was very educational to experience other cultures and customs, as well as appreciate amazing landscapes and architecture such as the Taj Mahal, temples and the Himalayas.”
Here are some other highlights from our conversation with Kevin:
Tell us about your first job and what you learned from it
My first job out of college was in a financial accounting role for a company that manufactured suits and clothing. As a recent accounting grad from SUNY Geneseo, I think I learned more about the human element than anything. I learned how to listen, watch and learn from what others were doing, and to respect co-workers.
What are some of the most important/impactful lessons you have learned during your time at REG?
I’ve learned the value of developing strong partnerships both internally and externally. In my experience, if you are open, honest and always do the right thing it will lead to trust and respect and a positive relationship.
What is your “Why”? What gets you up in the morning?
I have been provided with a creative and diverse role working within REG and every day I am excited to see what may happen. I love my job and enjoy the people I work with.
What is a typical day like for you
There is no such thing as a typical day. We work odd hours, weekends, long days, and it varies by season. Some mornings I start my day at the ballpark and end up at Canalside, Outer Harbor, Powerhouse, or all of the above. Sometimes I’ll work at a concert or a baseball game at night, and during the day my schedule consists of meetings, sponsorship sales, strategic planning, and financial meetings.
Who would you say has had the greatest influence on you as a leader and why?
I’m not certain that any one person would be a fair answer because I have had been fortunate to work with many great and experienced leaders. The opportunity to watch and learn from both their management style and who they are as people has had a very positive influence on me personally and professionally.
What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time?
Be patient, honest, listen and understand that every person and every job is equally important as another.
In one sentence, can you tell us what you think is the most important thing about being a leader?
Building trust through integrity and communication.
To conclude our conversation, we presented Kevin with these “first reaction” questions and asked him to respond in three words or less:
- Describe Buffalo Bisons in one word? ENTERTAINING
- Describe Buffalo Bisons fans in one word? ENTHUSIASTIC
- What is one attribute you look for when hiring an associate? PASSION
- What is the one word you want visitors to say about Buffalo Waterfront? RELAXING
- In three words or less, describe what it takes to be successful? UNDERSTANDING, INNOVATIVE, HONEST
- What is the one word that you believe has the most power in the English language? IMAGINE
To learn more about other members of the Rich Entertainment Group (REG) leadership team, check out our interviews with REG President Joe Segarra, Mike Buczkowski, President of Rich Baseball Operations, Beth O’Donnell, Co-President of The Travel Team, and Denise Coffey, General Manager of Glen Iris Inn. Stay tuned for future editions of our Leadership Roundtable series.