THE RAHMYS
Working non-traditional hours, traveling the globe for sporting events and spending years with coworkers can make colleagues feel like family, but a handful of ESPN employees take that sentiment to another level.
In celebration of Father’s Day, Front Row is shining the spotlight on a few of the father/offspring pairs who work full-time at ESPN’s Bristol, Conn., campus. We asked them what it feels like to work for the same company, what it has meant to their family and how it has influenced their careers.
Barry Rahmy, Senior Director, Planning & Development, 35 years at ESPN
Maddy Rahmy, Marketing Coordinator, 2 years at ESPN
What it’s like working with your father/daughter?
Barry: It’s incredibly gratifying to see one of my kids in action as a grownup. Working at ESPN was never part of Maddy’s plan, but darned if she doesn’t have an aptitude for it.
Maddy: I have always looked up to my dad, but my respect and admiration for him and his work ethic has grown infinitely since joining the ESPN family. I am grateful for his constant support and the space he has given me to forge my own path within the company.
A favorite father/daughter experience:
Barry: Her primary responsibility entails working with Creative Services [Barry’s group]. The universe is a cruel and amusing place.
Maddy: I think it’s really special we have been able to share my first years in the workforce together. Good day or bad day, he understands in a way only another ESPN employee can. Also, we run into each other on campus more than we plan to, which is always fun!
Father’s Day message from Maddy:
Dad, thank you for everything you have done for our family. Words could never express how much you mean to me and how grateful I am to share my ESPN experience with you. You are my superhero. Love you, Poj!
THE BARRYS
Rick Barry, VP Programming and Production Business Operations, 34 years at ESPN (retired)
Spencer Barry, Production Assistant, 2 years at ESPN
What it’s like working with your father/son?
Rick: I enjoyed having lunch with my son and driving our Harleys to campus on good weather days.
Spencer: It amazes me how much my father knows about ESPN. I feel like he could rattle off every employee’s name – maybe even their alma mater!
A favorite father/son experience:
Rick: The Disney stars aligned when Spencer started at ESPN on Feb. 4, 2013, 33 years to the day after me. One year later, on February 4, 2014, I retired.
Spencer: From the Super Bowl to the ESPYs to the X Games, ESPN has provided my father and I a lifetime of memories I will cherish forever.
Father’s Day message from Spencer:
Thank you for everything. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without all you have taught me. Mom, Jess and I love you.
THE DEANS
(Photos courtesy of the Deans)
Chip Dean, Coordinating Director, 36 years at ESPN
Kyle Dean, Senior Remote Operations Coordinator, 5 years at ESPN
What it’s like working with your father/son?
Chip: We have lunch once a week to talk about life and work. It’s becoming my Tuesdays with Morrie. I listen a lot and I give advice based on my experience. We’re in different departments, but we’re tied together. It’s the ultimate collaboration. Now as he’s working for people I mentored years ago, I’m proud to see how his team spirit and positivity have translated from the field to the working world.
Kyle: During weekly lunches with my dad, it is wonderful to hear the drive in his voice to be the best he can, to question what doesn’t make sense and to remember to be happy – not just content. He motivates me. I know I am incredibly fortunate to have him as a guiding light in the workplace.
A favorite father/son experience:
Chip: Baseball is Kyle’s favorite sport, so we took in a Tampa Bay Rays game and a Miami Marlins game this spring. Planning this trip and traveling with him, I realized how meticulous Kyle is, how organized. Our goal is to get to as many ballparks as possible.
Kyle: We went to Tropicana Field and Marlins Park this year – our first father-son experience as adults. It was like hanging out with my one of my best friends. I view him as both the dad that molds, teaches and coaches me – as well as the man I try to mirror every day.
Father’s Day message from Kyle:
Dad, I can’t thank you enough for all you have done for me throughout my life, as a coach, a mentor, teacher and father. You’ve helped make me the man I am today and have always been the biggest influence in my life. I hope I’ve made you proud.
THE ISRAELS
(Photos courtesy of the Israels)
Jeff Israel, Associate Technical Analyst, 36 years at ESPN
Jon Israel, Manager, Newsroom Operations, 10 years at ESPN
What it’s like working with your father/son?
Jeff: Jon continues to impress me with his sports knowledge, which is much better than mine, his work ethic and his passion for getting it right. Jon holds the distinction of being the first child born to an ESPN employee.
Jon: I have always looked up to my father and enjoy when he stops by to see me and what I’m working on. We work at different times, but try to see each other when we can.
A favorite father/son experience:
Jeff: One event we enjoyed spending time together was ESPN’s 25th Anniversary celebration at ESPN Zone in NYC. We met a lot of celebrities, including a picture opportunity Jon had facing off with Lenox Lewis.
Jon: My favorite moments with my dad at work are from when I was a child. I loved to go to work with him and watch him edit or look over his camera gear before a big event. I always wanted to work at ESPN because of these experiences when I was younger.
Father’s Day message from Jon:
Happy Father’s Day to one of the coolest, funniest, nicest guys I know.
THE SCHUMACHERS
(Photos courtesy of the Schumachers/SportsCenter studio photo: Stephanie Zapor/ESPN)
Mark Schumacher, Lead Systems Engineer, 35 years at ESPN
Ben Schumacher, Associate Engineer, 6 years at ESPN
What it’s like working with your father/son?
Mark: It is a bit frustrating to see someone doing pretty much the same thing as you, only 10 times faster, with no mistakes.
Ben: He’s a great resource when I have questions, but most importantly, I always know where to find him if I forget my lunch money!
A favorite father/son experience:
Mark: I am thankful I saw the incredible feat Ben accomplished by designing and overseeing the installation of the entire fiber infrastructure at DC2 [Digital Center 2]. The really cool part for me is that Ben designed the DC2 fiber installation, while my other sons, Tim and Luke, did the install! [Note: Tim and Luke Schumacher are contractors and not full-time ESPN employees.]
Ben: Seeing my dad honored at the ESPN 30th anniversary celebration was one of the many proud moments that stand out for me.
Father’s Day message from Ben:
Happy Father’s Day, Pops! Thanks for being one of my favorite parents!
