Jump to content

Les Otten: Difference between revisions

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
m fix punc
 
(44 intermediate revisions by 28 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|American businessman}}
{{Short description|American business executive (born 1949)}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{Multiple issues|
{{Advert|date=November 2016}}
{{BLP primary sources|date=September 2022}}
{{External links|date=November 2016}}
{{Overly detailed|date=November 2016}}
{{BLP primary sources|date=November 2016}}
{{BLP sources|date=January 2010}}}}
{{BLP sources|date=January 2010}}}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name = Leslie B. Otten
| name = Leslie B. Otten
| image =
| birth_date = {{Birth-date and age|1949}}
| birth_place = [[Teaneck, New Jersey|Teaneck]], [[New Jersey]], U.S.
| birth_date = 1949
| home_town = [[Greenwood, Maine]]
| party = [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]
| party = [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]
| education = [[Ithaca College]] ([[Bachelor of Science|BS]])
| website = http://lesotten.com
| occupation = Business executive
| known_for = Former [[CEO]] of [[American Skiing Company]]
| website = {{URL|http://lesotten.com}}{{dead link|date=December 2020}}
}}
}}
'''Leslie B. "Les" Otten''' (born 1949) is the former CEO of the [[American Skiing Company]]. Since resigning as Chief Executive Officer in 2001, Otten has been involved in numerous other businesses and industries, including [[Major League Baseball]]'s [[Boston Red Sox]].
'''Leslie B. Otten''' (born 1949)<ref>{{Cite web|title=Les Otten - New England Ski History Biography|url=https://www.newenglandskihistory.com/biographies/ottenles.php|access-date=2020-06-04|website=www.newenglandskihistory.com}}</ref> is the former [[CEO]] of the [[American Skiing Company]]. Since resigning as [[Chief executive officer|its chief executive officer]] in 2001, Otten has been involved in numerous other businesses and industries, including [[Major League Baseball|the Major League Baseball]]'s [[Boston Red Sox]].


==Early life and career==
==Early life and career==
Otten was born in [[Teaneck, New Jersey]], where he received his early education.<ref>McCue, Julia. [https://web.archive.org/web/20121105171238/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-49109501.html "BIOGRAPHY: LES OTTEN"], ''[[Portland Press Herald]]'', December 22, 2001. Accessed March 6, 2011.</ref> He graduated high school from the [[Hun School of Princeton]] in [[Princeton, New Jersey]] in 1967.<ref>[http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/person.asp?personId=221415&privcapId=24154654&previousCapId=26339412 Leslie B. Otten of Sports Loyalty Systems, Inc.], ''[[Bloomberg BusinessWeek]]''. Accessed March 6, 2011. "He attended public schools in Teaneck, New Jersey, The Hun School in Princeton, New Jersey, and Ithaca College."</ref> He was named an Alumnus of the Year in 1999. Otten received a B.S. in Business Administration from [[Ithaca College]] in 1971, after which he worked for [[Killington Ski Resort|Killington]] and [[Sunday River (Maine)|Sunday River]] ski resorts. In 1980 he purchased Sunday River, and his company, LBO Resort Enterprises, grew by acquiring [[Sugarbush Resort|Sugarbush]], [[Attitash|Attitash Bear Peak]], and [[Cranmore Mountain Resort|Cranmore]]
Otten was born in [[Teaneck, New Jersey]], where he received his early education.<ref>McCue, Julia. [https://web.archive.org/web/20121105171238/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-49109501.html "BIOGRAPHY: LES OTTEN"], ''[[Portland Press Herald]]'', December 22, 2001. Accessed March 6, 2011.</ref> He graduated high school from the [[Hun School of Princeton]] in [[Princeton, New Jersey]], in 1967<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20121011014317/http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/person.asp?personId=221415&privcapId=24154654&previousCapId=26339412 Leslie B. Otten of Sports Loyalty Systems, Inc.], ''[[Bloomberg BusinessWeek]]''. Accessed March 6, 2011. "He attended public schools in Teaneck, New Jersey, The Hun School in Princeton, New Jersey, and Ithaca College."</ref> and was named an Alumnus of the Year in 1999. Otten received a B.S. in Business Administration from [[Ithaca College]] in 1971, after which he worked for [[Killington Ski Resort|Killington]] and [[Sunday River (Maine)|Sunday River]] ski resorts. In 1980, he purchased Sunday River, and his company, LBO Resort Enterprises, grew by acquiring [[Sugarbush Resort|Sugarbush]], [[Attitash|Attitash Bear Peak]], and [[Cranmore Mountain Resort|Cranmore]] in the Vermont-New Hampshire skiing areas.


==Ski industry career==
==Ski industry career==
Otten started his career at [[Killington Ski Resort]] in [[Vermont]] in 1971. In 1973, at the age of 23, Otten was named ski operation manager of [[Sunday River]] in [[Newry]], [[Maine]]. In 1980 Otten purchased Sunday River. In 1989, Otten was named [[Inc. Magazine]] Entrepreneur of the Year, Turnaround Category.
Otten started his career at [[Killington Ski Resort]] in [[Vermont]] in 1971. In 1973, at the age of 23, Otten was named ski operation manager of [[Sunday River (ski resort)|Sunday River]] in [[Newry, Maine]]. In 1980 Otten purchased Sunday River. In 1989, Otten was named [[Inc. Magazine]] Entrepreneur of the Year, Turnaround Category.


In 1995 he formed [[American Skiing Company]] by acquiring S-K-I, and this expanded his resorts to include Killington, [[Mount Snow]], [[Haystack Mountain Ski Area|Haystack]], [[Waterville Valley Resort|Waterville Valley]], and [[Sugarloaf/USA]]. He was forced to divest his interests in Waterville Valley and [[Cranmore Mountain Resort|Cranmore]] but went on to buy [[Pico Peak]] in Vermont.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ithaca.edu/icq/1997v1/mainmtn.htm |title=Winter 1997 |website=Ithaca.edu |date= |accessdate=2016-11-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/American-Skiing-Company-Company-History.html |title=History of American Skiing Company – FundingUniverse |website=Fundinguniverse.com |date= |accessdate=2016-11-24}}</ref>
In 1995 he formed [[American Skiing Company]] by acquiring S-K-I, and this expanded his resorts to include Killington, [[Mount Snow]], [[Haystack Mountain Ski Area|Haystack]], [[Waterville Valley Resort|Waterville Valley]], and [[Sugarloaf/USA]]. He was forced to divest his interests in Waterville Valley and [[Cranmore Mountain Resort|Cranmore]] but went on to buy [[Pico Peak]] in Vermont.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ithaca.edu/icq/1997v1/mainmtn.htm |title=Winter 1997 |website=Ithaca.edu |date= |accessdate=2016-11-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/American-Skiing-Company-Company-History.html |title=History of American Skiing Company – FundingUniverse |website=Fundinguniverse.com |date= |accessdate=2016-11-24}}</ref>


Under Otten, American Skiing Company invested heavily in marketing and infrastructure. While these investments are credited with major turnaround and growth, they overleveraged the company. A later bailout by an investment firm ultimately caused him to leave day-to-day operations while remaining on the Board of Directors. Otten resigned this position on February 26, 2007, effective immediately, to pursue other options. ''The Boston Globe'' reported "I leave the board with mixed feelings," Otten said. "It's been a pleasure to serve and help guide the Company and I wish everyone well. I truly enjoyed my tenure with the board, but now it's time to look at other options."
Under Otten, American Skiing Company invested heavily in marketing and infrastructure. While these investments are credited with major turnaround and growth, they overleveraged the company. A later bailout by an investment firm ultimately caused him to leave day-to-day operations while remaining on the Board of Directors. Otten resigned this position on February 26, 2007, to pursue other options.


In 2009, Otten was inducted into the Maine Ski Hall of Fame.
In 2009, Otten was inducted into the Maine Ski Hall of Fame.{{Citation needed|date=May 2023}}

On February 28, 2016, ''[[The Boston Globe]]'' reported that Otten had purchased part of the now-closed [[Balsams Resort]] in [[Dixville Notch, New Hampshire]]. According to the article, Otten plans to spend over $100 million to renovate and rebuild the resort with the goal of turning it into a four seasons destination. If finished, the skiing area would be the largest in [[New England]], with 2,200 acres of skiiable terrain.<ref>{{cite news|last=Nanos |first=Janelle |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2016/02/27/les-otten-last-resort/VN2GEN9PMt48P82phacn3N/story.html |title=Les Otten to make stand with old Balsams Hotel |newspaper=[[The Boston Globe]] |date=2016-02-28 |accessdate=2016-11-24}}</ref>

On March 23rd 2024, Otten was inducted into the US Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame during "Skiing History Celebration" in Park City, Utah.{{cn|date=February 2024}}


==Boston Red Sox==
==Boston Red Sox==
Line 32: Line 35:
From 2002 through 2007, Otten was vice chairman and minority partner of the [[Boston Red Sox]] American [[Major League Baseball]] franchise. In 2004, the Red Sox won their first World Series Championship since 1918 while Otten was part of the ownership group.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ithaca.edu/icq/2004v4/an/leaveit.htm |title=ICQ 2004/4 |website=Ithaca.edu |date=2005-01-18 |accessdate=2016-11-24}}</ref>
From 2002 through 2007, Otten was vice chairman and minority partner of the [[Boston Red Sox]] American [[Major League Baseball]] franchise. In 2004, the Red Sox won their first World Series Championship since 1918 while Otten was part of the ownership group.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ithaca.edu/icq/2004v4/an/leaveit.htm |title=ICQ 2004/4 |website=Ithaca.edu |date=2005-01-18 |accessdate=2016-11-24}}</ref>


==Political career==
==Maine Energy Systems==
Otten was a candidate for [[Governor of Maine]] in the [[Maine gubernatorial election, 2010|2010 election]], announcing his participation in the [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] gubernatorial primary on October 19, 2009. Otten first announced an exploratory committee on June 22, 2009.<ref>[http://www.wcsh6.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=106511&catid=2]{{dead link|date=November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://wbztv.com/wireapnewsfme/Les.Otten.former.2.1055131.html |title=Les Otten Mulls Race for Maine Governor - WBZTV.com |accessdate=2009-06-22 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090702072920/http://wbztv.com/wireapnewsfme/Les.Otten.former.2.1055131.html |archivedate=2009-07-02 }}</ref>
In 2008, Otten and two other partners started [[Maine Energy Systems]], whose stated goal is to support a transition to the use of renewable energy for homes and businesses. The company originated from a series of informal seminars organized by Otten in 2007, where he assembled experts in various fields of energy to biweekly meetings. The meetings were broadly focused to allow for highly speculative thinking about Maine's economy and energy usage.


The campaign was criticized by the [[Maine Democratic Party]] for allegedly copying President [[Barack Obama]]'s famous "O" insignia and website layout from the [[2008 United States presidential election|2008 presidential election]] cycle.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com/news/local/6550742.html |title=Les Otten Web site draws complaint from Democrats |accessdate=2009-07-03 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090709111620/http://kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com/news/local/6550742.html |archivedate=2009-07-09 }}</ref> A statement from Otten's website claimed that the Obama campaign had first "copied" the logo from the new [[Pepsi]] logo.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lesotten.com/blog/?id%3D7982282167363597605 |title=Les Otten for Governor - Otten Blog |accessdate=2009-07-03 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090704214741/http://lesotten.com/blog/?id=7982282167363597605 |archivedate=2009-07-04 }}</ref> This claim was refuted,{{synthesis inline|date=November 2016}} as the Obama "O" was first used months before Pepsi revamped their logo.<ref>{{cite web|last=Khan |first=Huma |url=http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2009/01/yes-we-can-try.html |title=Yes, We Can (Try to Hop on the Obama Marketing Bandwagon) - ABC News |website=Blogs.abcnews.com |date=2009-01-12 |accessdate=2016-11-24}}</ref>
The group settled on a strategy that would involve the conversion of a significant proportion of the central home heating systems in Maine from oil to renewable fuel sources. The conversion to renewable fuels is expected to significantly cut long term heating costs in homes and businesses. The production of the fuel from Maine forests would also employ many Maine workers and keep the money spent on home heating in Maine.


Otten would be defeated the Republican primary by [[Waterville, Maine|Waterville]] mayor [[Paul LePage]], who would go on to win the general election and serve two terms as Governor of Maine. Otten finished second in the Republican primary with 17.4% of the vote, 20 points behind LePage's 37.4%.
To implement the solution, Otten, Dutch Dresser, and Bill Strauss formed Maine Energy Systems, LLC.


Otten stated in 2020 that he would vote for Democrat [[Joe Biden]] for President, despite being a Republican.<ref>{{Cite web|last=DiStaso|first=John|date=2020-11-02|title=Republican Les Otten expected to be first in US to vote on Election Day, backing Biden|url=https://www.wmur.com/article/republican-les-otten-expected-to-be-first-in-us-to-vote-on-election-day-backing-biden/34555016|access-date=2020-11-03|website=WMUR|language=en}}</ref>
Automated wood pellet fired central home heating systems are very common in Western Europe. For example, 76% of the new homes constructed in Austria in 2006 were built with pellet fueled rather than oil fueled systems. Pellet fueled systems can run continually for months with no attention so that the owner only has to set the thermostat and enjoy a warm home, hot water, and a heating fuel bill reduced significantly over oil heat.


==Personal life and family==
In January 2009, Maine Energy Systems was recognized by Senator [[Olympia Snowe]] (R – ME) as a small business that is using technology and innovative thinking to help solve our nation's energy crisis and keep Mainers warm during the lengthy winter. Senator Snowe commented that Maine Energy Systems is at the vanguard of the "green" product revolution, creating a product that is beneficial to the environment, saves consumers money, and produces profits and jobs.
Otten lived in [[Greenwood, Maine]] until early 2020. When he learned that the town of [[Dixville Notch, New Hampshire]], had dwindled to a population of four and would be unable to continue its tradition of [[New Hampshire midnight voting|midnight voting]] without at least five [[selectmen]], Otten moved to Dixville Notch to ensure the practice would survive.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McCormack |first1=Kathy |title=Dixville Notch Finds Enough People To Continue Midnight New Hampshire Primary Voting |url=https://boston.cbslocal.com/2020/01/10/dixville-notch-new-hampshire-2020-presidential-primary-first-voting-ballots/ |access-date=January 11, 2020 |work=CBS Boston |agency=[[Associated Press]] |date=January 10, 2020}}</ref>


==Electoral history==
Otten is a past President of the Maine Pellet Fuels Association.
{{Election box begin no change

| title = 2010 Maine gubernatorial Republican primary results<ref name="Results">{{cite web|url=http://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/prior10-11.htm |title=Maine Governor Primary Results |work=Maine SOS |date=June 8, 2010 |access-date=August 9, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101118110254/http://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/prior10-11.htm |archive-date=November 18, 2010 }}</ref>
==FutureMetrics==
}}
Les Otten is a partner in the consultancy FutureMetrics. FutureMetrics' team are leading experts in the wood pellet manufacturing sector.
{{Election box candidate with party link no change

| candidate = '''[[Paul LePage]]'''
==Other ventures==
| party = Republican Party (United States)
Les Otten is currently involved in a number of ventures including Cartera Commerce (provides online shopping for loyalty programs) and Sports Vision Technologies (produces P3ProSwing, a golf swing analyzer and golf simulator). He is current board chairman for the Cromwell Center for Disabilities Awareness in Portland, Maine. The Center provides disabilities awareness education in schools, for prospective educators, and in workplaces.
| votes = '''49,126'''

| percentage = '''37.4'''
Otten is involved in several other businesses in Maine, including the Phoenix House and Well restaurant in Newry, Colony Development Company in Bethel and Sports Vision Technologies in Bethel and Portland. Sports Vision Technologies currently employees nearly a dozen people that live in Maine.
}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change
==Governor's Wood-to-Energy Task Force==
| candidate = Les Otten
In 2008, Otten was asked by Maine Governor [[John Baldacci]] to chair the Governor's Wood-to-Energy Task Force which was charged with finding ways to reduce the state's reliance on foreign oil and stimulate Maine's economy by developing renewable sources of energy made in Maine, by Maine businesses, for Maine people. The initiative sought to capitalize on opportunities to convert public buildings to wood biomass heat; encourage homeowners to switch from oil heat to heat from renewable energy sources; and, promote Maine-grown alternative energy industries.
| party = Republican Party (United States)

| votes = 22,945
This Wood-to-Energy Task Force reported that Maine is the most heating oil dependent state in the country with 440,000 households consuming an average of 900 gallons of heating oil a year. At a July 2008 price of $4.64 a gallon that amounts to $4,100 per Maine household. The Task Force concluded that wood-to-energy can lower the cost of home heating approximately 25 to 50% of the cost of No. 2 [[heating oil]].
| percentage = 17.4

}}
==Maine Handicapped Skiing==
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
Otten founded Maine Handicapped Skiing with Omar D. "Chip" Crothers, M.D. to ensure access to and participation in the recreational sports that are integral to a well-rounded life for every person. Maine Handicapped Skiing is the largest year-round adaptive recreation program east of the Mississippi for adults and children with physical disabilities. From Veterans No Boundaries to children with cerebral palsy, Maine Handicapped Skiing helps a wide spectrum of Mainers. In 2013 Maine Handicapped Skiing changed its name to Maine Adaptive Sports and Recreation.
| candidate = [[Peter Mills (American politician)|Peter Mills]]

| party = Republican Party (United States)
==Cromwell Center for Disabilities Awareness==
| votes = 19,271

| percentage = 14.7
Otten is currently serving as chairman of the Cromwell Center for Disabilities Awareness, an organization dedicated to ensuring that people with all types of disabilities are afforded the same dignity, inclusion, and respect that every person deserves as a birthright.
}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change
Otten was honored as the Cromwell Center Person of the Year for 2009.
| candidate = [[Steve Abbott (politician)|Steve Abbott]]

| party = Republican Party (United States)
==Western Mountains Alliance==
| votes = 17,209
In 1987, Otten was part of a group of civic-minded individuals from across western Maine who came together to form the Western Mountains Alliance in order to seek a sustainable development strategy for western Maine, a region struggling with long-term economic decline.
| percentage = 13.1
Otten acted as first chairman of the Western Mountains Alliance.
}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change
==Maine Chamber Alliance==
| candidate = [[William Beardsley (politician)|William Beardsley]]
In 1990, Otten co-founded and served as the first chairman of the Economic Environmental Council of Maine, which merged with the Maine Chamber to become the Maine Chamber Alliance, where Otten also served as the first chair of that organization. The goal of these organizations was to create an environment where the needs of the paper industry could find middle ground with the environmental concerns of Maine citizens.
| party = Republican Party (United States)

| votes = 12,061
==Portland Museum of Art==
| percentage = 9.2
Otten is past chairman and current Board of Trustees member of the [[Portland Museum of Art]], since the collection put together by his father, the former German steel magnate [[Albert Otten]] (in German: [[:de:Albert Ottenheimer|Albert Ottenheimer]]), is hosted there. Al Otten became owner of ''Albot Industries'' in New Jersey when he had to emigrate from Germany.
}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change
==Project Opportunity==
| candidate = [[Bruce Poliquin]]
In 1988 Otten started Project Opportunity in Bethel by donating the initial grant and creating its goal of helping late bloomers. Project Opportunity is a unique Grant and Scholarship Program benefitting Telstar Regional High School students. From the generous donations Project Opportunity has received, students have been able to attend colleges throughout the United States as well experience educational trips throughout the World.
| party = Republican Party (United States)

| votes = 6,471
==2010 Maine Gubernatorial Republican Primary==
| percentage = 4.9
Otten is a former candidate for [[Governor of Maine]] in the [[Maine gubernatorial election, 2010|2010 election]].
}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change
On October 19, 2009, Otten formally announced his candidacy for the Republican gubernatorial primary in the 2010 election. In his announcement speech, Otten emphasized the need for Maine to create jobs, lower taxes, prepare its students for the global economy and take control of its energy future.
| candidate = [[Matthew C. Jacobson|Matt Jacobson]]

| party = Republican Party (United States)
On June 22, 2009, after months of speculation, word broke that Otten will announce the formation of an exploratory committee for a potential bid for Governor of Maine on June 29. Otten is running as a Republican.<ref>[http://www.wcsh6.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=106511&catid=2]{{dead link|date=November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://wbztv.com/wireapnewsfme/Les.Otten.former.2.1055131.html |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2009-06-22 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090702072920/http://wbztv.com/wireapnewsfme/Les.Otten.former.2.1055131.html |archivedate=2009-07-02 }}</ref> The campaign was criticized by the [[Maine Democratic Party]] for allegedly copying President [[Barack Obama]]'s famous "O" insignia and website layout from the [[2008 United States presidential election|2008 presidential election]] cycle.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com/news/local/6550742.html |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2009-07-03 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090709111620/http://kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com/news/local/6550742.html |archivedate=2009-07-09 }}</ref> A statement from Otten's website claims that it was actually the Obama campaign who first "copied" the logo from the new [[Pepsi]] logo.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lesotten.com/blog/?id%3D7982282167363597605 |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2009-07-03 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090704214741/http://lesotten.com/blog/?id=7982282167363597605 |archivedate=2009-07-04 }}</ref> This claim was too refuted,{{synthesis inline|date=November 2016}} as the Obama "O" was first used months before Pepsi revamped their logo.<ref>{{cite web|last=Khan |first=Huma |url=http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2009/01/yes-we-can-try.html |title=Yes, We Can (Try to Hop on the Obama Marketing Bandwagon) - ABC News |website=Blogs.abcnews.com |date=2009-01-12 |accessdate=2016-11-24}}</ref>
| votes = 4,324

| percentage = 3.3
Counting among his campaign staff is Christian Potholm, a Maine political consultant that helped Democratic Governor [[John Baldacci]] defeat Republican candidate [[Chandler Woodcock]] in 2006. Potholm is Professor of Government at [[Bowdoin College]] who has authored several books on Maine politics including, ''Maine: The Dynamics of Political Change'', ''This Splendid Game: Maine Campaigns and Elections, 1940–2002'' and ''An Insider's Guide to Maine Politics:1946–1996''.
}}

{{Election box total no change
William J. Ryan, Chairman, President and CEO of TD Banknorth Group, Inc. served as Treasurer of the Exploratory Committee for Otten's potential bid for Governor of Maine in 2010. After the official announcement of the formal campaign, Bruce Chalmers, President of Chalmers Insurance Group in Bridgton, Maine took over as Campaign Treasurer.
| votes = 131,407

| percentage = 100
==Balsams Resort rebuilding==
}}
On February 28, 2016, [[The Boston Globe]] reported that Otten had purchased part of the now-closed [[Balsams Resort]] in [[Dixville Notch, New Hampshire]]. According to the article, Otten plans to spend over $100 million to renovate and rebuild the resort with the goal of turning it into a four seasons destination. When finished, the skiing area would be the largest in New England, with 2,200 acres of skiable terrain.<ref>{{cite news|last=Nanos |first=Janelle |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2016/02/27/les-otten-last-resort/VN2GEN9PMt48P82phacn3N/story.html |title=Les Otten to make stand with old Balsams Hotel |newspaper=[[The Boston Globe]] |date=2016-02-28 |accessdate=2016-11-24}}</ref>
{{Election box end}}

==Personal life and family==
Otten lives in Dixville Notch, NH. He raised three children.


==References==
==References==
Line 101: Line 103:


==External links==
==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090703010621/http://lesotten.com/ Les Otten for Governor (official web site)]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090703010621/http://lesotten.com/ Les Otten for Governor (official web site)] (2009 archived copy)

* [http://www.cromwellcenter.org Cromwell Center for Disabilities Awareness]
{{Authority control}}
* [http://www.maineenergysystems.com/ Maine Energy Systems]
* [http://www.futuremetrics.com/ FutureMetrics]
* [http://www.phoenixhouseandwell.com/ Phoenix House and Well]
* [http://www.thecolonyatsundayriver.com/ The Colony Development]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110815061830/http://www.cartera.com/company/board.html Cartera Commerce]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110824033018/http://www.p3proswing.com/ P3ProSwing]


{{DEFAULTSORT:Otten, Les}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Otten, Les}}

Latest revision as of 20:51, 17 June 2024

Leslie B. Otten
Born1949 (1949) (age 75)
Teaneck, New Jersey, U.S.
EducationIthaca College (BS)
OccupationBusiness executive
Known forFormer CEO of American Skiing Company
Political partyRepublican
Websitelesotten.com[dead link]

Leslie B. Otten (born 1949)[1] is the former CEO of the American Skiing Company. Since resigning as its chief executive officer in 2001, Otten has been involved in numerous other businesses and industries, including the Major League Baseball's Boston Red Sox.

Early life and career

[edit]

Otten was born in Teaneck, New Jersey, where he received his early education.[2] He graduated high school from the Hun School of Princeton in Princeton, New Jersey, in 1967[3] and was named an Alumnus of the Year in 1999. Otten received a B.S. in Business Administration from Ithaca College in 1971, after which he worked for Killington and Sunday River ski resorts. In 1980, he purchased Sunday River, and his company, LBO Resort Enterprises, grew by acquiring Sugarbush, Attitash Bear Peak, and Cranmore in the Vermont-New Hampshire skiing areas.

Ski industry career

[edit]

Otten started his career at Killington Ski Resort in Vermont in 1971. In 1973, at the age of 23, Otten was named ski operation manager of Sunday River in Newry, Maine. In 1980 Otten purchased Sunday River. In 1989, Otten was named Inc. Magazine Entrepreneur of the Year, Turnaround Category.

In 1995 he formed American Skiing Company by acquiring S-K-I, and this expanded his resorts to include Killington, Mount Snow, Haystack, Waterville Valley, and Sugarloaf/USA. He was forced to divest his interests in Waterville Valley and Cranmore but went on to buy Pico Peak in Vermont.[4][5]

Under Otten, American Skiing Company invested heavily in marketing and infrastructure. While these investments are credited with major turnaround and growth, they overleveraged the company. A later bailout by an investment firm ultimately caused him to leave day-to-day operations while remaining on the Board of Directors. Otten resigned this position on February 26, 2007, to pursue other options.

In 2009, Otten was inducted into the Maine Ski Hall of Fame.[citation needed]

On February 28, 2016, The Boston Globe reported that Otten had purchased part of the now-closed Balsams Resort in Dixville Notch, New Hampshire. According to the article, Otten plans to spend over $100 million to renovate and rebuild the resort with the goal of turning it into a four seasons destination. If finished, the skiing area would be the largest in New England, with 2,200 acres of skiiable terrain.[6]

On March 23rd 2024, Otten was inducted into the US Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame during "Skiing History Celebration" in Park City, Utah.[citation needed]

Boston Red Sox

[edit]

From 2002 through 2007, Otten was vice chairman and minority partner of the Boston Red Sox American Major League Baseball franchise. In 2004, the Red Sox won their first World Series Championship since 1918 while Otten was part of the ownership group.[7]

Political career

[edit]

Otten was a candidate for Governor of Maine in the 2010 election, announcing his participation in the Republican gubernatorial primary on October 19, 2009. Otten first announced an exploratory committee on June 22, 2009.[8][9]

The campaign was criticized by the Maine Democratic Party for allegedly copying President Barack Obama's famous "O" insignia and website layout from the 2008 presidential election cycle.[10] A statement from Otten's website claimed that the Obama campaign had first "copied" the logo from the new Pepsi logo.[11] This claim was refuted,[improper synthesis?] as the Obama "O" was first used months before Pepsi revamped their logo.[12]

Otten would be defeated the Republican primary by Waterville mayor Paul LePage, who would go on to win the general election and serve two terms as Governor of Maine. Otten finished second in the Republican primary with 17.4% of the vote, 20 points behind LePage's 37.4%.

Otten stated in 2020 that he would vote for Democrat Joe Biden for President, despite being a Republican.[13]

Personal life and family

[edit]

Otten lived in Greenwood, Maine until early 2020. When he learned that the town of Dixville Notch, New Hampshire, had dwindled to a population of four and would be unable to continue its tradition of midnight voting without at least five selectmen, Otten moved to Dixville Notch to ensure the practice would survive.[14]

Electoral history

[edit]
2010 Maine gubernatorial Republican primary results[15]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Paul LePage 49,126 37.4
Republican Les Otten 22,945 17.4
Republican Peter Mills 19,271 14.7
Republican Steve Abbott 17,209 13.1
Republican William Beardsley 12,061 9.2
Republican Bruce Poliquin 6,471 4.9
Republican Matt Jacobson 4,324 3.3
Total votes 131,407 100

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Les Otten - New England Ski History Biography". www.newenglandskihistory.com. Retrieved 2020-06-04.
  2. ^ McCue, Julia. "BIOGRAPHY: LES OTTEN", Portland Press Herald, December 22, 2001. Accessed March 6, 2011.
  3. ^ Leslie B. Otten of Sports Loyalty Systems, Inc., Bloomberg BusinessWeek. Accessed March 6, 2011. "He attended public schools in Teaneck, New Jersey, The Hun School in Princeton, New Jersey, and Ithaca College."
  4. ^ "Winter 1997". Ithaca.edu. Retrieved 2016-11-24.
  5. ^ "History of American Skiing Company – FundingUniverse". Fundinguniverse.com. Retrieved 2016-11-24.
  6. ^ Nanos, Janelle (2016-02-28). "Les Otten to make stand with old Balsams Hotel". The Boston Globe. Retrieved 2016-11-24.
  7. ^ "ICQ 2004/4". Ithaca.edu. 2005-01-18. Retrieved 2016-11-24.
  8. ^ [1][dead link]
  9. ^ "Les Otten Mulls Race for Maine Governor - WBZTV.com". Archived from the original on 2009-07-02. Retrieved 2009-06-22.
  10. ^ "Les Otten Web site draws complaint from Democrats". Archived from the original on 2009-07-09. Retrieved 2009-07-03.
  11. ^ "Les Otten for Governor - Otten Blog". Archived from the original on 2009-07-04. Retrieved 2009-07-03.
  12. ^ Khan, Huma (2009-01-12). "Yes, We Can (Try to Hop on the Obama Marketing Bandwagon) - ABC News". Blogs.abcnews.com. Retrieved 2016-11-24.
  13. ^ DiStaso, John (2020-11-02). "Republican Les Otten expected to be first in US to vote on Election Day, backing Biden". WMUR. Retrieved 2020-11-03.
  14. ^ McCormack, Kathy (January 10, 2020). "Dixville Notch Finds Enough People To Continue Midnight New Hampshire Primary Voting". CBS Boston. Associated Press. Retrieved January 11, 2020.
  15. ^ "Maine Governor Primary Results". Maine SOS. June 8, 2010. Archived from the original on November 18, 2010. Retrieved August 9, 2010.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Les_Otten&oldid=1229624350"