The Bratchmeister

Name: Sean R.H. Bratches      
Title: EVP, Sales and Marketing
Age: 46
Years in Industry: 22

Why Him? Bratches’ ability to sell ESPN’s enormously diverse portfolio—and ably explain it to distributors—is second to none. And exploiting the power of the ESPN brand has become his stock and trade, all under the watchful (and often praising) eye of boss George Bodenheimer, who continues to entrust Bratches with much of the tough negotiating and horse trading that often puts these deals over the top. With new competition from other sports nets and even the sports leagues themselves, Bratches’ job has never been more challenging. Or more fun.  MG

I knew the cable industry was for me when: “ESPN and MTV were on the cable system when I arrived at college.”
The cable industry’s biggest challenge in 2008 is: “To ensure that our collective content is protected through DRM.”
The coolest new cable tech is: “High definition television”
Person I most admire in the cable industry and why: “George Bodenheimer because of his leadership and mentorship.”
Top personal achievement in 2007:  “Having in place in a senior management team that is second to none.”
Person (other than my current boss) who I’d most like to work for:  “Myself!!!”
In my free time, I like to: “Spend active time with my bride and four son.”
Favorite restaurant: “Peter Luger’s”
Favorite city: “Bristol, CT”
Favorite line from a movie or TV show: “There’s no crying in baseball!!!…” – A League of Their Own
Three things I would take with me to a deserted island: “Fly rod… family… espn360.com.”
Favorite song: Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir”
Favorite movie: Slapshot
Favorite sports team: “New York Yankees”
Favorite piece of tech: “iPhone”
Least favorite piece of tech: “4×3 television sets.”
The three most played songs on my iPod are: “1) shuffle songs 2) Led Zeppelin, “Kashmir” 3) The Clash, “Rock the Casbah”
My perfect vacation goes like this: “Head to the mountains and ski… tele-mark.” snowshoe…(wait for the snow to melt)… fly fish… canoe… mountain bike.”
The world would be a better place if: “It were greener.”

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