First Inning Ventures - About Us
Sports Agency
We are dedicated to providing our clients with exceptional sports agency services. We are a team of experienced and knowledgeable consultants who are committed to helping you develop your brand, establish relationships with sponsors, create high quality content, and capitalize on your athletic abilities.
Financing for Teams/Leagues
We leverage our global footprint to finance the following:
European Soccer Clubs
Collegiate Football, Basketball, Baseball, Soccer, and Lacrosse
Our Philosophy
At First Inning Ventures, we believe that honesty, integrity, and transparency are the keys to success . We take pride in our work and are committed to providing our clients with the best possible experience.
Our Team
Ira W. Miller - CEO, Founder, and Chairman of The Advisory Board
Mr. Miller is a seasoned financial professional with over three decades of experience, beginning his career at Drexel Burnham Lambert in 1987 before co-founding the IW Miller Group in 1992, specializing in wireless and technology industries. He is currently also Chairman and CEO of Zone Capital Partners - a boutique corporate consulting firm. Beyond corporate achievements, he co-founded a Socially Responsible Investing course at NYU and contributed as a guest lecturer at NYU and UCLA, showcasing his commitment to education and responsible investing. An alumnus of UC Irvine, Ira graduated with a Bachelor's in Economics and a Minor in Psychology, laying the groundwork for a career marked by financial expertise and dedication to education.
Jimmy Frischling - Chief Investment Officer
Mr. Frischling is an entrepreneur and experienced finance professional with over 30 years in the financial services, capital markets and hospitality industries. In 2018 Mr.Frischling co-founded and is the Managing Partner at Branded Hospitality Group LLC, an investment and solutions platform at the intersection of hospitality, technology, and capital. Branded is exclusively focused on early-stage technology & innovation companies and emerging brands in the foodservice & hospitality industry. Branded’s investors include over one hundred High Net Worth Individuals, Family Offices, and Private Equity Firms.
Jimmy holds Series 79, 7, 24 and 63 licenses, a B.A. from Wesleyan University and an MBA from Columbia Business School.
Kevin Owens - Chief Operating Officer
Kevin, an alumnus of Michigan State University and Monmouth University, is a nine-year veteran of professional basketball, doubling as a writer and the host and founder of Overseas Famous. In 2021, Kevin debuted his memoir, also titled Overseas Famous, chronicling his extensive career as a globe-trotting athlete for hire. The book offers a unique perspective, inviting readers into the world of a "regular guy" inhabiting a towering 7-foot frame. Motivated by his own battles with post-retirement depression and career dissatisfaction, Kevin conceived Overseas Famous as a supportive community for athletes navigating life after sports. In his free time, he cherishes moments with his family, finding joy in their company.
Jack Vonarb - Senior Managing Director
Jack Vonarb - Senior Managing Director
Jack Vonarb - Senior Managing Director
Jack Vonarb, our resident west-coaster, takes a forward-looking approach to investing and has been passionate about sports his entire life. With a background in alternative investments, primarily venture capital and real estate private equity, Jack brings a unique perspective to the team. In 2018, Jack embarked on a London-based endeavor
Jack Vonarb, our resident west-coaster, takes a forward-looking approach to investing and has been passionate about sports his entire life. With a background in alternative investments, primarily venture capital and real estate private equity, Jack brings a unique perspective to the team. In 2018, Jack embarked on a London-based endeavor focused on raising capital for early-stage venture funds in the educational technology sector. Before embarking on his professional career, he distinguished himself as a three-sport athlete at Crespi High School and continued his legacy at Rollins College, earning All-American honors and serving as a two-time Captain of the lacrosse team.
Beyond his professional accolades, Jack is recognized for his unwavering commitment to family, a passion for exploring the outdoors, and a steadfast dedication to maintaining an active lifestyle.
Ian Stewart - Managing Director
Jack Vonarb - Senior Managing Director
Jack Vonarb - Senior Managing Director
Ian has an extensive background in online and traditional marketing, web architecture and development, project management, and is a veteran manager in both the Information Technology and Restaurant/Hospitality industries. As Managing Director at Zone Capital Partners, Mr. Stewart is responsible for administration of the back office to ens
Ian has an extensive background in online and traditional marketing, web architecture and development, project management, and is a veteran manager in both the Information Technology and Restaurant/Hospitality industries. As Managing Director at Zone Capital Partners, Mr. Stewart is responsible for administration of the back office to ensure compliance. During his time at ZCP Ian has supported in excess of $3 billion in client exits.
With his wide range of experience in Hospitality and Information Technology management, Mr. Stewart is highly knowledgeable in Information Management and Data Analytics, the essential underpinning of sports. He possesses a comprehensive understanding of sports statistics and mathematical ratios. A fan of Baseball, Football and Soccer, Ian has been a zealous Dodger fan his entire life and enjoys attending Spring Training games in Arizona.
Jason Thomas - Sports Venture Analyst
As a senior at Rutgers Business School New Brunswick and a member of the Arts and Sciences Honors Program, he has demonstrated a fervent interest in finance and investing. Pursuing a double major in Finance and Leadership & Management, he has achieved top honors in two national stock pitch competitions. He has been a co-founder at a start
As a senior at Rutgers Business School New Brunswick and a member of the Arts and Sciences Honors Program, he has demonstrated a fervent interest in finance and investing. Pursuing a double major in Finance and Leadership & Management, he has achieved top honors in two national stock pitch competitions. He has been a co-founder at a startup digital marketing agency and has served as COO of another. His experience in client acquisition and sales strategy development, fostered a deepening passion for business and consulting.
Outside academia and work, he is an avid weightlifter.
EL-Adonis Williams - Sports Marketing Intern
EL-Adonis Williams - Sports Marketing Intern
EL-Adonis Williams - Sports Marketing Intern
El-Adonis is currently a junior at the University of Southern California pursuing an Economics degree with a minor in Sports Business. He is a member of the USC Sports Business Association, and participated in The Business of Sports Program at Columbia University. He is knowledgeable about sports analytics, with a passion for researching
El-Adonis is currently a junior at the University of Southern California pursuing an Economics degree with a minor in Sports Business. He is a member of the USC Sports Business Association, and participated in The Business of Sports Program at Columbia University. He is knowledgeable about sports analytics, with a passion for researching and evaluating individual players and entire teams at the high school, college and professional levels. Interaction with professional athletes has allowed him to forge relationships and gain insight into the sports business industry.
Vishwa Muthuraman - Venture Analyst Intern
EL-Adonis Williams - Sports Marketing Intern
EL-Adonis Williams - Sports Marketing Intern
Vishwa Muthuraman is a driven Finance student at Rutgers Business School with a knack for private equity analysis and entrepreneurship. As a Private Equity Analyst at ABS Advisory Service Group, he spearheaded the acquisition of a Waste Management Company, showcasing his expertise in market research and strategic planning. Additionally, a
Vishwa Muthuraman is a driven Finance student at Rutgers Business School with a knack for private equity analysis and entrepreneurship. As a Private Equity Analyst at ABS Advisory Service Group, he spearheaded the acquisition of a Waste Management Company, showcasing his expertise in market research and strategic planning. Additionally, as the Founder & Host of Bull Amongst Bears Podcast, he captivated audiences with insightful financial discourse. Vishwa's diverse experience spans from corporate internships to leadership roles in finance societies, reflecting his commitment to personal and professional growth. Outside of finance, he finds joy in soccer, Indian cinema, and playing his guitar.
Advisory Board
Chaz Churchwell - Advisory Board Member
Chaz Churchwell - Advisory Board Member
Chaz Churchwell - Advisory Board Member
Chaz, Principal of Churchwell Insurance Agency in Charlotte, NC, and Dallas, TX, boasts extensive industry experience and holds membership with the Professional Liability Underwriting Society. With a BA from the University of North Texas and an MA in Apologetics from BIOLA University, his commitment to excellence is evident. A U.S. Army
Chaz, Principal of Churchwell Insurance Agency in Charlotte, NC, and Dallas, TX, boasts extensive industry experience and holds membership with the Professional Liability Underwriting Society. With a BA from the University of North Texas and an MA in Apologetics from BIOLA University, his commitment to excellence is evident. A U.S. Army Reserve veteran, he established Churchwell Insurance Agency in 2014, now serving over 1,200 clients. Specializing in executive liability insurance, he's on track for the prestigious ExecPLP designation. Chaz and his team prioritize personalized solutions, adeptly navigating complex financial scenarios. Beyond work, he values family, fitness, and community involvement, supporting his daughter's basketball pursuits and clinging to hope for the Cowboys' Super Bowl return, despite disappointments.
Laurel Moody - Advisory Board Member
Chaz Churchwell - Advisory Board Member
Chaz Churchwell - Advisory Board Member
Laurel Moody has a 30-plus year performance track record in the securities industry advising hundreds of publicly traded companies, leading to over $1 billion raised. In 2003, she founded and is CEO of Corporate Profile®, a New York City based investor relations firm. Prior, she was an investment advisor at firms including Paine Webber an
Laurel Moody has a 30-plus year performance track record in the securities industry advising hundreds of publicly traded companies, leading to over $1 billion raised. In 2003, she founded and is CEO of Corporate Profile®, a New York City based investor relations firm. Prior, she was an investment advisor at firms including Paine Webber and Cruttenden Roth. She has cultivated long-standing relationships with top industry insiders and a wherewithal unmatched in the industry. Laurel is a graduate of the University of Southern California, holding a Bachelor of Arts degree in History.
Roy Kessel - Advisory Board Member
Chaz Churchwell - Advisory Board Member
Roy Kessel - Advisory Board Member
Roy Kessel is the Founder of Sports Philanthropy Network. With over 25 years in the sports business and entrepreneurial sector, Roy’s multifaceted experience uniquely positions him to cater to the nuanced needs of nonprofits, athletes, and sports enterprises during their growth trajectories. Roy speaks regularly on sports philanthropy, bu
Roy Kessel is the Founder of Sports Philanthropy Network. With over 25 years in the sports business and entrepreneurial sector, Roy’s multifaceted experience uniquely positions him to cater to the nuanced needs of nonprofits, athletes, and sports enterprises during their growth trajectories. Roy speaks regularly on sports philanthropy, business, social justice, and entrepreneurship. Roy is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin (Finance and Marketing) and obtained his JD from the Northwestern School of Law, where he served as an Editor for the Northwestern Journal of International Law and Business.