GR8

Barnabas Carrega

Co-Founder & Sales Director

Barnabas Carrega was born in London and raised in Milan, Italy. He then moved to Boca Raton (FL) to pursue a tennis career at a very young age. Barnabas attained high levels of tennis achievements reaching a ranking of top 300 in the world. He then accepted an athletic scholarship to the University of Miami (FL) where he earned a degree in Sports Management. His work experience consists of account and client management at the Evert Tennis Academy, player development for major athletes such as Martina Hingis, Sebastian Grosjean, Mark Philippousis and many others, and assisted the director of sales and marketing of the academy. In addition, he also worked as a sales executive at Wembley stadium for IMG development of Wembley. Having travelled all over the world gaining vast knowledge about different cultures, locations and sporting events, as well as having strong connections in the sports and corporate world allow him to be a leading force in the company. He is also fluent in English and Italian.

At GR8, Barnabas serves as the Director of Sales. Providing focused leadership and motivation, he is a vital strength in driving consistent sales growth. Carrega is also responsible for developing fundamental partnerships and corporate relationships that are essential for GR8’s progression and expansion. Additionally, he is in charge of maintaining GR8’s exceptional customer service department, particularly in the tasks of hosting and client reception.

Davide Frau

Co-Founder & Marketing & Communications Director

Davide Frau was born in Milan, Italy. With an undeniable passion for international culture, science and strategy development, he attended the Scientific Technology and Informatics Institution in Milan during his adolescence. Davide then decided to expand his study to Communication and Marketing and attended the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan where he received a Bachelor of Science in Communication. He then studied abroad at the Universidad Villanueva Complutense de Madrid where he focused on Marketing, Advertising, and Political Communication specific to the Spanish language. With goals of pursuing an advanced education, Davide obtained a Master’s Degree in Marketing International Business Communication and traveled to the United States to engage in a graduate study abroad experience in the University of Miami (Miami, Fl) where his course concentration focused on international perspectives of business strategy.

Over the last 8 years, Davide has worked for several companies in Europe and the United States where he has showcased his vast knowledge in internal and external communication, above and below the line advertising, traditional and non-traditional marketing, market research, market development and sales. He is also an active member of international associations such as the International Advertising Association, Italian Comites Commission and the European Chamber of Commerce. Davide’s international experience, educational background in marketing and business communication, and work experience in marketing and sales are key assets that strengthen GR8’s team. He is also fluent in English, Italian and Spanish.

At GR8, Davide serves as the Marketing and Communications Director. Frau has been a vital strength in the company’s marketing unit and is the developer and enforcer of GR8’s internal and total business communications strategy. As head of the company’s tactic and business plan development, he develops and executes strategic plans that provide strong guidelines for GR8’S future growth. Additionally, with a major role in office management and human resources, Frau is also responsible for maintaining the internal company foundation and structure.

Hector Nieto

Co-Founder & Operations Director

Hector Nieto was born and raised in Mexico City, Mexico. At the age of 17, he finished the year ranked number one in Mexico and decided to move to Miami to continue his tennis career. After being named the 2006 Miami Herald Player of the year as a High School Student Athlete and accepting an athletic scholarship to the University of Miami (FL), Hector decided to stay in the city of Miami. He graduated from the Business School with a degree in Finance and played four years for the varsity tennis team where he ranked 53rd in the nation in doubles as captain of the team. Hector’s education in finance, work experience in financial services such as HSBC and Prudential Investments, knowledge of the tennis and sports industries, and international travel experiences are important assets that strengthen our team. He is fluent in English and Spanish.

At GR8, Hector serves as the Operations Director. Nieto has been a key asset in GR8’s sales unit, partnership development and international management. As head of GR8 Mexico offices and Latin America from Miami, Nieto is responsible for its proper execution of tasks and future advancement. With continued progression in developing significant partnerships and corporate relationships, locally and internationally, he is also a vital part of expanding the GR8 brand and its services worldwide.

JC Whitner

Co-Founder & Financial Director

J.C. Whitner was born in San Francisco, CA. After attending IMG Bollettieri Tennis Academy, Whitner attended and excelled in collegiate tennis for the University of Miami (FL) business school with an academic and athletic scholarship, where he received his degree in International Finance and Marketing along with several distinctions such as cum laude honors, an Arthur Ashe award, a member of the All-ACC Academic Men’s, and several others. His work experience was in the financial services industry as a financial analyst working for Fairholme Capital Management and Mutual Fund and Bryson Financial Group. J.C.’s background in International Finance and Marketing, work experiences in financial services, connections and knowledge of the tennis, sports and Miami industries and fluency in English and Spanish are key assets that strengthen GR8’s team.

At GR8, Joseph serves as the Financial Director. Whitner has been a key asset in developing and distinguishing GR8’s product-line of unique packages, experiences, and membership program. As a part of GR8’s product-line, Whitner has continued the process of growing multiple key partnerships with specific goals and objectives to generate business. Internally, Whitner has made a noteworthy effort to build team unity and growth by setting goals and objectives within the team. He serves as a major role on the marketing side of the company, while maintaining the company operations in the investment, financial, legal, and accounting departments. Whitner is also credited with developing the concept of GR8’s most recognized event the “GR8 Friends for Japan” event.

Benito Perez Barbadillo

Director of Tennis Experiences

Benito is a recognized face for all people involved in tennis and other sports around the world. His life has been dedicated to sports and communication. He began work at a young age in the marketing and promotional area of the Formula 1 circuit in Jerez, which later became the trampoline to his future job as a Public Relations Manager for the ATP.

He started with the ATP in 1996 and spent 11 years learning the business as he performed different roles (his latest was Senior Director of Media Relations) and was involved in many projects that contributed to the development of tennis in many different markets, from Latin America to Asia, and from the Middle East to Europe and the States.

He recently started a new venture «B1PR» and created a network of clients in the tennis circuit. He is in fact the first personal PR Manager for tennis players, currently for Rafael Nadal and previously for Novak Djokovic. His visionary work has contributed to making these athletes amongst the most popular and media friendly in the sports world. Having joined GR8 in 2011, Benito uses his unmatched knowledge and connections to further enhance the incomparable value of the GR8 experience.

Mariano Bartolome

Director of Golf Experiences

Mariano Bartolome was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. His passion for teaching started at an early age watching his father teach famous golf pros including Vicente Fernandez (4-Time Winner on the Champion’sTour). After a successful career as an amateur, having represented Argentina in world competitions on several occasions, Mariano turned pro at age 20. He successfully played on the South American and Argentinean Tour for over 7 years.

In 2000, Mariano began working at the Jim McLean Golf School at the Doral Resort and also overlooked all operations and training at the golf school located in Madrid, Spain. After serving as Director of Instruction for over 4 years and seeing the continued success of the program, Mariano opened his own golf center in downtown Miami, Florida, optimizing the opportunity to create an incredible state of the art learning center at the JW Marriott Marquis. He is now teaching full time at the JW while also teaching at Doral Resort. Mariano has worked with numerous renowned celebrities, professional golfers on the PGA, European, and Mini-Tours such as Andres Romero, but his most notable accomplishment was when Angel Cabrera won the 2007 U.S. Open under his coaching.

At GR8, Mariano serves as Director of Golf. With his years of experience teaching some of the world’s most notable players and his parallel success in prestigious golf schools, Mariano has developed the skills to provide clients with an unforgettable golf experience. Using his vast knowledge on the sport and his personable and patient character, Mariano effortlessly leads successful golf instruction programs and tournaments for both individual clients and corporate groups.

David Negri

Director of Events

David Negri was born in New York, New York. With a raw talent for design and a keen eye for details, he decided to further develop his business and artistic capabilities at Syracuse University/O.C.C. and the American Academy of Dramatic Art. Setting his passion for artistic expression and design, Negri’s background consisted of work in modeling and set design and then went on to work as VP for a renowned international event management and production company in Palm Beach for several years where he acquired the abilities to produce large scale legendary events. Today, with over 20 years of event planning and production experience, Negri has produced several high profile events, to include Russell Simmon’s celebrated Art 4 Life Galas in the East Hamptons and various private parties during and for the Academy Awards, among many others distinguished events all over the world for clients such as American Express, Armani, Palm Beach Polo, Givenchy, the USET (United States Equestrian Team), Trump Golf Club, Piedmont Driving Club and L’Oreal, to name a few. Additionally, he has also created permanent installations for prominent nightclubs and specialty retail shoppes along the Pacific coast and overseas. As an active member of the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museum, Negri also has exclusive access into this extraordinary location. His impressive repertoire of clientele and remarkable events portfolio has made Negri one of the most sought after design leaders in the industry.

At GR8, David Negri serves as Director of Events. With the skills to fashion a full range of events such as product branding and launch parties, to fashion shows and high-end corporate events, Negri creatively creates a concept and plans and accounts for all aspects of the production. What results is a beautifully unforgettable event that leaves guests with everlasting memories.

Mike Levy

Strategic Alliances and Business Development

Mike Levy is the founder and former CEO of SportsLine.com (CBSSports.com), a leading sports media company which published CBS SportsLine.com, NFL.com, PGA Tour.com and NCAA Sports.com.

At SportsLine, Mr. Levy forged alliances with CBS Sports, AOL, the NFL, the NBA, MLB, the PGA Tour, the NCAA, various players’ associations and many superstar athletes including Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, Joe Namath, John Elway, Jerry Rice, Mike Schmidt and Wayne Gretzky.

From 2008 through 2010, Mr. Levy was CEO of OPEN Sports Network, Inc., a next-generation internet service that offered advanced fantasy sports applications. OPEN Sports entered into an agreement with FOX Sports to provide fantasy football products on FOXSports.com for the 2008 and 2009 NFL seasons.

Mr. Levy was selected as one of The Sporting News 100 most powerful people in sports for three consecutive years (1999-2001). In 1999, he was given the Annual Achievement in Technology and New Media Award by UJA Federation of New York. In 1997, Mr. Levy received the “Florida Entrepreneur of the Year Award” sponsored by Ernst and Young and the “1997 Interactive Entrepreneur Award” by the Interactive Services Association. Having joined GR8 in 2011, Mike Levy incorporates his vast knowledge of sales and entrepreneurship into the company’s daily developments.

Daniele Castelnuovo

Director of Italy Experiences

Daniele Castelnuovo was born in Milan Italy. Combining business expertise with his extensive knowledge in the tourism and sales industry, Daniele has become an elite European travel expert with skills to specifically create remarkable Italy experiences. His professional abilities were developed through his studies in the Universita’ Statale di Milano and many years of work experience in event creation and commercial businesses in Europe as well as in the leisure travel business in New York . Daniele’s proven success in strategic marketing, sales, customer relations and travel package development for both private and corporate clientele strongly supports the values of personalization, customization and excellent customer service we at GR8 adhere to. He is also fluent in English.

At GR8, Daniele Castelnuovo serves as Director of Italy Experiences. Supported by his vast network of leading providers in the entertainment and travel industry, and with immense understanding on the rich culture and incomparable access to major events in all of Italy, Daniele is committed to developing unique experiences that will fulfill the desires of a wide range of clients. With a focus on the needs of an individual or a corporate group, he uses his intimate knowledge on the events being attended and strategic partnerships he has built to thoroughly orchestrate the experience, coordinate logistics and executes all details on the client’s behalf. Through his dedication to creating and smoothly executing high-end GR8 experiences, Daniele has been instrumental in expanding the GR8 brand abroad.

Your GR8 Management Team