James L. Speros, Former Baltimore Stallions Owner, Visits UB, Nov. 3
October 7, 2015
Contact: University Relations
Phone: 410.837.5739
James L. Speros, former owner of the legendary Baltimore Stallions of the Canadian Football League, will offer his insights into contemporary business topics as the next speaker in the "Merrick Engages" series, hosted by the University of Baltmore's Merrick School of Business. Speros will visit campus on Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 5:30 p.m. on the 5th floor of the UB Student Center, 21 W. Mt. Royal Ave. The event is free and open to the public.
Each guest of the "Merrick Engages" series has an extended conversation with Murray Dalziel, dean of the Merrick School of Business, with the goal of providing the audience with new perspectives into the business world. Each session delves into topics pertaining to careers, business transformation and life lessons learned.
Speros is an accomplished entrepreneur and former professional football coach and team owner, with a background that includes several successful ventures in the sports entertainment, technology, hospitality and business industries. He has considerable experience in the formation and management of startup enterprises in a number of industries. Many of these companies became recognized leaders in their respective markets.
Speros is chair and CEO of Speros Ventures, LLC, which encompasses Speros's myriad of hospitality, real estate, technology and sports holdings. He is the owner and founder of Velocity Five Sports Restaurant, an upscale sports restaurant and catering chain with locations in Centreville, Falls Church, Arlington, Lansdowne and Potomac Falls, Va. The Washington Post recognized Velocity Five as "the best sports restaurant to open in Northern Virginia in years…" In 2009, Velocity Five was recognized as one of the five best new franchises among 250 nominees by Franchise Edge, a leading developer of franchises nationwide.
From 1993 to 1997, Speros was president and owner of two professional football franchises, the Baltimore Stallions and the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League. He also served as vice chair of the Canadian Football League and chair of its U.S. Expansion Committee. In 1995, Speros reached the pinnacle of his CFL football career when the Stallions won Grey Cup Championship—the first and only U.S. team in the history of the 125-year-old league to accomplish the feat.
Prior to his involvement in the CFL, Speros served for five years in the National Football League, coaching with the Washington Redskins and the Buffalo Bills. While with the Redskins, he was a member of the 1982 Super Bowl Champions and the 1983 NFC Champions.
Learn more about James L. Speros and his visit to the Merrick Engages series.
The University of Baltimore is a member of the University System of Maryland and comprises the College of Public Affairs, the Merrick School of Business, the UB School of Law and the Yale Gordon College of Arts and Sciences.