Interview with Dave Schmitt
Founder and Former Chairman of MR-ProFun, a Leading Entertainment Development and Operations Company
With a diverse background that reads as a “who’s who” list of top-tier entertainment properties and experiences, Dave Schmitt is something of a legend in the entertainment space. Armed with a sterling reputation and an impressive resumé of successful global projects, Schmitt’s organization clearly understands how to create successful entertainment and tourism destinations. But breaking into a new market – particularly one on the other side of the globe – can challenge even the most seasoned of professionals. Understanding the cultures, customs and resources of the host nation is critical to success. That’s why Schmitt appreciates the long-term partnership he’s had with Amira elAdawi and her team at Global Perspectives (now AMIRA & CO.).
Schmitt detailed how he partnered with Amira on two distinct projects, each requiring a diverse array of skills including deep local knowledge and an understanding of local cultural norms. These were s a foundational element of long-term success. In one engagement, elAdawi and Schmitt were called upon to help a thriving tourist destination grow and expand their entertainment options by creating an ‘Edu-tainment’ theme park… one that was sponsored by the First Lady of the host country.
“Amira helped set realistic expectations and guidelines for both the project sponsor, as well as all the other companies involved in the execution of the venture,” said Schmitt. “This required Amira to cultivate and maintain a strong political network within the host country, as well as quickly and effectively create a diverse coalition of resources – from governmental entities and regulatory bodies to individual contractors and labourers. She also needed to transfer those relationships to my leadership team when we started operations…and she did an exceptional job all around.”
A key component of the project’s success was rooted in Amira’s focus on getting “in the weeds” with a project versus the traditional consulting firm’s more academic approach.
“When you encounter individuals who have strong credentials and the benefit of a top-tier Ivy League business school education, you expect knowledge and intelligence,” explained Schmitt. “With Amira, you get all that, but you also get personality and heart. She sticks with the project and, even after the project is officially completed, she checks in to see how it’s going. That’s exceptionally rare and that’s exactly why you want her on your side of the table.”
After the success of the first engagement, Schmitt’s organization turned to Amira once again when they needed to enter yet another new geography. On this second project, Amira was retained to lead the development of the retail strategy for the new destination. This also required Amira to secure a diverse array of services. “Even though this was not part of her scope of work, Amira helped us navigate the cultural and political waters required to move the project forward. She even helped us to meet with various subcontractors in the area - her network and her dedication to our success made it happen,” said Schmitt.
Amira has also cultivated a reputation for “respectful directness” when working with clients, their teams and the ecosystem that supports their business. Schmitt highlighted this dynamic as another unique quality of working with Amira. “We were working with a particular subcontractor and Amira called them out – directly, but respectfully – on an element of the project about which she didn’t feel they were being truthful. It was impressive to see, and it highlighted an integrity that is rare and refreshing. You can’t pay for that or train it,” said Schmitt.
Schmitt also praises Amira’s business ethics, which empower her clients to have confidence that she is working as a true extension of their own team and interests, with unwavering support. He cited a specific occasion where he needed to speak with her when she was on holiday: “Amira was on holiday climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, yet still found a way to get in touch when we needed her. That level of dedication is just incredible.”
Summarizing his experience with Amira, Schmitt explained: “Amira has a great reputation, she’s dead honest with her clients, and she just makes things happen. After working with her, we were empowered to enter into a new geography with a sense of confidence, and with invaluable contacts, that accelerated our success.”