The first paragraph of the magazine article read: “It was scheduled as a 1 pm staff meeting. The phone rang in my office. On impulse I picked up the receiver and engaged the caller in a very brief conversation. That spontaneous moment cost me about 30 seconds of precious time. Pat Croce’s time. A little over a year into Croce’s tenure at the helm of the 76ers, he was not happy. Neither were the fans. Optimism abounded though as the new look of the team, from the coaching staff to the uniforms, were all about to be unveiled. As I hurried through the door of the conference room, Pat was already into his motivational magic when without warning…Zap! As I jetted for an open seat, musical chairs style, his laser beams burned a hole right through me. Even though the climate was comfortable, I was sweating profusely, the normally expressionless head coach of the 76ers, Larry Brown, managed an innocuous chuckle. I was told later by one of Croce’s closest confidents, “He must like you, if not, he would’ve blown you up right on the spot. Just don’t be late again.”
The article’s author was Mark Casasanto. His musings appeared in the recently launched Philadelphia-based magazine Row Home and it brought back fond memories of my leadership term with the Philadelphia 76ers - and the great team we assembled behind the hardwood team for a thrilling 5-year journey from worst to first. Because of Mark’s memorable role on my management team, I agreed to his request to be the cover story for the magazine’s spring issue.
There was another reason as well.
Concurrent to Mark’s email appeal, I received a call from my good buddy and sports radio personality Anthony Gargano (Bonz). Bonz tugged on my heartstrings by describing the two female entrepreneurs whose dream it was to publish a neighborhood magazine uniting past and present Philadelphians who were proud to be “row home grown.” And for your information, there might not be another stretch of earth on this third rock from the sun that’s more proud of its roots and peeps than South Philadelphia – whether they are mafia dons, entertainers, politicians, athletes, cheesesteak pioneers, or next door neighbors. (Rocky made his famous run right down 9th Street.)
As you are well aware, I love people who take action on their passion. And the reality of this publishing passion began the day Dorette Rota Jackson’s company downsized and she lost her six-figure salary. Panic filled the family air - except for the stratosphere surrounding her sister Dawn Rhoades’s mindset. Dawn is a “can do” junkie and she now believed she had the final piece of her publishing puzzle for Philadelphia Row Home magazine. The South Philly sisters could combine their creative talents and ebullient personalities to design Dawn’s dream and to sell their asses off to make it profitable.
All entrepreneurs know that the road to success is paved with potholes, dangerous turns and confusing forks. Unfortunately, most of us – me included - don’t appreciate the highway’s hazards until we’ve already begun our journey. Dawn and Dorette drove into the proverbial financial wall and had to make great sacrifices over the years to ensure they would eventually reach their dream destination. In fact, they even moved in together! Now that’s sacrifice. I can just imagine these two lovely ladies raising the room temperature over magazine content or page design or cover graphics over a bowl of spaghetti and gravy.
But from what I hear they were in total agreement when it came to my cover shoot and their kitchen walls were void of any meatball splatter.
This entry was posted
on Monday, April 28th, 2008 at 8:08 am by Pat Croce
Leave a Reply
April 28th, 2008 at 10:27 am
Pat:
It was our pleasure to have you on the cover of Philadelphia RowHome! You define evertyhing “positive” about life, about dreams, about success. Thank you for taking time from a busy schedule to work with us. Our 20,000+readers are ecstatic!
You will always be a Prince in Philadelpha! Best of luck to you in all your endeavors. You are an inspiration to so many, especially us.
Dorette & Dawn, Publishers
April 28th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
Pat -
From one RowHome Grown guy to another, thanks for the kind words. Our time together, with that awesome staff and exciting team, was an incredible experience. It was a pleasure to work with you once again.
Mark Casasanto
April 30th, 2008 at 9:46 am
Pat:
There’s something special about people who were born and raised in a Philadelphia RowHome. We get along with everyone because we could hear everyone up and down the block both day and night! I feel blessed to be able to share those fantastic experiences. I think RowHome raised kids are natural winners!
May 4th, 2008 at 8:37 am
Pat,
Allowing for comments is great!
I will be making a special trip to Philly to pick up this magazine.
Joe from Jersey
March 13th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
Pat:
I can’t tell you how much your support means to us. When we began this journey five years ago, Dawn and I made a committment to our advertisers, our readers, our families and each other. We promised to promote everything ‘positive’ about the city and its neigbhorhoods so we could give South Philly the recognition is deserves. Like any family-owned business, starting out is rough. But what are a few potholes when it comes to chasing your dream? We love you. And we are in this for the long-haul! How could we quit with someone like you in our corner?
Dorette & Dawn