Scott Woolley
Scott Woolley boasts a remarkable track record as a serial entrepreneur, having garnered over 150 prestigious awards in the entertainment industry, including four Emmy Awards. His crowning achievement came in 1999 when he was honored with the esteemed title of Florida Entrepreneur of the Year. Throughout his career, Woolley has demonstrated a knack for creating and launching successful businesses across a spectrum of industries. Today, alongside his wife, he continues to spearhead a multitude of ventures, showcasing their shared passion for innovation and business acumen.
Early Years
During and after his college years, Scott Woolley immersed himself in the music industry, interning and later working for Swan Song Records, renowned as one of the most successful record labels in history. Beginning as an intern while attending St. John’s University, Woolley’s dedication and talent quickly earned him a permanent position within the company’s New York City office. His responsibilities included ensuring the successful distribution of each new album to radio stations and concert promoters. Among the notable albums he worked on are Led Zeppelin’s “Coda,” Robert Plant’s “Pictures at Eleven,” Jimmy Page’s “Death Wish 3,” Bad Company’s “Rough Diamonds,” Bad Company’s Simon Kirk’s “Wildlife,” and Dave Edmunds’ releases.
Simultaneously, Woolley also contributed to his family’s business by working in his father’s grocery stores, adding a diverse dimension to his early career experiences. Additionally, from the ages of 17 to 21, Woolley demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit by producing and staging concerts featuring renowned music acts such as Hall & Oates, Charlie Daniels, INXS, Adam Ant, The Kinks, David Johanson, Southside Johnny, The Ramones, The Allman Brothers, The Go-Gos, Marshall Tucker, and The Police, among others. This multifaceted involvement underscores Woolley’s deep-rooted passion for both music and business from a young age.
The Grocery Store
Woolley embarked on his professional journey in the supermarket industry, laying the groundwork for his entrepreneurial spirit. He took a bold step forward by launching his own chain of upscale gourmet grocery stores. Through his visionary leadership, Woolley transformed this venture into one of the most innovative and successful privately-owned upscale supermarket chains nationwide.
Woolley’s excellence caught the attention of prominent figures like Lee Iacocca and President Reagan, who entrusted his stores to cater the reopening celebration parties for the Statue of Liberty in New York City during the Fourth of July week. This prestigious recognition underscored Woolley’s reputation for delivering exceptional quality and service.
Woolley demonstrated his pioneering mindset once again by introducing the first-of-its-kind “in-store TV network” aimed at educating consumers about food and the array of services offered in his stores. This innovative approach involved the installation of 24 large televisions strategically positioned in areas where customers typically waited.
Amidst these groundbreaking developments, Woolley’s encounter with a devoted customer in Boca Raton sparked a transformative experience. Over the course of several years, this customer—none other than the legendary comedian/actor Jerry Lewis—mentored Woolley in the art of video editing and production. Through Lewis’s insights and anecdotes about editing, producing, directing, and Hollywood, Woolley found himself on an inspiring new life path.
Woolley’s supermarket chain, characterized by high-end offerings and forward-thinking initiatives, was truly ahead of its time, paving the way for future innovations in the industry. His journey exemplifies a remarkable blend of entrepreneurship, innovation, and the transformative power of mentorship.
Entertainment Industry
Woolley made a pivotal decision to transition from the supermarket industry to pursue his lifelong passion for television and film production. This marked the genesis of Five Star Entertainment, a company that would soon become synonymous with creativity and excellence in the entertainment industry.
Under Woolley’s guidance, Five Star Entertainment embarked on a journey of unparalleled success, creating and producing over twenty-five nationally broadcast television programs. These shows reached audiences in as many as 53 countries, showcasing Woolley’s ability to produce content with global appeal. Moreover, Five Star Entertainment’s portfolio extended beyond television, as the company also produced content for esteemed Fortune 500 companies, professional sports teams, renowned music artists and hundreds of national commercials.
As Five Star Entertainment flourished, Woolley recognized the importance of innovation in selling and airing television shows. To meet this demand, he established a syndication department, which not only marketed Five Star’s own productions but also represented shows from other production companies. Additionally, Woolley launched an international sales department, facilitating the distribution of content to diverse foreign markets.
One of Woolley’s notable innovations was the creation of a dedicated sales room staffed by 24 associates. This team focused on selling sponsorship and branded entertainment packages, seamlessly integrating advertisers’ messages into the content of Five Star’s shows in a distinctive and effective manner.
Woolley’s groundbreaking approaches had garnered the attention of broadcast networks seeking fresh perspectives on funding television programming. This led to a milestone agreement with Lifetime Television, through which a show previously airing on Saturdays, “The Balancing Act,” transitioned to a daily morning one-hour program from Monday to Friday. This collaboration underscored Woolley’s ability to evolve and adapt, cementing his reputation as an industry trailblazer.
National Radio Shows
Woolley expanded his creative horizons into the realm of radio, launching his inaugural weekly radio show, “Inside the NHL.” Broadcasting across North America, the show swiftly established itself as the premier destination for news, information, and updates on the National Hockey League (NHL). Produced directly from the Five Star studio complex, “Inside the NHL” marked the genesis of Woolley’s foray into radio broadcasting, setting the stage for a series of subsequent successful radio ventures.
Digital Video Library
In 2004, Scott Woolley embarked on a transformative journey into the digital realm by repackaging his extensive content catalogue for online distribution. Recognizing the burgeoning potential of the internet as a platform for media consumption, Woolley leveraged his expertise to adapt his productions for digital channels.
In a strategic partnership with a close friend, Woolley established ‘Classic Video Archives’, a venture aimed at curating and preserving a diverse array of content. Together, they painstakingly built a vast video library comprising over 21,000 titles, encompassing a rich tapestry of films and music videos spanning from the early 1950s to contemporary releases.
Today, ‘Classic Video Archives’ stands as one of the largest privately-held repositories of cinematic and musical treasures, captivating audiences in over 70 countries worldwide. Their content is not only accessible through traditional digital platforms but also distributed via cellular carriers and digital portals, ensuring widespread reach and engagement across diverse demographics. Woolley’s vision and entrepreneurial acumen have played a pivotal role in democratizing access to timeless entertainment, enriching the digital landscape with a treasure trove of cultural heritage.
The Balancing Act
In 2010, Scott Woolley made strategic moves to further expand his entrepreneurial pursuits. He sold his acclaimed Lifetime television series and the state-of-the-art production facility, unlocking new opportunities to focus on the growth of his internet content business and delve into the dynamic world of motion pictures, television specials, and documentaries.
With a keen eye for emerging trends and untapped markets, Woolley ventured into sports entertainment by producing the groundbreaking boxing television series “World Series of Boxing.” In collaboration with the Olympic Governing group and IMG, Woolley orchestrated a captivating series that resonated with audiences across North America.
Woolley’s adept navigation of the entertainment landscape underscores his commitment to innovation and his ability to seize upon opportunities for growth and diversification. As he continues to chart new territories in content creation and sports broadcasting, Woolley’s legacy as a visionary entrepreneur remains indelibly etched in the annals of the entertainment industry.
NHRA Nitro Funny Car Team
In 2010, Scott Woolley forged a dynamic partnership with NHRA Nitro Funny Car Driver Alexis DeJoria and her father, John Paul DeJoria, to establish Alexis DeJoria Racing. As the driving force behind the venture, Woolley spearheaded the creation and execution of sponsorship deals and endorsements, crafting strategic partnerships to propel the team to success.
In addition to his role in securing partnerships, Woolley played a pivotal role in curating an impressive retail merchandise line, elevating the team’s brand presence both on and off the racetrack. With a keen eye for public relations and marketing, he led a dedicated team to orchestrate impactful campaigns that amplified the team’s visibility and engagement with fans.
In the nascent stages of the venture, Woolley assumed the role of President, overseeing day-to-day operations and steering the team through its launch phase. His leadership and strategic vision were instrumental in establishing Alexis DeJoria Racing as a formidable presence in the NHRA circuit, setting the stage for a legacy of excellence and achievement in motorsports.
Retail Products
Throughout his life, Scott Woolley has also been deeply involved in the development, sales, and marketing of numerous retail products and brands through his company, The SW Group. Serving as the cornerstone of his entrepreneurial endeavors, The SW Group oversees the daily business operations of a diverse portfolio of companies and brands, each embodying Woolley’s commitment to excellence and innovation.
Among the notable ventures under The SW Group’s purview is TW Interiors, a high-end interior design company renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail. Additionally, The Scott Woolley Entertainment Company stands as a beacon of creativity, representing talent and producing captivating content across various entertainment mediums.
Woolley’s influence extends into the realm of audiovisual excellence through TW Audio Video, a company dedicated to delivering cutting-edge solutions for immersive audiovisual experiences. Furthermore, his collaboration with esteemed spirits brands like The Patron Spirits Company and Jack Daniels resulted in the creation of liquor-infused cakes, offering a delectable fusion of flavor and indulgence.
Beyond product development, Woolley’s expertise has been instrumental in the success of brands like Intellergender and John Paul Pet Shampoo Products, exemplifying his knack for identifying market opportunities and delivering innovative solutions. Woolley has placed products in just about every major retail chain in North America.
Woolley’s success is unmistakably evident in his ability to swiftly and effectively place products onto retail shelves. In a remarkable feat of efficiency and strategic execution, Woolley has been able to orchestrated the placement of products in an astounding 24,000 stores within a mere eight months. This impressive achievement speaks volumes about Woolley’s unparalleled dedication, vision, and proficiency in navigating the retail landscape. His capacity to swiftly penetrate diverse markets and secure widespread distribution underscores his reputation as a dynamic and results-driven entrepreneur. Woolley’s knack for turning vision into action has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the retail industry, cementing his legacy as a trailblazer in product placement and retail strategy.
Moreover, Woolley’s entrepreneurial acumen has been instrumental in assisting celebrity friends such as Dan Marino and Kristi Yamaguchi in launching their own retail product lines, leveraging his industry knowledge and network to bring their visions to fruition.
Through his multifaceted involvement in the retail landscape, Woolley continues to leave an indelible mark, shaping trends, and elevating brands to new heights of success.