Friday, June 7, 2013
The Michigan Bucks are, simply put, one of the most successful team in PDL history. No other franchise has won as many games as the Bucks, who are in their 18th season in the PDL. It’s also safe to say that the Bucks are one of the PDL leaders in player development, with more than 30 alums having been drafted into MLS.
Bucks CEO and Chairman Dan Duggan recently took the time to answer our questions about owning and operating a PDL franchise.
What inspired you to acquire a USL franchise?
The original goal was to put together an organization that could bring professional soccer back to the City of Detroit.
What is your favorite aspect of owning a USL franchise/team?
Winning and helping young prospects get the opportunity to realize their dream of playing professional soccer after their time with the Bucks.
What differentiates your franchise from others?
Our franchise goals and objectives are made very clear to everyone from Day 1. Everyone understands we want to have a first-class reputation both on and off the field.
What words of advice would you provide to potential franchise owners?
Spend time with other veteran owners that have been around running this level of a franchise and soak up as much information as you can get. Watch every dollar you spend in the early years and make sure you stick to your corporate plan for your particular team's market, regardless of what might be happening elsewhere in the league.
Where do you see your franchise in 3-5 years?
I would hope the Bucks would own every PDL record there is and have several more huge wins in the league and U.S. Open Cup. We expect to have a USL PRO team over the top of the Bucks PDL to complete the soccer pyramid in Detroit.
What is the most challenging aspect of your franchise/team?
Managing a team in Detroit while living in Cleveland and traveling the world.
What is your franchise's greatest accomplishment to date?
We are very proud to be the first and only team [to date] to win over 200 games in the PDL. Our greatest moment(s) have to be the unprecedented two U.S. Open Cup wins over Major League Soccer teams (New England in 2000 and Chicago in 2012).
What traits do you find valuable when adding members to your staff?
Loyalty, passion and hard work. I expect everyone in the organization to be willing to work as hard as I do at this and as hard as our coaching staff. Anything less is not good enough. They have to enjoy the sport and the challenges we encounter to really be a successful part of our organization.
How does your previous employment/business experience translate into running a successful sports franchise?
As President of a large direct sales company, the qualities I teach every day - being positive and outworking the competitor - will usually get you to the top of your organization. That translates the exact same in our front office, with our coaching staff and with our players. Attitude is critical to success.
Who has been the greatest influence in your career?
My wife, Sharlene. Not only does she put up with me traveling over 250 days a year and endless hours with the Bucks, she continues to host the team each summer and is as excited about the success of the team as I am. There are many great soccer people that would be in a much better position if they had the kind of support behind them that I have behind me.