Top Skills
American Gladiators Creator
Recognized as the original creator of the American Gladiators, a groundbreaking athletic reality show.
Championship Winner
Secured numerous arm wrestling championships including Worlds, United States Open, and National Power titles.
Arm Wrestling
Highly accomplished competitor in arm wrestling, winning multiple championships at regional, national, and world levels.
Bio
About Dann Carr
Initially competing in 1968, Dann won 3 Great Lakes, 2 North American and 2 East Coast Championships in arm wrestling. After a 72ft fall from a work accident, suffering a back broken in 3 places and a partial lung removal which halted his arm wrestling career, Dann rehabilitated and resumed competing in the mid 70’s.
Winning the Worlds Championship in 1975, with runner-up spots in 1974 and 1976, United States Open Title 1977, United States Champion 1978, National Power Arm Wrestling Champion 1980, 1983, 1985. He also captained the Erie “Iron Arms” Team to the National Power Arm Wrestling team title winning the Super Heavyweight Division.
Dann was appointed National Chairman of Power Arm Wrestling by the World Arm Wrestling Federation from 1980-1995, and organized the 1984 National Power Championships held in Erie, PA. Dann developed, trained, and promoted arm wrestling sanctioned by the American Arm Wrestling Association for Erie area competitors from 1974-1995, conducting State and Great Lakes tournaments each year.
Founder and President of the Lower Eastside Sports Center from 1979-1995, the Fighting Eagles boxing team went 35-0 against the top teams from the Great Lakes area, led by Mighty Mike Maggio, a 4 time state Golden Gloves champion who competed on the US Olympic Team, winning the Outstanding Fighting Award in the US vs. Sweden contest.
Dann created the Hard Hat Olympics in Erie from 1970-1985, which was a precursor to the American Gladiators. He created and produced the first American Gladiator competition before over 3,000 fans at Erie Tech Memorial in 1982, with Lower Eastside Vice President Donny Plonski chosen to be the first American Gladiator combatant. Dann was publically recognized by the stars of the Gladiator Television Show during their appearance before a sold out Erie Civic Center audience in April 1992 on their 100 City Tour. Tim Feldman, a Lower Eastside fighter, beat out 300 competitors to represent Erie in the Atlantic City National Finals. Dann became the promotions director and conducted the talent search/tryouts for the cast and contenders of the American Gladiators Live Show in Orlando from 1995-1998.
Elevator Pitch
I'm Dann Carr , the original Creator of American Gladiators , I have written several new athletic reality shows to be pitched , developed ,and financed that fit the cultural criteria of sports entertainment of this time. I was featured in the ESPN 30 FOR 30 AMERICAN GLADIATORS DOCUMENTARY AND TOUGH GUYS on Showtime the origins of MMA in America.
Industry
Entertainment
Team Size
Just Me/Co-Founders
Funding Stage
Seed
Funding Raised
None/Bootstrapped
Annual Revenue
$0 to $100k
| Skill | Strength | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| American Gladiators Creator | 100 | Recognized as the original creator of the American Gladiators, a groundbreaking athletic reality show. |
| Championship Winner | 95 | Secured numerous arm wrestling championships including Worlds, United States Open, and National Power titles. |
| Arm Wrestling | 95 | Highly accomplished competitor in arm wrestling, winning multiple championships at regional, national, and world levels. |
| Sports Entertainment Industry | 90 | Pioneered and worked extensively within the sports entertainment sector, from competitive sports to reality TV. |
| Reality Show Concept Development | 90 | Pioneered the concept of athletic reality game shows and developed new show ideas. |
| Game Creation | 90 | Conceived and developed the 'Hard Hat Olympics' and the original 'American Gladiators' competition. |
| Company Founder | 90 | Founded the Lower Eastside Sports Center and Apache Creative Productions. |
| Visionary Thinking | 90 | Demonstrated a visionary approach in creating innovative sports entertainment concepts. |
| Professional Wrestling Training | 90 | Provided training to professional wrestlers for over 20 years at THE DUDLEY BOYZ ACADEMY. |
| Event Production | 85 | Produced major athletic events, including the inaugural American Gladiator competition. |
| Sports Organization | 85 | Led national arm wrestling federations and organized major tournaments. |
| Entrepreneurship | 85 | Founded and operated multiple ventures, demonstrating a strong entrepreneurial drive. |
| Entertainment Industry | 85 | Extensive experience in the entertainment industry, particularly sports entertainment. |
| Event Management | 85 | Managed and organized significant sports events, including national championships and regional tournaments. |
| Sports Training | 85 | Provided training and development for arm wrestling competitors and professional wrestlers. |
| Sports Development | 80 | Developed and promoted arm wrestling in the Erie area for over two decades. |
| Sports Center Management | 80 | Managed the operations of the Lower Eastside Sports Center for many years. |
| Leadership | 80 | Held leadership roles as National Chairman and President of a sports center. |
| Sports Promotion | 75 | Promoted arm wrestling events and later directed promotions for the American Gladiators Live Show. |
| Writing | 75 | Authored various scripts and concepts for reality television shows. |
| Screenwriting | 75 | Authored several new athletic reality shows for pitching and development. |
| Promotions Direction | 75 | Directed promotional activities for a major live entertainment show. |
| Pitching | 70 | Actively involved in pitching new athletic reality show concepts for financing and development. |
| Talent Scouting | 70 | Conducted talent searches and tryouts for television and live shows. |
| Documentary Participation | 70 | Featured in major documentaries like ESPN's '30 FOR 30 AMERICAN GLADIATORS' and Showtime's 'TOUGH GUYS'. |
Title
Developer, Trainer, and Promoter
Position Description
Responsible for developing, training, and promoting arm wrestling for Erie area competitors.
Accomplishment Notes
Conducted State and Great Lakes tournaments annually, fostering growth in the local arm wrestling community.
Title
National Chairman of Power Arm Wrestling
Position Description
Appointed to a national leadership role overseeing power arm wrestling activities.
Accomplishment Notes
Organized the 1984 National Power Championships held in Erie, PA.
Title
Creator and Producer
Position Description
Conceived and brought to life athletic reality game shows.
Accomplishment Notes
Created the 'Hard Hat Olympics' (1970-1985) and produced the first American Gladiator competition in 1982 for over 3,000 fans; later publicly recognized by the stars of the Gladiator Television Show.
Title
Promotions Director
Position Description
Directed promotional activities and managed talent acquisition for the live touring show.
Accomplishment Notes
Conducted talent searches and tryouts, leading to a Lower Eastside fighter representing Erie in the Atlantic City National Finals.
Title
Champion Arm Wrestler
Position Description
Competed in and won numerous arm wrestling championships across various levels.
Accomplishment Notes
Won 3 Great Lakes, 2 North American, 2 East Coast Championships, Worlds Championship (1975), United States Open Title (1977), United States Champion (1978), and National Power Arm Wrestling Champion (1980, 1983, 1985).
Title
Founder and President
Position Description
Led the Lower Eastside Sports Center, overseeing operations and programs.
Accomplishment Notes
Guided the Fighting Eagles boxing team to a 35-0 record against top Great Lakes teams, developing a 4-time state Golden Gloves champion.
Title
Founder, Creator
Position Description
Founded a production company focused on developing and pitching new athletic reality shows AMAZONS , MASTER MECHANIX AND BUFFALO MAN A SCI FI MOVIE/ BOOK.
Accomplishment Notes
Authored several new athletic reality shows; featured in ESPN's '30 FOR 30 AMERICAN GLADIATORS' and Showtime's 'TOUGH GUYS' documentaries.
Title
Trainer for Professional Wrestlers
Position Description
Provided professional wrestling training and mentorship for over two decades.
Accomplishment Notes
Successfully trained professional wrestlers, contributing to their development and careers.