dann carr
A Creator of an athletic game reality game show, writer , visionary , and Trainer for Professional wretslers for over 20 years THE DUDLEY BOYZ ACADEMY.
Founder · Apopka, FL, USA
Open to advisory
Customer acquisition · Product · Operations & Finance
Makes warm intros to
5
Hours / month
About dann
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.
Company
Apache Creative Productions
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.
Funding Stage
Seed
Funding Raised
None/Bootstrapped
Team Size
Just Me/Co-Founders
Annual Revenue
$0 to $100k
Founded
2023
Industry
Entertainment
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.
Sports Entertainment Industry
Pioneered and worked extensively within the sports entertainment sector, from competitive sports to reality TV.
Reality Show Concept Development
Pioneered the concept of athletic reality game shows and developed new show ideas.
Game Creation
Conceived and developed the 'Hard Hat Olympics' and the original 'American Gladiators' competition.
Company Founder
Founded the Lower Eastside Sports Center and Apache Creative Productions.
Visionary Thinking
Demonstrated a visionary approach in creating innovative sports entertainment concepts.
Professional Wrestling Training
Provided training to professional wrestlers for over 20 years at THE DUDLEY BOYZ ACADEMY.
Event Production
Produced major athletic events, including the inaugural American Gladiator competition.
Sports Organization
Led national arm wrestling federations and organized major tournaments.
Entrepreneurship
Founded and operated multiple ventures, demonstrating a strong entrepreneurial drive.
Entertainment Industry
Extensive experience in the entertainment industry, particularly sports entertainment.
Event Management
Managed and organized significant sports events, including national championships and regional tournaments.
Sports Training
Provided training and development for arm wrestling competitors and professional wrestlers.
Sports Development
Developed and promoted arm wrestling in the Erie area for over two decades.
Sports Center Management
Managed the operations of the Lower Eastside Sports Center for many years.
Leadership
Held leadership roles as National Chairman and President of a sports center.
Sports Promotion
Promoted arm wrestling events and later directed promotions for the American Gladiators Live Show.
Writing
Authored various scripts and concepts for reality television shows.
Screenwriting
Authored several new athletic reality shows for pitching and development.
Promotions Direction
Directed promotional activities for a major live entertainment show.
Pitching
Actively involved in pitching new athletic reality show concepts for financing and development.
Talent Scouting
Conducted talent searches and tryouts for television and live shows.
Documentary Participation
Featured in major documentaries like ESPN's '30 FOR 30 AMERICAN GLADIATORS' and Showtime's 'TOUGH GUYS'.
Experience
job
Developer, Trainer, and Promoter
American Arm Wrestling Association (Erie Area)
Responsible for developing, training, and promoting arm wrestling for Erie area competitors.
Conducted State and Great Lakes tournaments annually, fostering growth in the local arm wrestling community.
job
National Chairman of Power Arm Wrestling
World Arm Wrestling Federation
Appointed to a national leadership role overseeing power arm wrestling activities.
Organized the 1984 National Power Championships held in Erie, PA.
creative-project
Creator and Producer
Hard Hat Olympics / American Gladiators
Conceived and brought to life athletic reality game shows.
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.
job
Promotions Director
American Gladiators Live Show (Orlando)
Directed promotional activities and managed talent acquisition for the live touring show.
Conducted talent searches and tryouts, leading to a Lower Eastside fighter representing Erie in the Atlantic City National Finals.
milestone
Champion Arm Wrestler
Self / Various Championships
Competed in and won numerous arm wrestling championships across various levels.
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).
started-company
Founder and President
Lower Eastside Sports Center
Led the Lower Eastside Sports Center, overseeing operations and programs.
Guided the Fighting Eagles boxing team to a 35-0 record against top Great Lakes teams, developing a 4-time state Golden Gloves champion.
started-company
Founder, Creator
Apache Creative Productions
Founded a production company focused on developing and pitching new athletic reality shows AMAZONS , MASTER MECHANIX AND BUFFALO MAN A SCI FI MOVIE/ BOOK.
Authored several new athletic reality shows; featured in ESPN's '30 FOR 30 AMERICAN GLADIATORS' and Showtime's 'TOUGH GUYS' documentaries.
job
Trainer for Professional Wrestlers
THE DUDLEY BOYZ ACADEMY
Provided professional wrestling training and mentorship for over two decades.
Successfully trained professional wrestlers, contributing to their development and careers.