Hey, hey, hey!  T.I. just pulled a miracle… I just got a way cool interview with the one and only… the King of the Hill… the Big Kahuna… the Big Cheese… the CEO of Throwback Entertainment, Tom Maduri.  And he was awfully accommodating…

I met with Tom at some microbrewery in downtown Toronto after one of his co-ed soccer league games.  Just recently named Captain of his team, Tom nursed his favorite beer, Steamwhistle, as we had an engaging conversation.

Q:  Maybe this isn’t it the best way to start out an interview, but I didn’t realize that Canadians played soccer.  How come you didn’t choose hockey instead?

A: Simple, I cannot stop on skates, but I can skate stop on skis.  Figure that one out.  Come to think of it, I do not do well with water sports at all… my swimming skills resemble that of a rock.

Q: So I hear that you’re a true workaholic.  What else do you do for fun? 

A: Right now, I am learning how to play golf.  The sound of my club is usually drowned out by me yelling “FORE” followed by various swear words in numerous languages.   The only thing I like about golf is the five hours of uninterrupted time with friends, family and colleagues that I don’t spend too much time with anymore.

Q: Very cool.  The last time I tried golf was on a kiddie’s miniature golf course.  Now let’s get down to the meat and potatoes.  What made you decide to acquire the Acclaim library and start Throwback Entertainment?

A: In the 80s and 90s, as a consumer, Acclaim’s name was everywhere - it seemed like everything digital had an Acclaim logo on it.  They had some kick ass properties, and it seemed like all the big licenses.  Also, let’s not forget that at one point Acclaim was larger than Electronic Arts, Ubisoft, Take Two, Eidos (all of which used Acclaim for their reach into retail).  So when Acclaim went into bankruptcy protection, it was an easy decision to jump in.  Now, the process to complete the transaction was not easy but looking back, it was a great experience for all involved.

Given our core belief is that Immersive Entertainment is the future – acquiring the library gives us a great starting point.  Now, we are taking the next step from interactive entertainment into a new realm – embracing and empowering. 

Q: What makes Throwback different from any other game publisher?  How do you plan to approach your business strategy differently?

A: Ground up, we are built differently; we do not need licenses to please our shareholders quarterly needs and avoid disappointment.  Instead, our focus is on quality.  As a customer myself, I have a very long memory when disappointed with an experience.  We cannot expect differently from our customers. 

Without getting into too many boring details - our intention is to have ‘conversations with our customers’ without the large marketing campaigns (just shock and awe).   Expect intelligent strategies out of us to capture the entire experience.    

Q: Of all the Acclaim titles, which are you most excited about developing and why?

A: Re-Volt!  Just last year, I was on a family vacation in Disney World.  I noticed Re-Volt! in the arcade at the hotel… it was great.  The experience of only needing 30 seconds to understand how to play and the rest of the 29 minutes 30 seconds was just fun.

Q: If you had a chance to hire a live-action director for a Throwback developed videogame , who would it be?

A: Without hesitation – Mike Myers.  Gotta love the Canadian boys.

Q: For over 10 years, you have been known as an executive who has been involved in corporate restructuring, turnarounds and project recoveries.  Obviously, this is a totally different arena for you, right?  What are your own expectations for Throwback Entertainment?

A: This is very different but very similar – Throwback is a clean slate – we have assembled the best team imaginable, we have great IPs in the pipe and our strategy is defined around the future.  Now, this exercise hasn’t been easy, but with the right people, any thing is possible.  We will continue to move forward.

Q: You mentioned at one point there are six traits of an effective leader.  1. Make others feel important; 2. Promote a vision; 3. Follow the golden rule; 4. Admit mistakes; 5. Criticize others only in private; 6. Stay close to the action.  They’re all pretty crucial, but what do you think is the most important one of the bunch and why?

A: Do I have to pick just one?  Fine, it is “Admit mistakes” – nothing makes me more satisfied then saying I was wrong or goofed on something.   It means my team is so damn good, I have to show up every day with my A-Game just to keep up with them… I love it!

Q: Who are some of your inspirations when it comes to business?

A: I always seem to reference what Sir Richard Branson of Virgin has done during his career.  Creating value for his shareholders, a culture in his company that affords his people to challenge ‘norms’ and the personality he has created that defines his company.

The other inspiration is Bono– not your typical business inspiration – when you look at his accomplishments from creating a global sensation with U2 to his humanitarian efforts.  He is one cool gentlemen.

Q:  I’m totally enlightened now.  Thanks for your time.  It’s been great.

A:  No, thank you.  The pleasure has been all mine.