In a world where change-makers are rare and impactful partnerships are even rarer, the story of Amy and Gary Green emerges as a beacon of inspiration. United in their commitment to philanthropy, this dynamic power couple has forged a legacy that transcends personal success, reflecting a shared dedication to making a positive impact.
Early Influences and Shared Values
The roots of Amy and Gary’s philanthropic journey delve deep into their early influences, shaping a commitment to giving back that goes beyond financial contributions. Amy’s early influences trace back to her grandparents, where her modest Italian family instilled in her the values of resourcefulness, kindness, and open-hearted generosity. Despite their limited means, her grandparents exemplified the importance of giving back, laying the foundation for Amy’s deep- rooted commitment to philanthropy.
Iconic figures like Ruth Bader Ginsburg inspire Amy, emphasizing the transformative power of intelligence and integrity. Her admiration for strong women who speak their minds and pursue their dreams echoes in her own pursuit of meaningful philanthropy. “The individuals who have inspired and influenced me throughout my life are those who give from their heart with meaningful purpose,” says Amy, highlighting her appreciation for transformative leaders.
Gary’s formative years, grounded in entrepreneurship and community engagement, laid the foundation for his
career. His entrepreneurial journey began at the age of 15, working various roles within New York City office buildings, instilling in him a work ethic and determination that would later define his success.
“When I started at SL Green Realty I was still learning the ropes of the real estate business. I worked as many jobs as I could from running a freight elevator to janitorial work and building maintenance. I just wanted to learn every part of a building. Because I was in a family business, I felt that I had to work harder than anyone else to prove myself. No one was going to outwork me.”
Alliance Building Services:
In 1992, Gary Green founded Alliance Building Services, one of the largest privately held building service providers in North America. Frustrated with mediocre janitorial services, Gary established First Quality Maintenance, a subsidiary of Alliance, aiming to revolutionize the business model. The company expanded its services, acquiring multiple security companies, lighting and electrical companies, and other building services.
Two pivotal moments in the company’s history were unfortunately the two most devastating and challenging events to happen in New York City September 11, 2001; and COVID-19.
“On 9/11, it was our responsibility to help protect and clean up downtown Manhattan,” Gary reflects. “That is something I will never forget. We lived and breathed it and we felt responsible for helping turn around New York City. We had security officers and cleaners who were at ground zero for months and the things they saw were horrific and indescribable. But it was important work. We were there not only to help keep New York safe, but we also helped to build it back up. It was the first truly impactful business experience of my life”
Alliance’s growth continued from there extending services to iconic venues like the Yankee Stadium, Citi Field, and the Empire State Building. Alliance had gone from 8 cleaners in 1992, to over 5,000 by 2010.
“We were there not only to help keep New York safe, but we also helped to build it back up. It was the first truly impactful business experience of my life.” Gary Green
Alliance remains a powerhouse in the building service industry, a testament to Gary’s entrepreneurial acumen and commitment to excellence.
The Green Legacy and a Father’s Mentorship
At the heart of Gary’s journey lies the profound influence of his father, Stephen Lawrence Green. A visionary figure, Stephen Green’s legacy extends beyond real estate, shaping the entrepreneurial spirit of the Green family. Gary’s partnership with his father and the lessons learned serve as the cornerstone of his success.
“Just watching how my dad operated, his intensity and sense of timing, the way he trusted his instincts, and saw every opportunity to push forward – in the true entrepreneur spirit he embodies – it’s amazing. How do you not get inspired to be an entrepreneur when you grow up around a father like that?”
The Green legacy is a testament to resilience, innovation, and a commitment to positive change. The photoshoot atop the Summit building captures the essence of Stephen Green’s impact, symbolizing a family tradition marked by a pursuit of excellence.
“I feel immensely fortunate to be part of the Green family, with my girls contributing to the continuation of the Green legacy” says Amy, “The close bond with Nancy Green and Steve Green fills me with pride, and partnering with my husband on our philanthropy journey is a deeply meaningful endeavor for us and our beautiful children.”
A Strategic Pivot
In a strategic move that marked a turning point in his career, Gary orchestrated the sale of Alliance Building Services in 2023. This deliberate shift in focus allowed him to redirect his energies towards his burgeoning passion for sports ownership. Notably, the sale also underscored the profound respect and trust for his longtime
business partner, Michael Rodriguez, who continues to steer the ship as CEO. Spanning over two decades, Gary’s partnership with Michael Rodriguez remains a testament to the value of collaboration and shared vision in the business world.
“One of the many lessons I learned from my dad was that when you find the right person, don’t be afraid to lock them in. Michael Rodriguez and I started working together in 1994. Immediately I saw that this was somebody I was very comfortable working with. His strengths were my weaknesses, and vice-versa. Together we brought our different experiences and knowledge to forge a strong partnership. Michael became the Alliance brand, so the way to exit was to have Michael and the employees own the company through an ESOP and not sell to the third party. And I am incredibly thankful for the value Michael has added to my life so I could pursue the sports business.”
As Gary charts new courses in the realm of sports ownership, the legacy of Alliance Building Services serves as a testament to his strategic acumen and unwavering dedication to pursuing business goals that have a positive impact on others.
Sports Ownership
The pivotal decision to enter the realm of sports ownership materialized in 2009 when Gary and his partner Larry Botel co-founded Alliance Baseball, marking the acquisition of the Connecticut Defenders and their relocation to Richmond as the Richmond Flying Squirrels. This move not only filled a void in Richmond, Virginia, which at the time was the largest city in the United States without a professional sports franchise, but also established Green, Larry Botel, Lou DiBella and Todd Parnell as “Richmonders of the Year” in 2010.
In June 2012, Green and Botel continued to expand their sports ownership portfolio by acquiring the Omaha Storm Chasers from Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett.
“I got on a plane to Omaha and I was going to meet and negotiate a deal with the greatest capitalist of our generation, Warren Buffet!” Green reflects . “I had my numbers prepared. I was ready to tell my kids and future grandchildren and everyone else about how I negotiated with the great Buffet. But, when the meeting started he didn’t want talk about numbers or sales price . He wanted to hear about who my baseball and business heroes were, and my experience in the building service industry. After 90 minutes he stood up, put out his hand, and said I want to sell you my team. In hindsight, what he really cared about was my love for the game of baseball, the business behind it, and my connection to the fans that make it great”
Green’s foray into soccer ownership with Union Omaha in 2019 added another dimension to his sports empire. Union Omaha became the first professional soccer team in the state of Nebraska, and it showcased Gary’s commitment to fostering sports culture in the region even further.
“There are so many ways you can make a difference with people’s lives with sports. Soccer is so important to young people, and American soccer is especially important to Gen Z’s. We’ve been able to develop a movement, which is what soccer fandom is, and we are actively planning to construct a brand new stadium and development downtown. Soccer will become this country’s number one sport in our lifetime. We are riding this wave watching it grow before our very eyes and our fans are growing a culture around it.”
“I have a deep love for Omaha. And what I’ve learned is that even with the right intentions of impact investing to make a difference, its never easy coming into a new city and creating change. The gift that Mr. Buffett gave me, to allow me access through professional sports to make a change, that will stick with me forever.”
“The close bond with Nancy Green and Steve Green fills me with pride, and partnering with my husband on our philanthropy journey is a deeply meaningful endeavor for us and our beautiful children.” Amy Green
Philanthropy
Gary Green’s philanthropic endeavors extend far beyond business success. As a national board member of Third Millennium, he advocated for Social Security reform while testifying numerous times in Congress, showcasing a commitment to broader societal issues. His support for organizations like North Shore Child and Family Guidance Association, and Ronald McDonald House of New York reflects a diverse range of causes close to his heart. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Gary’s philanthropy took a hands-on approach. Donating masks to hospitals and partnering with CHI Health and Nebraska Medicine exemplified his commitment to making a difference in times of crisis.
“It’s very powerful to spend time with the people benefiting from philanthropic work. Sports change lives and the value of sports is so important to people’s spirits – it keeps them going.”
Gary continued, “when you buy a sports team, it’s not just a private investment. People treat it like a public utility and everyone has an opinion. What I learned working in the Omaha community is that you can use this asset to really make a difference. During covid we couldn’t play a game so instead we repositioned ourselves from a sports asset to a community asset. How could we help the community when they really needed it? Donate 45,000 masks to local hospitals when no one had access to enough masks. Like 9/11 in New York, I couldn’t just sit on my hands and do nothing.”
Amy’s Career Transition
Amy’s career journey has been a dynamic exploration of her passion for science and later a shift towards sports journalism. Starting with a strong foundation in Chemistry and Biology, she collaborated with renowned companies in the biotech sector such as Pfizer and Wyeth. Amy contributed to public health by working with infectious disease doctors and top scientists, focusing mainly on developing preventative vaccines. Her shift to sports journalism, driven by a desire for new challenges and a different way to engage with people, marked a significant turning point in Amy’s professional life.
“I was offered my own show on FOX Sports, and after 12 years in the Biotech industry, I changed. My parents thought I was a bit crazy to give up that amazing job, but it’s important to follow your dreams, and dreams change and shift as we grow and mature,” reflects Amy on her career transition.
“I suddenly embarked on a beautiful new journey and I had the time of my life. I was young and single and wanted to work hard to build relationships and dig deep with athletes and their passion for the sport.”
Motherhood
The challenges and joys of raising her daughters inspired a deeper connection with women globally. Amy’s commitment to conservation and wildlife protection intensified, driven by a desire to create a better world for future generations.
“Becoming a mother marked a pivotal and profound chapter in my journey, bringing both inspiration and challenges. Despite the struggles of difficult life experiences, my little girls, especially Giada, opened my heart in inexplicable ways, guiding me towards the person I aspired to be,” shares Amy.
Amid her fertility challenges, Amy sought inspiration and found ways to combat these new challenges by shedding light on the profound impact our environment and the food we consume can have on our bodies.
“The struggles underscored the importance of understanding the quality of what we put into our bodies. My girls, raised as pescatarians and never having tasted meat, reflect a conscious choice to avoid potential harm associated with hormones in contemporary meat production,” explains Amy on her dietary choices.
Philanthropic Philosophy with a Heart-Based Approach
Amy’s philanthropic philosophy centers on a heart-based energy approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of our actions with the well-being of the planet. Her work in anti-poaching extends beyond protecting wildlife to empowering local communities. Amy’s vision for positive heart-based rewilding involves educating children about conservation and fostering a compassionate and ethical approach to the planet.
“It’s about understanding that we, as people, are both the problem and the solution. Our kids, they’re the future custodians of the planet. If we’re not leaving them a planet worth having, then shame on us,” emphasizes Amy on the responsibility of fostering a sustainable planet for future generations.
Together, the power couple’s journey into philanthropy was a natural progression. Inspired by the profound desire for hands-on involvement and impact, Amy and Gary established their own foundation, Green Vision.
“Serving as an ambassador for various organizations, I experienced a strong commitment to the cause, but I yearned for deeper engagement,” says Amy. “My goal was to understand precisely where funds were allocated and to identify the areas needing the most help. Establishing a foundation allowed me to create a collaborative mission, fostering unity to collectively address challenges.”
Amy initiated the Footprint of Life Gala, bringing together organizations like Unicef, Tusk Tusk Trust, ACCF, and others to collaborate and create a unified movement. Over the years, she observed that each organization had a distinct focus and unique resources to offer. The Gala was a platform for diverse entities to come together, each contributing its strengths to a shared cause.
“The Footprint of Life Gala is my baby and more than just an event; it’s a platform for positive change. Not only did last year’s gala raise substantial funds, but it also elevated the collective consciousness toward creating a better planet. Our efforts resonated far and wide, igniting a ripple effect of positivity and inspiring action among attendees and beyond.”
As the Greens look ahead to 2024, their long-term goals include advancing Amy’s heart rewilding program, fostering ‘Camelot for the Planet,’ and collaborating with the Planetary Guardians. The powerful duo envisions a future where their collective efforts contribute to innovative solutions for safeguarding the Earth.
“I am eager to harness this momentum and elevate our impact even further,” says Amy. “I look forward to uniting top organizations to drive meaningful change and elevate the vibrancy of our planet.”
Gary, reflecting on Amy’s influence, shares, “my wife Amy has been an inspiration to me and a force in all aspects of my life, and especially philanthropy. She has motivated me to do even more than I’ve ever done. Our ultimate goal is to have the phrases “impact investing” and “impact philanthropy” define everything we do. And also have a lot of fun along the way!”
Being a power couple, Gary and Amy not only celebrate life together but also forge meaningful alliances. Amy describes their bond as “a unique synergy where their individual strengths combine to create a force for positive change, not just for them but for future generations.”
For the Greens, Philanthropy isn’t just a mission; it’s a way of life—a legacy they are proud to carry forward.
