Penguin
PROFILES
Todd Servick ’91
T
IN THE BUSINESS OF COMMUNITY wo themes that are a constant in the life of Todd
Alec would have
Servick ’91 are athletics and giving back. So, in 2012
liked and that
he combined these elements together to create Dugan
provided a cathartic
Sports, a company that specializes in planning events
release for his
with an emphasis on golf and philanthropy. “A lot of people relate
family, friends, and
to sports, so creating an event around that brings an element of
colleagues,” Todd
fun,” Todd explains. “Our events allow people to get caught up in
said. “You could
the moment of what life is about—being in community with their
sense a change
friends and colleagues. My business model is to make sure that
in atmosphere as
everyone has a fantastic experience.”
the day went on.” The tournament
Athletics were one of Todd’s favorite aspects of being at Cushing
generated enough
Academy, where he was team captain for varsity soccer and
proceeds to cover
varsity baseball during his senior year. He came to Cushing as a
college costs for
sophomore, after spending two years at a school that specialized
the deceased’s
in serving students with dyslexia. “The learning center at Cushing
children, and it
allowed me to keep a positive attitude toward school, and the
has since raised
confidence that I gained in the classroom allowed me to excel in
funds for other
sports,” Todd said. “Between the classroom and athletics, Cushing
initiatives.
helped me learn a lot about defeat and success that relates even now in my business. You have to work for success, and understanding
While the pandemic has caused a slowdown in the events business,
how to overcome challenges only allows you to be stronger.”
Todd has recently redirected some of his energy to collaborating with his wife, Melinda, to launch Sol Design, which is a boutique interior design firm specializing in residential and contract design with a focus on model homes and showcase homes. Sol Design also
“
The learning center at Cushing allowed me to keep a positive attitude toward school, and the confidence that I gained in the classroom allowed me to excel in sports.
”
— Todd Servick '91
Alongside large events, such as golf tournaments, Dugan Sports
furnishes the model homes for showing. Melinda brings 25 years of experience in this field, and Todd added the encouragement and momentum to grow it as a new business. “Being dyslexic prompts you to see and do things differently,” Todd said. “So, I’m not afraid to take an educated risk and create something new.” Todd and Melinda live in the Atlanta area with their two sons, 11-year-old Brady and 9-year-old Charlie. During the past few years, the Servicks also have hosted fundraising parties in their own backyard, following COVID safety protocols, to raise funds for the nonprofit Giving Kitchen, which provides support for food service workers who are struggling through hard times. These “giving dinners” started with eight couples and have grown to about 50 people as friends have invited friends.
also organizes smaller boutique experiences, such as corporate retreats and private travel adventures. Major events often raise
Thus, another theme in Todd’s life is having a vision and creating
$40,000-$150,000 for worthy causes. One of Todd’s favorite projects
something new. In this way he is like the mentors whom he
is the annual Alec Newi Tournament that he organizes for Viacom.
credits for his success at Cushing Academy. “The learning center
The event began as a way to honor a Viacom sales executive who
program at Cushing Academy today is a true testimony to Rich
loved golf and bringing friends together, but who died tragically
Henry and his colleagues in the early ‘80s who had a vision of
young, leaving behind two small children. To design an event that
what it meant to help kids with learning differences strive,” Todd
the tournament’s namesake would have loved, Todd’s team added
said. “There’s no way I would have made it through Cushing
special features—such as a disc jockey and made-to-order pizzas—at
without that support system. And my time at Cushing as a
various holes throughout the golf course. “It was the kind of party
student athlete was just amazing.”
WINTER 2022
13
