Todd Servick ’91

Two themes that are a constant in the life of Todd Servick ’91 are athletics and giving back. So, in 2012 he combined these elements together to create Dugan Sports, a company that specializes in planning events with an emphasis on golf and philanthropy. “A lot of people relate to sports, so creating an event around that brings an element of fun,” Todd explains. “Our events allow people to get caught up in the moment of what life is about—being in community with their friends and colleagues. My business model is to make sure that everyone has a fantastic experience.”

Athletics were one of Todd’s favorite aspects of being at Cushing Academy, where he was team captain for varsity soccer and varsity baseball during his senior year. He came to Cushing as a sophomore, after spending two years at a school that specialized in serving students with dyslexia. “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 said. “Between the classroom and athletics, Cushing helped me learn a lot about defeat and success that relates even now in my business. You have to work for success, and understanding how to overcome challenges only allows you to be stronger.”

Alongside large events, such as golf tournaments, Dugan Sports also organizes smaller boutique experiences, such as corporate retreats and private travel adventures. Major events often raise $40,000-$150,000 for worthy causes. One of Todd’s favorite projects is the annual Alec Newi Tournament that he organizes for Viacom. The event began as a way to honor a Viacom sales executive who loved golf and bringing friends together, but who died tragically young, leaving behind two small children. To design an event that the tournament’s namesake would have loved, Todd’s team added special features—such as a disc jockey and made-to-order pizzas—at various holes throughout the golf course. “It was the kind of party

Alec would have liked and that provided a cathartic release for his family, friends, and colleagues,” Todd said. “You could sense a change in atmosphere as the day went on.” The tournament generated enough proceeds to cover college costs for the deceased’s children, and it has since raised funds for other initiatives.

While the pandemic has caused a slowdown in the events business, 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 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.

Thus, another theme in Todd’s life is having a vision and creating something new. In this way he is like the mentors whom he credits for his success at Cushing Academy. “The learning center program at Cushing Academy today is a true testimony to Rich Henry and his colleagues in the early ‘80s who had a vision of what it meant to help kids with learning differences strive,” Todd said. “There’s no way I would have made it through Cushing without that support system. And my time at Cushing as a student athlete was just amazing.”