The Sponsorship Story of Bill Uglow

It all started with this man, Barton K. Boyd. He hired Bill Uglow at Walt Disney World, right out of grad school. They opened the property together. Bill grew to become his number two. Bo was Vice President Disney Consumer Products. Bill was his Director of Disney Merchandise.

Mr. Uglow was assigned to open the first Disney Store. He looked all over the country at auctions, flea markets, estate sales, and memorabilia shows for Disney licensed merchandise from the 1930’s, 1940’s ….considered the golden years of Disney Consumer Products. That was the forerunner of the modern day Disney Store.

As VP Consumer Products for MGM Grand, Mr. Uglow transferred what he learned about sponsorship from Disney to MGM Grand. He founded the Sponsorship Committee at MGM Grand. 

As an example, Coca Cola became the “Official Soft Drink Sponsor” at MGM Grand. 

Bill was hired as Corporate VP of Consumer Products by what was to become Mandalay Resort Group.  He founded a Sponsorship Committee for the second time. We believe MGM Grand and Mandalay Resort Group was the first introduction of sponsorship to the hospitality industry.