The Atlanta Falcons have partnered with Truist for a weekly series designed to help fans get to know the limited partners of the franchise.
Over the next 11 weeks, AtlantaFalcons.com will publish a Q&A with one of the 11 limited partners of the Atlanta Falcons. In these discussions, the limited partners share advice for navigating the world of business, their favorite Atlanta Falcons memories and so much more.
This week, Ed Mendel shares his answers.
Ed Mendel
Mendel co-founded Ned Davis Research, Inc. (NDR) and Davis, Mendel & Regenstein, Inc. (DMR) in 1980, when both he and his partner Ned Davis left J.C. Bradford & Company. The two firms are collectively known as the Ned Davis Research Group and have built one of the largest stock and bond research followings on Wall Street.
Mendel has served on the boards of many leading civic organizations and non-profits in the Atlanta area, including B'nai B'rith Youth Organization (BBYO), the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta and Pace Academy, where he is currently a Life Trustee. He has been philanthropically involved in numerous other Atlanta charities such as the Jewish Home and Jewish Family & Career Services.
Mendel and his wife, Barbara, have three children, Jennifer, Meredith and Brett.
Why did you want to become a limited partner in the Atlanta Falcons organization?
Ever since I was a child, football has always been a central part of my life. Growing up as a fan of my local college team, football embodied both the spirit and pride of our community. So, when I was presented with the opportunity to become a limited partner of the Atlanta Falcons organization, I did not hesitate to jump at the opportunity.
What is your favorite part of an Atlanta Falcons game day?
Watching the players up close and personal is always fun, but getting to be with other fans and enjoying pregame festivities is always my favorite part of game day.
When you look back at your career, what is something that makes you the most proud?
My biggest professional accomplishment that gives me the most pride is that my business partner, Ned Davis, and I gave a big chunk of ownership in our company to our employees. Sharing stock through our company ESOP plan allowed the many people who contributed to the success of our company to participate in the exit when we sold the firm.
What makes the city of Atlanta special?
One of the things about Atlanta that I think is special is that there is a huge amount of diversity. Given that it is a transient hub, there are so many different cultures that meld together to make Atlanta great. You can see this in the huge variation of restaurants and many great neighborhoods. Besides Atlanta being an economic center of the southeast, we are lucky to have Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. It is great to be able to easily fly anywhere in the country, and all around the world. I especially love all the music and arts the city has to offer. Finally, Atlanta is a sports mecca for all the major professional sports teams. Of course, the Falcons and United are my favorite, but I love that all teams are welcome in the ATL!
Who had been your biggest personal and professional influences?
Barbara Mendel. Having the right life partner is the most important decision you will ever make. Luckily for me, I married the best wife, mother and role model possible.
Sanford Orkin, who offered to put me and my partner Ned in business in 1978. We ended up boot strapping the business, but his support was invaluable and gave me huge confidence to take a big risk.
Of course, Arthur Blank. I often tell people that hardly anyone can hit one grand slam in their life, but Arthur has somehow managed to hit five. His business success is remarkable, but even more impressive is that he so graciously and generously gives back to humanity and the community.
Who is your favorite player (Falcons or otherwise) of all time?
Roddy White, who always would come over to the sideline and hug Barbara before he went to the locker room before each game. He is a great person and personality, and let's not forget about that wonderful smile!
