Co-founder of vitaminwater and BODYARMOR to discuss entrepreneurship, leadership, and expanding ventures in professional sports and fitness.
QUEENS, NY – As part of its yearlong celebration marking 100 years of business education (1927–2027), St. John's University's Peter J. Tobin College of Business will welcome back celebrated entrepreneur, sports investor, and alumnus Mike Repole ’91SVC, ’11HON for a special Centennial Leadership Forum on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, from 5 to 6 p.m. at the University's Queens campus.
Best known for co-founding vitaminwater and BODYARMOR, two beverage brands acquired by The Coca-Cola Company, Repole has built a career identifying opportunities, challenging established industries, and creating brands that resonate with consumers. His latest ventures reflect that same entrepreneurial spirit, spanning professional football, fitness and wellness, and thoroughbred horse racing.
A Queens native, Repole grew up in Middle Village, just minutes from the University's campus. The son of a waiter and a seamstress, he graduated from St. John's in 1991 after studying Sport Management and went on to build a successful entrepreneurial career, while maintaining strong ties to his alma mater and the Queens community.
Repole continues to expand his business interests across multiple industries. Through NOBULL, he has partnered with seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady in the fitness and wellness space, building on his experience developing consumer brands. He is also involved in professional football through the United Football League (UFL), bringing his entrepreneurial perspective to the evolving sports industry.
His passion for thoroughbred horse racing has similarly evolved into a significant business enterprise. Through Repole Stable, he has established a prominent presence in the sport, with horses competing at the highest levels of American racing. His continued investments in the industry reflect his interest in the business and future of horse racing.
The November engagement follows Repole's February 24, 2025, appearance at the Tobin College of Business, when students gathered for a conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal growth. During that discussion, Repole encouraged students to embrace real-world experiences, build meaningful relationships, and learn from both successes and setbacks.
Repole's relationship with St. John's extends well beyond his undergraduate years. In 2011, he delivered the University's undergraduate Commencement address and received an honorary Doctor of Commercial Science degree. He has remained a passionate supporter of St. John's Red Storm Athletics, particularly the men's basketball program, and has continued to support the University's athletic community.
The November 18 conversation will offer students, faculty, alumni, and invited guests an opportunity to hear firsthand about Repole's entrepreneurial journey, his approach to investing and leadership, and the lessons learned building successful brands. The discussion is expected to explore how his experiences in the beverage industry continue to inform his ventures in professional sports, fitness, and horse racing.
Repole joins a distinguished lineup of business leaders featured in Tobin's Centennial Leadership Forum series, which most recently welcomed Lloyd Blankfein, former Chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs, for a fireside chat on leadership and his career on Wall Street.
As Tobin celebrates its first century of business education, the Centennial Leadership Forum series brings influential business leaders to campus to share insights, experiences, and perspectives that will inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and industry leaders.
Seating is limited. Attendees must register in advance through Tobin's Connect page.
Event Details
Event: Meet Mike Repole
Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2026
Time: 5–6 p.m.
Location: Munson Lecture Hall, Rooms 201/202, The Peter J. Tobin College of Business, St. John’s University, Queens Campus
Registration:RSVP here
About The Peter J. Tobin College of Business
The Peter J. Tobin College of Business at St. John’s University prepares students to become ethical, innovative, and globally minded business leaders through academic excellence, experiential learning, and meaningful engagement with industry professionals. As St. John’s celebrates 100 years of business education from 1927 to 2027, the College continues to build upon its longstanding tradition of connecting students with opportunity and preparing graduates to lead in an evolving global economy.
Media Contact:
Grace Kim [email protected]
The Peter J. Tobin College of Business
St. John’s University
Queens, New York