Merritt Paulson, owner and president of the Portland Timbers, was interviewed by Oliver Maroney on November 4, 2011 at 3:15 PM at Jeld-Wen Field. Merritt is the son of former Goldman Sachs executive and Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson. He graduated from Hamilton College and earned his master's from Harvard, then worked for the NBA before purchasing the Portland Timbers and Beavers in 2007. As owner, Merritt focuses on marketing, overseeing players and coaches, and facilitating sponsorships and deals. He also contributes greatly to the community through donations, jobs, and conservation efforts. Merritt credits his father as a major influence and role model.

1. Merritt Paulson
Owner & Current President Of The Portland
Timbers

2. Interview Information
INTERVIEWED 11/4/11 @ Jeld-Wen Field 3:15 PM PST
Merritt Paulson, Owner and President of the
Portland Timbers was interviewed by Oliver
Maroney at the date and time listed above.

3. Background Information
Son of Henry Paulson, former chairman and
chief executive officer of Goldman Sachs and
74th United States Secretary of Treasury.
Majority owner of Peregrine Sports, LLC.
Purchased Portland Timbers/Portland Beavers
in 2007
Former Senior Director Of Marketing & Business
Development For National Basketball
Association

4. Why I chose Merritt
Paulson
Merritt is someone I have always looked up to.
Also because of my passion for soccer.

5. Early Life (Before
College)
Merritt was grown up in a
wealthy family.
His father was a major executive
of Goldman Sachs.
HENRY
PAULSON
Before sports came along,
Merritt loved the outdoors.

6. College Life
Graduated Hamilton
College in 1995
Earned Master’s at
Harvard in 2000
“College made him
understand what he had a
true passion for and what
he wanted out of life”

7. His First Job
A senior marketing director
at the National Basketball
Association.

8. His ownership
Began owning the Timbers/
Beavers in 2007.
$15 Million Dollar Purchase

9. What does he do?
He is the president and owner
of the Portland Timbers.
Marketing
Oversee’s Players/Coaches
Sponsors/Deals

10. Merritt’s effect on the
Community
Helps a lot in the community
Creates Jobs
Donates Large sums of money around
Oregon for various causes
Wildlife Conservation
Field Projects
Local Schools

11. His Father
Merritt Paulson’s father was a massive
influence on him. He said “He was always
there for me and was a great source of
advice in business and with my current
job.”
TIME magazine’s runner-up for “Person
Of The Year”
Henry Paulson’s Net Worth is $700
million.
He admits his father was his inspiration
and role model.

12. His Advice
“The most important thing that you can do in life is
to enjoy what you are doing. In order to do that,
you must find something you are truly passionate
about and you must be ready to change your path
with your passion.”
You need to make connections throughout life.

13. M.L.S. Soccer for
Portland
Merritt instigated the Portland
Timbers as an MLS (Major League
Soccer) Team in 2009.
Created marketing buzz
Had 1st jersey “Runway
Project”
adidas sponsorship

14. What I Have Learned
I learned that education is a crucial part in creating
connections between people.
Your Parents are a huge part of your life
It is not as easy as everyone says it is

15. My Ratings
I believe I am pretty good with interviewing others.
I asked the questions I felt were necessary and
because of how many interviews I’ve been in I feel
I understand how to ask questions well.
I could’ve probably thought out some more
questions and maybe a better time for the
interview would’ve given me more time with
Merritt. He only had about 35 minutes of his time
because he had a conference call.