Before he started his own consulting company, David Rovine’s career swerved more than a racehorse coming around the turn toward the finish line. A theatre major at TU, he’s directed plays, owned dinner theaters, trained racehorses, booked national music acts and was vice president of the Baltimore Orioles’ operations in their spring training home—his permanent one—of Sarasota, Florida.

Despite the disparity of the titles, the jobs have all had a common thread, he says.

“Whether it’s actors on a stage, horses on a track or baseball players on a field, the 
business is the same,” he says. “It’s taking care of your customer, making sure that they  come back.”

Now, in semi-retirement, Rovine has the time to sit back and reflect.

“Really what I’ve done is give people a good time,” he says, “and that’s been very 
satisfying.” 

1948 

Born at University Hospital in Baltimore. 

1966 

Attended the World Series at Baltimore’s Memorial Stadium. 

1967 

Completed his freshman year at TU.

“I had a great time at school. I learned a lot from my professors and was fortunate to act in some lead performances.” 

1971 

Worked for On Tour Productions directing off-Broadway shows in New York. 

1973 

With his father, Milton, and his brother, Harvey ’69 (also a theatre major), purchased Once Upon a Stage dinner theater in Orlando. They owned it until 1985. 

1978 

Began going to the track to watch harness horse racing.

Purchased his first horse.

“When I was a kid in Baltimore, I used to go horseback riding all the time. I wanted to go out and see the horses, smell the manure and get back into it. A guy at the track turned to me and goes, ‘Psst, want to buy a horse?’ I laughed and said, ‘Sure, what have you got?’ He said, ‘I know this woman who has a claimer for $1,000 but I think she’ll sell it to you for $600.’ I said, ‘Great, I’ll buy it.’” 

1980 

Daughter, Jacqlyn, is born. 

1981 

Son, Zev, is born.

1987 

After nearly a decade of owning racehorses, became the leading trainer at the Meadowlands in New Jersey, setting the then-record with 106 wins at the track in one year. 

1990 

Became director of marketing at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, Maryland.

“It was clear that we needed to broaden interest to get more people involved in harness racing. I began bringing in musical groups like the Coasters and the Drifters to add an entertainment element to a night at the races.” 

1995 

Moved to Florida to become director of marketing at renowned Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach. Increased revenues and attendance by 34% over a nine-year period.

“I repositioned it as an entertainment facility featuring world-class thoroughbred racing. Every weekend we brought in national musical acts like the Doobie Brothers and Joe Cocker. People loved it, and then we taught them about racing.” 

2004 

Was hired by SMG Entertainment to open the newly renovated Genesee Theatre in Waukegan, Illinois.

“They did a $23 million renovation of a 1910 historic theater. We had some major acts there. I got to meet artists that I always admired, like George Carlin and James Brown.” 

2013 

Named vice president of the Baltimore Orioles, Sarasota. Was instrumental in arranging for the Sarasota Orchestra and other arts groups to perform at Ed Smith Stadium.

“We set attendance records and developed programs in the community that are part of the Orioles’ presence in Sarasota to this day.”

He played a key role in bringing Billy Joel to Oriole Park at Camden Yards in 2019. 

2020 

Started D.R. Creative Initiatives, which works with venues, professional sports stadiums and theaters and produces concerts and touring theatrical productions.  

2026 

Lives in Sarasota with his life partner, Wendy. He owns a couple of racehorses, watches them compete and is relaxing, enjoying the good life.