11G is led by a management team with over 125 years of combined experience in F&B, Hospitality, Sports Facility and Youth Recreation Management. The combined talent allows our acquired or organically grown companies to maximize their potential.
Partner & Co-President
Partner & Co-President
Chairman Emeritus
Executive Vice President Marketing
Director Business Development
Senior Vice President Management & Finance
Manager Advertising & Graphic Design
Manager Digital Analytics & Social Media
Partner & Co-President
Tom Lekai is the founder of The Eleven Group LLC, focusing on investments in
the hospitality and software sectors. He served as Chief of Staff for the Walmart+
Business Development & Partnerships team, where he spearheaded business
development efforts, launched strategic third-party partnerships, and played a
key role in scaling the program’s early growth. Prior to this, Tom spent over five
years at UBS & BB&T, where he developed robust digital strategies, ensuring
alignment between client needs and innovative, user-centric products.
Additionally, he founded Lean Digital Services, a market research firm that has
supported 100+ clients globally, helping startups and growth-stage businesses
better understand their markets and uncover new opportunities.
Tom holds an MBA from Vanderbilt University and a B.A. from The University of
Alabama, graduating magna cum laude. He is also a certified Project
Management Professional (PMP).
Partner & Co-President
Blake Anthony formed The Eleven Group LLC to leverage his extensive
knowledge of the hospitality industry in acquiring and revitalizing distressed
hospitality and F&B assets. He has played senior roles in opening over 40
venues across Las Vegas, the Bahamas, and Nashville, including renowned
establishments like PURE Nightclub, Wet Republic, and Chateau Nightclub.
Currently, Blake serves as the General Manager of BEAT THE BOMB, the
world’s first immersive social gaming experience, where he oversees operations
and enhances guest experiences across multiple locations.
Previously, Blake held senior management positions with PURE Management
Group, MGM Grand, and the Washington Redskins.
Chairman Emeritus
Leon Lekai has over 20 years of private equity investment experience, following
12 years at Solomon Smith Barney, where he served as Managing Director and
Head Trader for High-Grade Corporate Bond Trading and Midwest Institutional
Sales Manager. His private equity focus has been on sports and recreational
assets, completing over twenty-five transactions, including the development of
organically grown businesses in support of existing assets. Recently, Leon has
served as CEO of the portfolio companies Everything Ice and Magic Ice, driving
their growth and operational efficiency. His current focus at 11G is on distressed
acquisitions and structuring both recreational and hospitality assets.
Leon earned an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania,
a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania School of Law, and a B.S., graduating
summa cum laude from the Boston University Questrom School of Business.
Executive Vice President Marketing
Jen Lekai joined The Eleven Group LLC in 2002 and supervises all client-facing
aspects of marketing, focusing on expanding opportunities for existing brands.
Recently, she has been heavily involved in the acquisition and transition of two
portfolio companies, Everything Ice and Magic Ice. Additionally, Jen plays a
significant role in supporting Addison Ice Arena, helping to enhance its
operations within the 11G framework.
She earned a B.S. in Marketing from Indiana University’s Kelley School of
Business and declined MBA acceptances from Columbia Business School and
Yale School of Management to raise her family of six children.
Director Business Development
Rob Lekai joined The Eleven Group LLC as a director in August 2010 and is
responsible for the firm’s business development activities, overseeing direct
opportunity sourcing and intermediary relationships. Recently, he led the
acquisition of two portfolio companies: Everything Ice and Magic Ice. In addition
to his role at 11G, Rob serves as the Chief Operating Officer for these
businesses, where he has helped streamline operations and accelerate growth.
Rob is also the founder of Broadway Strategy Group, where he has supported
transactions with an aggregate value of $100 billion, diligenced 174 acquisition
targets across 17 unique industries, and led over 300 transformation and value
creation initiatives. His expertise spans M&A, strategy, and operations, offering
comprehensive advisory services to help companies optimize their operations
and achieve sustainable growth.
He earned his MBA and BBA from the University of Texas at Austin McCombs
School of Business.
Senior Vice President Management & Finance
Ateka Powell joined The Eleven Group LLC in June 2004 with over 20 years of
sports facility management experience. Ateka brings analytical and
organizational skills to the team along with the ability to operate, staff and
manage any type of recreational sports facility.
In her role, Ateka also overseas all financial aspects of The Eleven Group LLC
including oversight and management of all financial reporting and record keeping
for all 11G portfolio companies.
Manager Advertising & Graphic Design
Amy Steele joined The Eleven Group LLC in May 2016, where she is
responsible for developing marketing strategies for its portfolio companies. She
also currently serves as an Integrated Marketing & Strategy Manager at Asurion,
focusing on the Amazon account and playing a vital role in shaping the
company’s marketing initiatives. Previously, Amy worked as a Senior Analyst in
Digital Marketing at Asurion and spent over two years as a Digital Marketing
Analyst at HCA Healthcare, where she developed data-driven strategies to
enhance customer engagement and drive brand awareness.
She holds a Master’s in Marketing from the Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate
School of Management and a B.A. in Spanish and Advertising, graduating magna
cum laude from The University of Alabama. During her time at Alabama, she also
led the Capstone Advertising Agency as its Firm Director.
Manager Digital Analytics & Social Media
Liz Lekai joined The Eleven Group LLC in June 2017, where she is responsible
for managing the social media presence and analytics for the firm’s portfolio
companies. In addition to her role at 11G, Liz established Nashcuterie, a
charcuterie business that creates artisanal boards and catering options for
events and gatherings. She also serves as an operating partner and strategic
advisor for Lean Digital Services, a market research firm.
Liz holds a Master’s in Marketing from the Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate
School of Management and her B.S. in Marketing, graduating summa cum laude
from the University of Alabama Culverhouse School of Business. She is currently
pursuing her MBA at Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of
Management.