Andy Katz

Andy Katz · 2025-09-09T17:53:33.122Z

Some wins take years to earn. This one took decades. I've been playing in the Harry Maziar Golf Tournament for years, an event that supports our local JCC and honors my longest tenured and favorite mentor, Harry, now 91. I hadn't planned to play this year due to travel, but a last minute call from a friend pulled me in. Our group finally won, and having Harry onsite made it all the more special. Harry has actually been in my life since the day I was born. My mom and his wife were cousins, but over the years, Harry became much more than extended family. He became a mentor — the kind who gives you the truth when it matters most. He was Chairman of National Service Industries’ chemical division, Zep. In my second or third senior year of college :) I made a trip to Atlanta to meet with Harry and talk about life after graduation. He said: "You can work here, start in sales, pick a city you want to live in. But if I were you, don't do the comfortable thing. You’re dynamic. There’s so much more for you than the chemical business." That conversation shaped my entire track. Instead of slipping into a safe, predictable career, I leaned into the uncomfortable path: building, failing, learning, and ultimately carving out an entrepreneurial journey that may never have existed without his push. And then there’s the golf memory I’ll never forget. The first year the tournament carried his name, I played with Harry and his sons Todd and Neal. We were playing lights out (Todd dropped nine one putts), right there with a chance to win and even to beat the Alterman family, who never seem to lose. On the final par 5, I had 260-plus yards left over water and was ready to go for it, driver off the deck. Harry, true to character, humble and lighthearted, looked at me and said: "Andy, I love you, but we can’t win this year. It’s the first year with my name on it. Hit it in the water." I laughed (probably cussed, too) and told him that was nonsense. Then I flushed it, perfect carry over the water, right on line for the green… only to see it bounce backward into the drink. We all burst out laughing, and the Altermans went on to win, as usual. That’s Harry, never one to make it about himself, even in a tournament named after him. Fast forward to yesterday. One of the Alterman boys was right there again. We ended up tied, but this time we won on the scorecard playoff. Finally. So yes, it felt incredible to break through and even sweeter to finally top the Altermans. But what meant the most was realizing how much of my life has been shaped by Harry’s words, humor, and wisdom. Here’s to mentors who shape us from the very beginning, who tell us the hard truths, who make us laugh even when the ball rolls back into the water — and to Harry, still inspiring, still teaching, still proving that living with character is the biggest win of all.

Atlanta, Georgia, United States
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BrknPar Venture Fund

University of South Carolina

About

Katz is GP @ BrknPar Ventures (Sport Tech Growth Equity Fund) and Managing Partner at…

Experience

BrknPar Venture Fund
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Atlanta
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New York, United States
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Atlanta, Georgia, United States
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Atlanta
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Greater Atlanta Area
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Atlanta, GA
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Miami, FL
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Atlanta, GA
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Atlanta, Georgia, United States
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Atlanta, GA
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East Coast

Education

University of South Carolina

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1995 - 1999

Activities and Societies: Worked for legendary football Coach Lou Holtz

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Andy Katz

Atlanta, Georgia, United States 7K followers 500+ connections

About

Experience

BrknPar Venture Fund

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Education

University of South Carolina

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View Andy’s full profile

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