E. Randolph Marriner, a serial entrepreneur who has built businesses ranging from marketing to real estate to a brewery, and who served as a gubernatorial appointee overseeing Maryland's gaming industry for over two decades, will be honored Wednesday by Leadership Howard County. The organization, which prepares and sustains community leaders, is recognizing Marriner as 'a steadfast champion of community stewardship and involvement,' according to Tim Payne, president and CEO of Leadership Howard County.
Marriner, 75, made his initial fortune in marketing with his Columbia firm 20 years ago before expanding into real estate development, restaurants, and Manor Hill Farm brewery. Now, he is focusing on growing Manor Hill Productions, a live events production agency that grossed $17 million last year and counts 7-Eleven and AMD among its clients. The business is run by his daughter Rachael Mull and her husband Corey Mull.
His public service began in 2003 when he was appointed by then-Governor Bob Ehrlich to the commission overseeing the state lottery. Over the years, he served under four different governors—two Republicans and two Democrats—as the commission's authority expanded to include slots, six full-blown casinos with table games, and eventually sports gambling. Marriner chaired the gaming commission for six and a half years.
Marriner's ability to navigate politics is rooted in his family's highway construction business, which taught him the value of access to decision-makers. 'If you want to be at the table, you need to buy a table,' he says, explaining his bipartisan donations. Over the past 20 years, Marriner, his wife Mary, and his businesses have contributed over $120,000 to campaigns of dozens of elected officials, including Democrats like Sen. Guy Guzzone and Gov. Wes Moore, and Republicans like former Gov. Larry Hogan.
Marriner attributes his entrepreneurial drive to dyslexia and possibly ADHD, which he says made him think differently. 'There's a high degree of highly successful dyslexics. You look at things differently and your disability gives you an ability unlike the standard,' he says. He also followed his father's advice to surround himself with smarter people and reward their performance.
Despite recent health setbacks, including quadruple bypass surgery and complications from a fall at Penn Station, Marriner remains active. He and his wife Mary continue to be involved in the businesses they founded, and he is now devoting '100% focus' to growing Manor Hill Productions. The honor from Leadership Howard County recognizes not only his business success but also his decades of civic engagement, including work with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
