Randy Marriner, a serial entrepreneur who built businesses in marketing, real estate, restaurants, and brewing while serving as a gaming commissioner under four Maryland governors, will be honored Wednesday by Leadership Howard County. The organization, which prepares and sustains community leaders, will recognize Marriner as "a steadfast champion of community stewardship and involvement" at an event on Oct. 29.
Marriner, 75, began his entrepreneurial journey 20 years ago with a marketing firm in Columbia. He later ventured into real estate development, restaurants, and the Manor Hill Farm brewery. His latest endeavor is helping grow Manor Hill Productions, a national live events production agency that grossed $17 million last year, with clients including 7-Eleven and AMD. The business is now run by his daughter Rachael Marriner Mull and her husband Corey Mull.
Alongside his business pursuits, Marriner served on the gaming commission from 2003, appointed by four governors—two Republicans and two Democrats. The commission oversaw the expansion of Maryland's lottery to include slots, six casinos with table games, and sports gambling. Marriner chaired the commission for six and a half years.
Tim Payne, president and CEO of Leadership Howard County, praised Marriner's resilience and generosity. "He weathered challenges with grit and grace, always finding ways to help others along the way," Payne said. "From decades of commitments in the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to his broad civic engagement, Randy showed us what it means to lead with heart."
Marriner's political engagement stems from his family's highway construction business, which required state contracts and funding. He is a registered Republican and describes himself as a centrist. Over the past 20 years, he, his wife Mary, and his businesses have donated over $120,000 to campaigns of dozens of elected officials, including both Democrats and Republicans. "If you want to be at the table, you need to buy a table," Marriner said, explaining that donations provide access to decision-makers.
Marriner attributes his entrepreneurial drive to dyslexia, which he says makes him see things 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 said. He also follows his father's advice: "If you want to be successful, hang around with people that are smarter than you and bring them in as part of your thing and reward their performance."
Despite recent health setbacks, including quadruple bypass surgery and injuries from a fall at Penn Station, Marriner remains focused on growing Manor Hill Productions. He and Mary continue to have financial stakes in their other businesses.
