E. Randolph Marriner's Entrepreneurial Journey and Bipartisan Influence Honored by Leadership Howard County

E. Randolph Marriner, a serial entrepreneur with deep roots in Howard County, is set to be honored by Leadership Howard County for his decades of community stewardship and business leadership. The 75-year-old businessman has built a remarkable career spanning marketing, real estate development, restaurants, brewing, and live events production while simultaneously serving four different governors on Maryland's gaming commission.

Marriner's current focus is growing Manor Hill Productions, a national live events production agency that grossed $17 million last year with major corporate clients including 7-Eleven and AMD. His daughter Rachael Mull and her husband Corey Mull now run the day-to-day operations of the business, which creates major live events to amplify corporate brands to target audiences.

Beginning in 2003, Marriner served under four governors - two Republicans and two Democrats - on the commission overseeing Maryland's gaming operations. He chaired the gaming commission for six and a half years during a period when the state's gaming authority expanded from overseeing lotteries to slots, then six full casinos with table games, and finally sports gambling. Gaming has become Maryland's second largest source of state revenue, making Marriner's oversight role particularly significant for state finances.

Tim Payne, president and CEO of Leadership Howard County, described Marriner as earning respect through both success and perseverance. Payne noted that Marriner weathered challenges with grit and grace while always finding ways to help others, demonstrating that true success comes from resilience, generosity and service.

Marriner's political engagement stems from his family's highway construction business, where he learned early that access to decision-makers was crucial for business success. This understanding led him to become a bipartisan donor, with records showing that he, his wife Mary, and his businesses have given over $120,000 to dozens of elected officials from both parties over the past 20 years. His donations have supported Democrats like Guy Guzzone, Calvin Ball, and Wes Moore alongside Republicans including Allan Kittleman and Larry Hogan.

This bipartisan approach has practical business implications. Marriner explains that political contributions provide access, allowing him to request minor legislative or zoning adjustments that help his businesses operate more effectively. His philosophy is straightforward: If you want to be at the table, you need to buy a table. However, he emphasizes that once you have that minute of access, you must be able to make your case quickly and effectively.

Marriner attributes his entrepreneurial drive partly to dyslexia, which he says allows him to look at things differently and identify unique monetization opportunities. He notes that many highly successful people are dyslexic, and what might be considered a disability can provide unique abilities compared to standard thinking patterns. He also credits his father's advice to surround himself with smarter people and reward their performance.

Throughout his career, Marriner has involved his wife Mary as a business partner in ventures including marketing, three restaurants, the brewery, and events production. Their daughters Victoria and Rachael have also been involved in the family businesses, creating a multi-generational entrepreneurial legacy that continues to grow and evolve with changing market opportunities.