OUR STORY
ACES is a storytelling brand platform.
MISSION & PURPOSE
Brand ACES impacts through style, purpose and sport. We honor those who fight, grind, persevere and overcome the odds. Our unique products, collaborations, and events are branded with ACES diverse portfolio of (IP) trademarks which connect communities to the stories we tell.
TRACTION
The iconic ACES logo that started off as a symbol has now become a movement. It is a platform built to scale globally. ACES has a brand multiplier effect that, over the past three years, has an impact of more than
2 BILLION IMPRESSIONS.
More than just a logo, it’s a badge of honor. It represents the underdog in all of us. ACES doesn’t change with the culture; ACES changes the culture.
MEET OUR TEAM
Brian Kortovich
Founder & CEO
Brian Kortovich’s life has been defined by dreaming big and overcoming the odds. Brian’s story began in his hometown of Cleveland where he had to overcome the death of his father at an early age. He used basketball as a conduit, intent on channeling his feelings of loss into feelings of hope. What began as a cathartic outlet, quickly became a life-long passion, propelling Brian around the world in search of a hoop and a great game. Brian played professionally in Kuwait, France, Israel, and the Dominican Republic, paving his way into the NBA D-League draft. He also had the opportunity to compete in pre-season camps with both the New York Knicks and New Jersey Nets.Ultimately, Brian’s game found a home in NYC, where he earned certified street cred by wreaking havoc in city leagues. At the famed EBC Rucker Park, he quickly became known as “Smokin’ Aces.” That’s where he won a scoring title in the summer of 2012, joining a storied list of legends including Dr. J, Joe “The Destroyer” Hammond and Kevin Durant. Brian’s reputation and skills led him to represent celebrated brands, including AND1, whom he toured with across the US, giving back and, empowering young people to command their own life story through hard work and perseverance.
"I wanted to change this into a journey that everyone
can relate to, hustle, heart, overcome the odds.
That universal connectivity. That’s ACES."
MARY GLEASON
Chief Commercial Officer
Mary is an entrepreneur and industry leader in the Brand management and Licensing business. Her creative approaches and collaborative style have helped build iconic brands. She repositioned the Starter brand out of bankruptcy, achieving over $700 million in retail sales in year 1. In just 4 years, she sold the brand to Nike where she became President of the division. She was responsible for building the Shaq brand over 12 years to $1 billion in total sales. Her work on Umbro, Starter and Danskin resulted in defining each of the brands unique position in the market, developing marketing strategies that supported the focus of the brand and presented its renewed purpose directly to retailers. She has extensive relationships with manufacturers and retailers to support brand activation and growth through partnerships.
ROBERT PURVY
Marketing & Operations
Rob’s career has been shaped by experience at top brands including Reebok (tech, production and footwear development in US and Asia), adidas (Head of Worldwide Basketball business unit), Vans (Director of Footwear Development), and1 (Executive Brand Director and Brand President), Hoka One (Director of Footwear), and Algenesis Materials (EVP of Products). He has expertise in product development, sourcing, manufacturing, and quality assurance.
STEPHEN ACUNTO, JR.
Head of Strategy
Stephen is an entrepreneur with more than 20 years of experience working in media, technology, and startups. His experience at established (Beacon, Hearst, Dennis Publishing) and early stage (Brand ACES, Swag’r, Bringhub) companies has shaped his abilities to drive growth, change, and operational efficiency that result in increased ROI for investors and partners. Since 2012, he has personally driven more than $40 million of deal flow, acquisitions, sales, and enterprise value creation.