Gary Knudson

Founder & CEO

Just like when he played tight end in the NFL and at Arizona State, Gary brings everything he’s got to drive and grow business for his clients.

He has a proven track record of negotiating and activating hundreds of successful sponsorship agreements for brands such as Chevron, State Farm, Visa, Alltel, Dodge, America West Airlines, Chevrolet and True Value. A veteran sports marketing executive, Gary is well respected in the sports and business community for his creativity, and unbiased councel to his clients.

Gary bleeds Maroon and Gold

• BS in Organization Communications, Arizona State University
• Played (two pre-seasons) with the Los Angeles Rams in ’89 and ’90
• Resides in Phoenix with his wife Syleste, daughters Kiana, Kalena, son Kai and two Aussies Jack and Gracie

Rusty Ford

Chief Marketing Officer

With deep experience on both the sides of the field, corporate and agency, Rusty offers clients big-picture strategies to navigate the complexities of sponsorships for optimal results.

His many accomplishments include implementing sponsorships for dozens of professional and collegiate sports teams, governing bodies and major sporting events. Notably, he was at the forefront of negotiating one of the most comprehensive venue naming rights deals, Reliant Park–now NRG Park.

In addition to providing marketing counsel to long-time clients Chevron, State Farm and TXU Energy, Rusty has expanded his category experience to include a host of national restaurant brands.

Rusty is a Sooner

• BA in Marketing and Finance, University of Oklahoma
• Former executive with American Airlines, America West Airlines (aka US Airways)
• Vice President advertising and promotions, Reliant Energy
• Foodie Marketing Dream Clients: Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, Cicis Pizza, Lone Start Steakhouse and Genghis Grill

Matt Roth

VP of Technology

Matt is the tech-whiz and strategic marketing team captain, who plays a key role in creating measurable results for our clients.

From conceiving new creative offerings to implementing pragmatic technology approaches, Matt is continuously searching for new ways to generate ROI and competitive advantages for AdSport’s clients. Since 1994, when the Internet was coming to age, to this day, he has been at the forefront of emerging technologies, with a focus of creating and architecting new methods of delivering value.

Matt, aka Sparky

• BS in Computer Information Systems, Arizona State University
• Experience with leading brands: American Airlines, PetSmart, Intel, Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Motorola, Mattel, Activision, Disney, Nestle, H&M, Bacardi, AM/PM, Baskin Robbins, and Dunkin Donuts

Brian Kruse

Creative Director

A talented designer with deep branding expertise, Brian delivers high-quality, cost-effective and creative solutions for our clients.

With more than 20 years of experience, he has helped brand and launch products for gaming, technology, and the interactive entertainment industry for clients such as EA Sports, Eidos, Konami, Logitech, Microsoft Gaming, Namco Bandai, Sega Sports, THQ and Xbox. Brian specializes in branding, product packaging, identity systems, print, digital media, and point of purchase materials.

Brian the Spartan

• BS in Graphic Design, San Jose State University
• Gaming experience: Tomb Raider, Microsoft PC Sports, Xbox Sports, Sega Dreamcast America and Sega Sports branding