About

Alan M. Powell – “AP”

Chairman & CEO

Meet, Alan “AP” Powell, a Gulf War Veteran, entrepreneurial visionary and renowned strategic consultant specializing in crafting tactical initiatives aimed at propelling client revenue streams to new heights while maximizing ROI. AP’s business philosophy has been “turning contacts into contracts” and it has become the standard for all of his companies and investments. AP has diverse industry experience, having worked with companies like The Phoenix Suns, Arizona Diamondbacks, ISC, Diageo, Harley-Davidson, Coca-Cola, University of Phoenix, Miller-Coors and a variety of others.

After pursuing his bachelor’s degree from Missouri Valley College, AP has become one of the nation’s foremost authorities on multicultural content and leveraging brand connections with multicultural audiences. After selflessly serving in the military, AP started a career in the independent film and music business. He quickly became recognized for his impact in music after creating the largest deal in Texas history with T-Town Records (Dallas) and Universal Music Group. AP was also co-executive producer of independent films and soundtracks for project titles Bullethead and JackedUp.

Later, he became vice president of business development at The Firm – a premiere entertainment management company in Beverly Hills. While at The Firm, AP continued to develop industry contacts that he still leverages to open up doors for him in corporate America today. AP’s unique talent to merge contact needs with client opportunities led to A-list prospect deals, such as; Fieldy of Korn featuring E40 and Fred Durst of Limp Bizkit featuring 8 Ball.

Fortune 500 companies quickly took notice of AP and he saw an opportunity to create AP & Associates, LLC in 2004. The company offers strategic alliances leveraging experiences to match Fortune 500 companies, startups, politicians, musicians, actors, and athletes with one another for the purpose of “win-win” opportunities. AP’s company has pioneered a variety of projects across multiple industries with an emphasis on conceptualized content practices creating exponential results for his clients.

With a keen eye for opportunity, AP has shifted focus toward the dynamic realms of commercial real estate and high-profile acquisitions, leveraging extensive expertise to navigate these markets with precision.

Driven by a passion for innovation and growth, AP excels in developing meticulously planned alliances with key stakeholders, including government bodies, Fortune 500 corporations, venture capital firms, and private equity partners. This strategic approach not only expands clients’ market share but also optimizes their bottom line while significantly reducing ROI timeframes.

A devoted philanthropist, AP developed several nonprofits and community outreach programs to serve Veterans and children. These include: The Checkered Flag Run Foundation (now known as HeroZona Foundation), The Heropreneur Academy, and The Bridge Forum. These organizations and events helped raise funds to support Phoenix Tools 4 Schoos and Veteran’s Reach to Teach programs.

AP authored the Nielsen report, ‘Beyond the Uniform: A Look at Today’s Veteran Consumers’ and headlined the National Veterans in Energy Forum. AP also hosted the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference for the last 15 years.

AP has received numerous community awards over the years, including the Scottsdale CCD MLK Diversity Champion Award, for exemplifying the philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and enriching the community by empowering others. AP also received the Greater Phoenix Urban League Community Honoree Award, The Alpha Phi Alpha Award of Merit, American Legion Service Award, The Good Energy Award, Diana Gregory Foundation Veteran Impact Award, Arizona Veteran Champion and Advocacy Award, NAACP Community Service Award, Arizona Black Chamber’s 2016 Corporate Star Award and 2017 Arizona MLK “Living the Dream” Award. He is also a recipient of the Greater Phoenix Urban League Whitney M. Young Individual Award, American Association of Access, Equity & Diversity, NAACP President’s Award, NCCC Award, Equity and Diversity’s Edward M. Kennedy Community Service Award, and ABC 15 and Sanderson Ford’s Saluting Arizona’s Veterans Award. AP was honored by Arizona Public Service with the John S. McCain Inspiration Leadership Award in November of 2018. Powell was also recognized as 2019’s “Most Influential Man in the Valley” by Arizona Foothills.

AP’s acumen for creating business opportunities also extends to strategic investments in over 40 companies. He most recently sold interest in Napa Smith Brewery and Winery. AP also serves as a board member for TGen, The City of Phoenix Aviation Advisory Board, Phoenix Theatre, District 8 African-American Advisory Council, 7th District Congressman Ruben Gallego’s Veterans Advisory Council, Phoenix Military Veterans Commission and Travis L. Williams American Legion Post 65 Executive Board Member.

AP’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence shine through in every endeavor, making him and his associates the most highly sought-after and trusted advisors known for their ability to navigate complex landscapes and drive impactful results.

Aaron D. Bare

President

Aaron Bare is a former Accenture Consultant turned Entrepreneur who has sold 10 companies, and built numerous others as a business strategist and advisor. He is former Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Thunderbird School of Global Management, the #1 International Business School in the World, former Chairman of the Board and CEO of the National Association of Sales Professionals, the World’s Largest Sales Association and Founder of Buzz Mouth, an international digital and business strategy firm. His clients include Coca-Cola, Dell, Comedy Central and Telemundo. Aaron also worked closely with storied brands including Facebook, Nike, Disney, Google and Microsoft in his past. Aaron is associated with Google Ideas, a Think/Do Tank and works globally with several organizations seeking to disrupt Violent Extremism and Illicit Networks’ movements. His work is highlighted in Wired Magazine’s Danger Room and recently participated in the 2013 McCain Institute’s Sedona Forum, on how to promote freedom and democracy.

Aaron speaks often about disruption through a series of speeches sponsored by the Kauffman Foundation and to conferences such as the Global Sales Summit, Tijuana Innovadora, Hyper Island in Australia, the Russian Science Technology and Education Consortium, Startup Conferences and Fortune 500?s such as Coca-Cola and McDonald’s. Aaron’s success and proven performance as a leader in his field garnered him acknowledgement as “35 under 35” Entrepreneurs; “40 under 40” Leaders; also selected as Most Innovative Company of the Year; and, featured in the likes of the Wall Street Journal, Wired, Fast Company, and Inc. Magazine.

Aaron was a former management consultant with Accenture and a money manager with the Vanguard Group. He is currently finishing a book called “Disruptive Influences: How Exponential Entrepreneurs Will Save the World!” that is due out in the next year.