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our mission

Axe Sports Group is a dynamic sports marketing agency dedicated to connecting athletes and influencers with brands through NIL and brand sponsorship deals. Our mission is to empower athletes and influencers to maximize their potential by securing mutually beneficial partnerships with leading brands. We pride ourselves on providing service for our athletes that include mental performance training, financial literacy coaching, and industry leading life after sports education and mentorship programs.

LEADERSHIP

ISMAIL SHOWELL

CEO & FOUNDER

With over a decade of business experience and a strong foundation in entrepreneurship, Ismail blends strategic thinking with a competitive edge forged on the football field. A former student-athlete at West Virginia University, he played Division I football before going on to work with the Indianapolis Colts. This unique journey from high-performance sports to high- impact business has shaped his approach to leadership, growth, and innovation. Passionate about building brands, teams, and opportunities, Ismail continues to channel that same drive

and discipline into every professional venture.

Todd Smith

Chief Growth Officer

With 17 years of consultative sales experience and 14 years building and scaling high-performing teams, Todd blends sharp strategic thinking with a competitive edge shaped early on the tennis court. A varsity tennis student-athlete at Ithaca College, he went on to earn his Master's in Sports Management from Temple University before building his entire career inside the sports industry. At IMG Academy, Todd pioneered the company's first Vice President of Sales role, building a leadership model that scaled from a single team to ten and growing annual revenue nearly sevenfold — from $3M to $22.9M. Passionate about developing people as much as driving results, Todd continues to channel that same discipline and drive into every team he builds.