Claire Brignola
Claire is alum of IBM having sold computer systems to Wall Street brokerage firms and New York City banking companies. She is a Gold Circle Sales Award winner. Relocating to the Atlanta area, Claire continued her career with IBM, supporting customers in the aerospace and manufacturing sectors. Claire has operational control of the day to day activities of ACES, LLC. More often than not, you will speak with Claire when you call into ACES, LLC headquarters. As customers explain, it gives them a level of confidence when you can pick up the phone and speak with an owner of the company. “We are committed to delivering quality products with quality service.” Claire said. Claire earned her MBA at Clark University in Worcester, MA and her undergraduate degree at Connecticut College in New London, CT.

Emil Brignola
Emil was an owner in a Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburger franchise that operated in Georgia and Florida. He was President of the Atlanta DMA when it earned DMA of the Year in the Wendy’s franchise system. Emil also won Marketer of the Year, Southeast Region, for Wendy’s. Prior to joining Wendy’s, Emil was a Managing Director of Sales, Coca-Cola USA food service division. Emil likes to point out that his first job was in advertising in New York City. He was on the advertising team that assisted The Coca-Cola Company launch New Coke. This was quickly replaced by Coca-Cola Classic. Emil said he had nothing to do with the idea of New Coke. But, learned from the experience! One event that he did create was the Business Forum, a proprietary session with customers that allow for dialogue about the industry and economy for independent shredders, the backbone of the industry. “We believe there was a need to communicate about the industry and the economy and how it impacts our
customers’ business. We bring in subject matter experts for an exchange of ideas.” Because of the current environment, this event format has changed into a presentation format which allows for quicker, timely dissemination of information. Emil assists in the day to day operations of ACES. He will also assist in the warehouse and direct the marketing and product development for ACES. Emil earned his MBA and BA from Clark University in Worcester MA, putting himself through on the GI Education Bill. Emil is a service disabled veteran of the U.S. Army. ACES is a certified Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business.

Kathy Sparkman
Not only is Kathy an Atlantan native, but she’s also worked as a National Telephone/PBX Sales and Equipment Training Lead for years. Having studied business at Shorter College in Rome, GA, she’s always continued to work in her family business of Commercial Development of Retail Centers for multiple properties in Atlanta. Kathy was offered an opportunity that opened many doors, so after winning a few tiles she found herself traveling and living in California for a few years. By winning the Miss Tall International title she hired agents in both California and Georgia working in modeling, print work, as well as some television and commercials. These opportunities drew her to the interest of a few specific types of industry Conferences and Trade Shows. Kathy earned contracts as being Spokesperson for a multitude of non-conflicting companies in their print work, tradeshows and was always traveling. Some of her most enjoyable industries to be a part of was the Helicopter Service Industry and then a multitude of Manufacturing / Tool Companies. Kathy was extremely diverse in all products and a leader. Kathy has always remained interested in sales, products, and most importantly customer support…always going that extra mile for any/all customers, having been a part of ACES since 2015.