James Maes has 14 years of experience in custom software and business development across a wide range of industries including new media, custom application development, startup support, SaaS, logistics, warehousing, labor management, B2B and B2C eCommerence and retail. Founding partner of MMLT in 2009, focused on the initial support and development of critical business and technology areas for early stage startups and projects. Director of Technology and Product Development for Materialogic and Copper Peak Logistics, focused on supporting and extending the reach of technology and technical solutions to retail, logistics and sales related projects for B2B, B2E and B2C clients in both Fortune 1000 and early phase startup companies.

Aaron Ellis was formerly one of the founding partners of the Groupigg family of companies. Ellis has had a career spanning the rigid structure of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis to the dynamism of bring a 100 year old publishing company into the dot com era at the Sporting News. At the Federal Reserve Bank, Ellis led a team of software engineers, QA testers and editors. He was heavily involved in Content Management Strategies, Information Security and developing E-Learning software and policies. Ellis served on various boards and committees focused on technology and improving efficiency. Ellis started with the Sporting News as a software developer but worked in various capacities for over six years and was instrumental in launching and growing the business to profitability. He developed SportingNews.com through many changes including major distribution deals, premium content, emerging platforms, social networking and the re-launch of Sporting News fantasy sports business. Ellis holds a Masters in Business Administration with a concentration in eCommerce and a B.S. in Communications.

Email: Aaron@startupgrind.com