Professional Experience
I would describe myself as a positive, highly energetic and enthusiastic individual who has strategized, developed, and implemented innovative international products and services in artificial intelligence, finance, manufacturing, distribution, and firearms industries. Comfortable in self-starting entrepreneurial and visionary environments. Independently motivated with a very open analytical mind that is continuously surveying the surrounding environment. Team player, builder, and leader accustomed to fast-paced environments. Very welcoming of feedback with a humble thirst to better the team, the environment, and self wherever and whenever the opportunity arises. Well-trained, disciplined, driven, and outside-of-the-box thinking individual with over a decade of senior leadership experience driving sales, marketing, project management, and business development.
SILENCER SHOP
chief marketing officer
APR 2018 - PRESENT
Silencer Shop is the NFA industry’s largest distributor and application processor, totally 60% of all applications. Using a unique blend of B2B and B2C services, Silencer Shop digitizes manual processes for retailers, end-users, and government agencies.
Created and executed marketing operations, business intelligence, and lobbying efforts
Built Silencer Shop’s BI and reporting structure for internal stakeholders as well as partners and manufacturers
Drove 11x ROI for marketing efforts
“Elliot’s drive and motivation are character traits that set him apart from his peers. Keeping up on modern trends and ensuring his team stays in front of the curve is evident in his focused and strategic work and influence.”
WALDO PHOTOS, INC
DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
DEC 2015 - JUL 2017
Waldo Photos is a photo-finding platform empowering our users to live in the moment. Waldo is the only platform that removes all of the friction in getting photos of you taken by others and creates new opportunities for photographers to market and sell their photos. Users can enjoy life’s most precious events and automatically receive images taken of them right on their smartphones or share images of others they’ve taken without having to lift a finger – whether between friends and family or a professional photographer.
Formed strategic partnerships from the ground up in 11 verticals resulting in on-boarding thousands of new users in year one
Built and managed client portfolio including EY, Events.com, RewardStyle, Kendra Scott, SXSW, F1, KWRI, CDW, Sodexo, and more
Managed over all partner and internal event operations to ensure successful and smooth execution of content delivery.
“Elliot is extremely efficient and detail-oriented while also being an incredible relationship builder. His strong work ethic and passion bring out the best in others making him a versatile asset to any team.”
ELLIOT AQUILA CONSULTING
Contract consultant
April 2014 - Present
A contract consultant providing business development, project management, and workflow optimization services to small and medium sized companies. Applied tools, tactics, and strategies learned from AFV, OneBuy, and Epicoa to help clients perform more efficiently, sell more profitably, and maximize their team’s velocity.
Modernized client sales and marketing workflows using automation and modern SAAS tools
Provided project management services that encompassed operations in the US, Europe, and Africa
Developed global strategic marketing operations and events
“A motivated strategist and business developer with exceptional customer-facing skills and a natural talent for bringing new products and services to market.”
EPICOA HOLDING COMPANY
Chief operating officer
director of Global sales
April 2012 - February 2014
Epicoa & Scheer are the world’s leading manufacturers of residential and commercial Brazilian rotisserie charcoal and gas grills. Owned 90% market share of all Brazilian steakhouses in 2014 and voted #1 Charcoal Grill in America 2013.
Manages business operations of three unique lines of business for Epicoa, Scheer, and Origins Brazil
Organized and ran global event operations
Achieved 90% market share of all Brazilian steakhouses in 2014
“Elliot Aquila is a loyal employee of paramount character with a tenacious work ethic. Having years of experience in a fast-paced professional environment, I know no one who possesses more steadfastness in the face of adversity.”
ONEBUY
Co-Founder & Project manager
Financial Liaison
August 2011 - May 2012
OneBuy is an innovative and proprietary payment solution for online shopping. Your personal information is converted into a unique token that is only valid for a short window. Enough time for merchant and issuing banks to transact but not long enough to be vulnerable to hackers.
Managed projects for sales, marketing, and software development teams
Secured initial launching partner worth 1M USD in first quarter of business operations
Lead reporting for board meetings with investors
“Elliot Aquila is an insightful advisor and an exceptional project manager with a charismatic personality that inspires those around him.”
AFV
OPERATIONS SPECIALIST
January 2010 - August 2011
AFV is a family owned and operated venture capital firm. AFV applies a highly profitable and proprietary mixture of force multiplication theory, experienced and passionate associates, and proven business practices.
Responsible for the strategic and financial successes of investments
Implemented and maintained AFV’s propriety operational practices across all investments
Performed operational and financial evaluations of potential investment opportunities