My Work
Brian Jacob
Creating innovative sports strategies through strategic ideation and meticulous execution. Expert in client servicing, event management, operations, and strategic partnerships. Transforming complex challenges into elegant solutions that drive results.
About Me
As a senior brand and marketing leader, I have spent over ten years creating exciting brand experiences in the U.S. and around the world. My roles have included Chief of Staff, Chief Marketing Officer, Director of Operations, Senior Brand Strategist, and Senior Account Director at agencies like Limitless Creative, Learfield, Creative Sports Concepts, and Engage & Resonate. Throughout my career, I have learned to work in different areas, which has helped me understand the industry better and develop strong strategies that connect with people and tell brand stories.
I have also gained valuable experience in retail, sports, CPG, crypto, tech, and e-commerce, along with experiential activations and digital and live events. In travel and tourism, I have created engaging experiences for tourism boards, successfully boosting interest from travelers in the U.S. and beyond. I am passionate about creating activations, sports strategy, client service, and operations, making sure every project reflects the brand's essence while connecting with culture.

I've partnered with iconic clients including Nike, Jordan Brand, Adidas, OVO, Verizon, Rakuten, EA Sports, The Players' Tribune, SC30, Lacoste, Balmain, Solana, Aptos, Belvedere, Visit Abu Dhabi, Visit Savannah, Barclays, Barilla, Foot Locker, Kevin Hart, and the Golden State Warriors. I have produced campaigns that resonate around major sports and cultural moments, including the Super Bowl, NBA All-Star Weekend, the 2016 State of the Union Address, Sole DXB, MLB All-Star, NFL Draft, NFL Kickoff, and NBA Opening Night. My diverse roles have equipped me with the skills to influence leadership within complex organizations and collaborate with talented marketers and communicators.
Rakuten Underrated Tour
This project was a collaboration between Rakuten and Steph Curry, aimed at providing a platform for underrated high school basketball players to showcase their talents beyond the typical 3-star athlete recognition. In my role, I led the account, creative, and production teams, guiding the design, product development, and execution of the comprehensive marketing and event experience to ensure its success. Additionally, we created a documentary titled "The Rising," which captured the essence of the entire tour, with a special focus on the finale in Tokyo and the impact it had on the local kids and fans.
Strategic Elements
  • Strategy & Research
  • Creative & Design
  • Venue Selection & Logistics
Execution Components
  • Staffing & Execution
  • Content Capture Management
  • Community Engagement Activities
Dallas Football Warehouse
This project was conceived to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Nike's Just Do It campaign by creating an inspiring space for athletes to pursue their dreams and enhance their skills. I led a cross-functional team to transform a vacant warehouse into a dynamic environment featuring product and brand storytelling, a 45-yard professional-grade turf field, advanced audio-visual setups, a locker room, and a players' lounge. Through this immersive design, we provided athletes with the ideal setting to test their abilities and elevate their game.
Strategic Elements
  • Campaign Conceptualization
  • Warehouse Transformation
  • Brand Storytelling Integration
Execution Components
  • Athletic Facility Development
  • Immersive Environment Design
  • Professional-Grade Equipment Installation
Nike Football: The Ones
Over three days, Nike Football gathered past, present, and future athletes at their World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon. The purpose was to solidify the meaning of being one of The Ones. Throughout the summit, the athletes engaged in experiences that ignited their passion and inspired them to reach new heights. The pillars of growth, innovation, community, culture, and fun played a significant role in this immersive journey.
Nike Football believes in the power of brotherhood, aiming to connect athletes beyond competition. As members of 'THE ONES', the next generation of legends representing Nike, they learned the responsibility of wearing the brand on their jersey.
The 3-day experience included exciting product drops, a legends dinner, a campus tour, an inside look at Nike's athlete-centered innovation, a creativity session, daily workouts, and attendance at the rededication of Jerry Rice’s building. The athletes also had the opportunity to team up with Nike employees and local high school football athletes for a community showdown.
Surprisingly Savannah Tour
During my time at E&R, we collaborated with Visit Savannah on the groundbreaking "Surprisingly Savannah" Mobile Tour, an immersive marketing initiative aimed at showcasing the distinctive charms of Savannah across 12 cities nationwide. This tour actively engaged communities by providing interactive experiences that celebrated Savannah's vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and lively entertainment.
Upon arriving in each city, the customized tour vehicle transformed into an exciting multi-station setup, offering attendees a chance to sample local Savannah delicacies, enjoy live music, partake in fun photo opportunities, and much more. I had the privilege of leading the cross-functional team, guiding the project from its initial concept to successful execution.
Strategic Elements
  • Immersive Marketing Initiative
  • Multi-City Campaign Planning
  • Cross-Functional Team Leadership
Execution Components
  • Interactive Experience Design
  • Mobile Tour Vehicle Transformation
  • Multi-Station Experience Setup
Verizon 5G Tour
Limitless partnered with Verizon to create and execute the Verizon 5G Innovation Series Tour, a dynamic multi-city cross-country initiative designed to generate excitement around the transformative potential of 5G technology. In my role, I oversaw the strategy, design, programming, build, and production of the tour while also customizing each experience to resonate with local audiences. As the primary point of communication between our team and the Marketing Director at Verizon, I ensured that all aspects of the tour aligned with the client's vision and objectives, delivering an impactful and engaging experience at each stop.
Strategic Elements
  • Multi-City Campaign Planning
  • Cross-Functional Team Leadership
  • Interactive Experience Design
Execution Components
  • Mobile Tour Vehicle Transformation
  • Multi-Station Experience Setup
  • Community Engagement Activities
Ohio State x Michigan Takeover
This project was a dynamic collaboration between Nike and Ohio State, designed to engage fans as they ventured into the heart of rival territory in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I led the initiative while at Limitless, where we transformed a private residence in Toledo, Ohio, into a vibrant pop-up experience for Ohio State supporters. Our team worked tirelessly to activate the location, providing exclusive merchandise for the highly anticipated rivalry game, including custom LeBron James-branded gear to honor his roots and dedication to Ohio State. The event was a resounding success, creating a memorable experience for all Ohio State fans.
Strategic Elements
  • Nike & Ohio State Partnership Management
  • Rival Territory Fan Engagement Strategy
  • Pop-up Experience Conceptualization
Execution Components
  • Private Residence Transformation
  • Exclusive Merchandise Distribution
  • LeBron James Custom Gear Integration
THE RISING
Hoop Origins with Stephen Curry
In 2019, Rakuten produced THE RISING: Hoop Origins with Stephen Curry, a 15 minute documentary that followed Stephen Curry’s visit to Tokyo as part of his global Underrated Tour. The film captured Curry’s mission to uplift overlooked high school athletes while spotlighting the rapidly evolving basketball culture in Japan.
Through mentorship, on court moments, and cultural exploration, the documentary highlighted how basketball can build confidence, create opportunity, and inspire the next generation. By centering on the personal stories of young Japanese players, the project positioned Curry not just as a global icon, but as a catalyst for a new era of basketball growth beyond the US.
The film was released worldwide on YouTube, extending the reach of the Underrated platform and reinforcing Rakuten’s partnership with Curry through a purpose driven, globally resonant story.
Chipotle x Nick Chubb & Denzel Ward
Chipotle partnered with Cleveland Browns stars Nick Chubb and Denzel Ward to spotlight its commitment to real, nutritious food and how elite athletes fuel peak performance. The campaign centered on authenticity, bringing fans into the players’ training routines and showing how disciplined preparation on the field translates to intentional choices off the field.
Through a digital first approach, the partnership connected performance, health, and everyday eating habits in a relatable way. By highlighting the players’ identical, high protein go to orders, Chipotle reinforced its position as a brand built on real ingredients that support active lifestyles without compromising flavor or simplicity.
The campaign came to life through a “Keep Up” video spot featuring Chubb and Ward training together, paired with social and digital content that amplified the message across platforms. Custom menu storytelling showcased protein forward bowls made with chicken, brown rice, black beans, Monterey Jack cheese, and guacamole, strengthening Chipotle’s credibility as fuel for athletes and fans alike.
GURU Energy
Feel Good Energy
This campaign marked GURU Organic Energy’s expansion from its roots in outdoor culture into Canada’s urban markets. Building on more than 20 years as a pioneer in natural energy drinks, the brand entered basketball and youth culture through a landmark sponsorship with the Canadian Elite Basketball League and the signing of rising NBA star Gradey Dick as its first athlete ambassador. The initiative positioned GURU as a feel good, culturally relevant energy option for a new generation.
Strategic Elements
  • Urban Market Expansion
    Introducing GURU to youth driven city audiences across Canada
  • Athlete and League Partnerships
    Leveraging the Canadian Elite Basketball League and Gradey Dick to build credibility in basketball culture
  • Influencer and Community Activation
    Connecting with music, fashion, sports, and creative communities
Execution Components
  • Bilingual National Social Campaign
    Content developed in both English and French to reach audiences nationwide
  • Influencer Driven Storytelling
    Creators showcasing how GURU fits into everyday urban lifestyles
  • Feel Good Energy Challenge
    A participatory campaign designed to drive awareness, engagement, and product trial

Let's Connect
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