Through extensive experience in strategic planning, quality control, mega event management, marketing and sales, Eddie Marles has established and managed events and programs in over 16 countries. After being born in Pereira, Colombia, Eddie was educated in New York City and attended several public and private universities.
Utilizing his background in liberal arts, marketing services and athletics, Eddie established himself in Milan, Italy in 2000 where, along with his partners, he created M Enterprise, a special events and catering company that grossed over 1.2 million Euro in its first year of operation.
M Enterprise later became a service provider for the FIGC, Inter of Milan, AC Milan, Juventus FC and Brescia FC, Pubblitalia, Prada, Gilli, and other noteworthy multinational clubs and organizations.
In 2004, Eddie presented AC Milan’s ownership with a comprehensive plan focused on brand awareness and marketing strategies to resourcefully grow and market AC Milan in North, South and Central America.
The marketing strategy was focused on the development of new licensees, franchisees, strategic partnerships, the creation and management of special events and the formation of new product lines for AC Milan.
At the time of Eddie’s arrival back to the United States in 2005, only “one” AC Milan product or event was on record. Within five years, Eddie developed and managed growth from 1 to over 70 (including Milan Junior Camps) nationwide, several permanent Academies, new products including scouting activities, travel programs, special presentations, exhibits, one-day camps, coaching clinics, ACM Super Clubs and tournaments, all of which were created, developed and promoted under his administration. South American countries later achieved this same progress and success through these all-encompassing programs.
Over time, Eddie has created or jump started youth development programs for Juventus FC and Alessandro Del Piero’s ADP10 program, among others.
Eddie’s ability to operate at all levels within the soccer world has allowed him to be among some of the most successful emerging Hispanic sports managers in the United States and Latin America. His sharp vision of entertainment and social development has granted him important recognition within soccer communities in the American Hemisphere where he now plays an important role in youth development and Pro soccer (founder of Delfines del Este in the Dominican Republic and creator of the Miami FC Youth Program), serving as organizer, developer and pro player agent. He coordinates and organizes four important international youth events in 3 different countries for over 10,000 people and has served as FIFA Ass. General Coordinator for Men’s World Cup, U20, U17 and Club World Cups since 2011.
Presently, many activities are managed under the Italian Soccer Academy and by Stepstone Enterprises LLC (SSE), a company Eddie formed in 2006. Through this company, he was responsible for the first ever exposition of the UEFA Champions League Trophy in America (won by AC Milan in 2007). The trophy was exhibited in 7 Latin American countries and in 9 North American cities.
The creation of the Italian Soccer Academy International Program is one of Eddie’s most recent achievements. This program seeks to provide families with important tools and mechanisms to maintain balance between academics and sports (soccer) career opportunities for program participants. Eddie contributes over $40,000 annually in funding to disadvantaged children in the Americas. These funds are invested in youth sports and education.
Eddie, his wife, Ana and little Edison reside in Miami, Florida.
The family where you train your mind and feet into success!