Welcome to ESM Group

Billy Downing, Chief Executive Officer

Background
Billy Downing is a results-driven entrepreneur who has an extensive background in both real estate and in youth sports. Downing started his real estate career working as an Analyst for Sacramento Pacific Partners, before moving to an Associate position at CB Richard Ellis. Downing then spent three years with PFF Bank & Trust as a commercial lender.

In addition to his broad real estate background, he has strong ties in youth sports and community organizations both in Sacramento and throughout California.

As a principal, Downing has started four companies in Northern California, all of which were founded with one goal in mind: building better communities, starts with building better kids.

His first book, The Sociology of Youth Sports: The Demise of American Amateurism is due out in the Spring of 2009. Downing is also sits on the Board of Directors for the YMCA of Greater California (Sacramento Region).

Education
Downing has a Bachelor's Degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Masters Degree in Sport Management from the University of San Francisco.

Steven R. Mills, Adviser to the CEO

Background
Steven R. Mills is a Senior Partner with Douglas, Curtis & Allyn, LLC as well as a General Partner of DCA Capital Partners. Steve serves as a special adviser to the senior staff at Elite Sports Management.

Steve brings more than 25 years of executive financial management and transactional experience to Elite Sports Management. He has instructed courses at San Jose State University, Golden Gate University, as well as the University of Nebraska. He continues to work with a number of public and private companies, serving in various advisory capacities.

Education
Mr. Mills is an Attorney, holding a Juris Doctor of Law from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, where he also earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Mr. Mills has been admitted to the state bar in Nebraska, and is a Certified Public Accountant in both California and Nebraska. He is also a member of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountant.

Simon Sheppard, Chief Operations Officer

Background
Simon joined forces with Elite Sports Management in 2003 in order to help develop comprehensive training programs and manage the Soccer and Basketball Academies that are run by ESM. Simon is also responsible for the day-to-day operations of the company, and manages our Sacramento and Roseville-area offices.

As professional soccer player in England, Simon Sheppard was selected as one of the only two goalkeepers to attend the English Football Association's Soccer School at the age of 14. At Lilleshall (England's National Soccer School) Simon played for England as their number one goalkeeper for the National Youth Team and played at the World Youth Tournament in Australia. Simon received several England "Caps" during his time on the English National Squad.

Meanwhile, Simon was signed as an apprentice and then as a professional with the Watford Football Club by Sir Elton John, owner of Watford F. C. His professional career continued for five years at the Watford F. C. then at the Reading F. C. before injury forced him to give up professional soccer. Simon continued to play semi-professionally for several clubs before moving to California in 1999.

Education
Lilleshall Academy in the UK.