The ESG Family

100+

Combined years of experience

A New York native, Buddy is a Certified Contract Advisor with the NFLPA and NBPA. Buddy founded Exclusive Sports Group in 2008, and his expertise in representing professional athletes has been recognized not only by several media outlets, but also his fellow agents and the players themselves. Recognition from media outlets include ESPN, NBC, ABC, FOX as well as many more.

He is also one of 15 Agents on the NFLPA Advisory Committee and was nominated as a finalist for Indy's Best and Brightest Award.

Buddy Baker, President & CEO

Tony Bonagura

  • A graduate of Chicago-Kent College of Law in 2016, Tony brings a comprehensive legal and operational background to his role at Exclusive Sports Group. As Vice President, Tony plays a central role in client management and assistance, working across draft preparation, contract negotiation, marketing & advertising deals, public relations, and  more.

    Tony has been directly involved in the negotiation of well north of $400 million in NFL contracts, most recent being Terry McLaurin’s 2025 contract extension. In addition to his work at the NFL level, Tony is at the forefront of Exclusive Sports Group’s NIL division, guiding college athletes through contract negotiations, the transfer portal, medical assistance, compliance considerations, long-term client strategies, and more.

    Prior to law school, Tony graduated from Hartwick College in 2012 with degrees in Political Science and History, where he was also a member of both the football and rugby teams. Before joining ESG, he gained valuable experience working at multiple sports management firms across the country, giving him a well-rounded perspective on athlete representation. Tony’s combined legal expertise, athlete background, and industry experience make him a key advocate for clients at every stage of their careers.

Cris Resto

  • A University of Miami graduate, Cris Resto is a sports branding and marketing expert based in Los Angeles, California. With a career defined by innovation and relationship-driven growth, Cris takes a big picture approach to building athlete and brand platforms, leveraging his extensive network and deep industry experience to scale ideas from concept to meaningful, long-term success.

    Cris previously founded and led his own boutique sports agency, which was later acquired, further cementing his reputation as a trusted operator in the athlete branding space. He went on to co-found and serve as President of Athlete Studio, a technology focused platform designed to help athletes monetize their e-commerce, advertising, and cause-driven initiatives.

    Today, Cris works closely with ESG clients to help them develop and execute holistic brand strategies that extend beyond traditional endorsements. His approach emphasizes authenticity, alignment, and long-term value, ensuring athletes are positioned not only to capitalize on opportunities today, but to build enduring personal brands that resonate well beyond their playing careers.

Leigh Ann Gillard

  • Leigh Ann brings more than a decade of experience supporting elite athletes and professionals through every aspect of their daily lives. With a background rooted in hospitality and client services, she has built a career centered on providing dependable, high-touch support in fast-moving, high-pressure environments.

    In her role as Head of Client Relations, Leigh Ann works closely with clients to oversee day-to-day logistics including travel planning, accommodations, rental cars & transportation, scheduling, housing-related needs, and much more, often handling last-minute changes efficiently.

    Prior to joining ESG, she held administrative roles at Hyatt Regency Louisville and Hyatt Regency McCormick Place in Chicago, where she supported multiple managers and directors. Leigh Ann graduated from Indiana University Indianapolis in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts degree and interned with the Indiana Pacers in Game Operations and Promotions, sparking her interest in professional sports. Known for her proactive mindset, she plays a vital role in ensuring clients feel supported on and off the field, making her an integral part of the ESG family for the last 10+ years.

Vic Enwere

  • Vic Enwere is a former Division I running back at the University of California, Berkeley, where he was a two-time team captain, top-15 all-time scorer, and later signed with the New York Jets following his collegiate career.

    He completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Legal Studies in just 3.5 years before earning a Master’s Degree from the University of San Francisco’s nationally ranked Sport Management program. With more than nine years of experience across the sports industry, Vic has built a career focused on elevating athletes through contract negotiation, brand development, partnerships, and long-term career strategy.

    As a member of the Exclusive Sports Group family, he brings specialized expertise to the representation business, helping them maximize opportunity both on and off the field. His firsthand experience as a player gives him a deep understanding of the challenges athletes face and the support they need to thrive. Vic is committed to redefining athlete representation by combining strategic guidance, genuine advocacy, and a modern approach to career development.

Jimmy Beck

  • A graduate of Syracuse University’s Sport Management Program, Jimmy Beck leads digital and content operations at Exclusive Sports Group, overseeing all aspects of the firm’s creative and media output. His role spans social media strategy, client content development, video editing, graphic design, presentations, and on-site video coverage for events such as youth camps, community initiatives, and brand activations.

    Jimmy’s background blends hands-on creative execution with high-level sports industry experience. Prior to joining ESG, he worked at multiple sport agencies and media firms, gaining exposure to athlete representation, brand strategy, and content-driven storytelling. He has also collaborated with prominent basketball influencers, including Chris Brickley and Mike Atkinson, leading several brand deal content deliverables, further sharpening his ability to create authentic, engaging content.

    His passion for content creation began in 2014, when he launched his own YouTube channel centered around NBA 2K, laying the foundation for a career built at the intersection of sports, media, and digital culture. Today, Jimmy plays a key role in shaping how ESG clients are represented visually and digitally, ensuring their stories are told with creativity, consistency, and impact across all platforms.

Jeff Deutsch

  • Jeff Deutsch is a seasoned attorney, entrepreneur, and sports industry executive with more than 30 years of experience spanning legal counsel, business management, marketing, and athlete representation. A member of the Florida Bar, Jeff built his career as a sports agent and attorney, negotiating, reviewing, and drafting more than $500 million in contracts for professional athletes and corporate clients across the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL.

    In 2005, Jeff founded Overtime Consulting Inc., where he provides legal, marketing, and business management services to sports, entertainment, and financial services clients. His experience includes representing and defending athletes before the NFL Commissioner’s Office, advising on brand and business strategy, and supporting client growth through disciplined, long-term planning.

    In addition to his professional work, Jeff has served as an Adjunct Professor at Lynn University for MBA and Sports Management students and regularly lectures at universities throughout South Florida. He also brings a community-focused perspective through coaching, most recently serving as Head Junior High Baseball Coach at Spanish River Christian School from 2023 to 2025.

Dave Rich

  • David E. Rich has been an NFLPA and CFLPA licensed player representative since 2004.  During that time he has recruited and represented multiple draft selections, including 3rd round picks Harry Douglas and Jamon Brown, 4th round pick Joel Iyiegbuniwe, 5th round picks Rod Issac and Jimmy Staton, 6th round picks Karl Brooks, Erik Walden and Trent Cannon and 7th round picks Darryl Roberts and Korey Cunningham.

    David has also successfully placed dozens of college undrafted free agents onto teams where they have been able to make the active roster in that same year. Most recently being JJ Roberts in 2025 and Jamree Kromah in 2024. Over the course of his nearly two decades of representing professional athletes, David has negotiated over 100 NFL contracts, including a three year, $18,000,000 contract for Jets reserve cornerback, Darryl Roberts.

    In his free time, David enjoys coaching youth sports and playing ball with his three boys, Judson, Bennett and Brooks.  

Hardik Sanghavi

  • Hardik Sanghavi has over 15 years of experience in the sports and entertainment industry. He began his career in 2012 as an intern at ESPN Chicago. He later worked for several leading agencies, where he was responsible for NFL pre-draft strategy, day-to-day client management, and contract negotiations.

    Hardik has also been cited in numerous media outlets for his expertise and analysis on the NFL salary cap including the Miami Herald, Sports Illustrated, Bleacher Report, and The Ringer.

    Hardik’s favorite part of being an NFL Agent is having the opportunity to build life long relationships with his clients and their families. 

Dushan Shepeard

  • Born and raised in Indianapolis, Dushan Shepeard has built his career around supporting and empowering college athletes through the rapidly evolving NIL landscape. A former collegiate football player at Wittenberg University and Mount St. Joseph University, Dushan brings firsthand experience and a deep understanding of the demands student-athletes face both on and off the field.

    Dushan earned his Master’s degree from the University of Louisville, where he also worked directly with college athletes in the NIL department, gaining practical experience at the intersection of athletics, branding, and compliance. His background allows him to guide athletes through every phase of the NIL process, from education and strategy to deal execution and long-term brand development.

    As an NIL agent at Exclusive Sports Group, Dushan works closely with college athletes to help them identify opportunities, build authentic personal brands, and maximize their value while maintaining eligibility and alignment with institutional guidelines. His player-first approach, combined with his academic and professional experience, positions him as a trusted advocate for athletes navigating one of the most important stages of their careers.

Jack Redland

  • Born and raised in Northbrook, Illinois, Jack Redland has built his career around helping athletes maximize opportunities both on and off the field. As a graduate of the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, where he earned degrees in Management and International Business with a minor in Sports Marketing & Management, Jack combines a strong business background with a passion for athlete representation.

    Throughout his time in college, Jack gained extensive experience in the NIL space, working directly with student-athletes on brand partnerships, revenue-sharing opportunities, and long-term career planning. He has helped facilitate significant NIL opportunities for athletes across the country while developing a deep understanding of the evolving college athletics landscape.

    As an NIL Agent at Exclusive Sports Group, Jack works closely with high school and college athletes to navigate NIL, revenue sharing, recruiting, and personal brand development. He is committed to taking a hands-on, relationship-driven approach, helping athletes and their families make informed decisions while building a foundation for long-term success