HISTORY
Incorporated in December 1998, Champion Outdoor Real Estate Assets, Inc., hereinafter referred to as Champion, has been effectively involved in the advertising business since 1988. From 1988 the principals of Champion were representing and managing the outdoor advertising inventory of Ads & Images, Inc. who owned and operated 98 bulletins faces (billboards) in the City of Tampa and the surrounding metropolis.
In September 1, 1998, Ads & Images, Inc. sold its assets to Republic Media, which were later acquired in January of 2001 by Outdoor Systems, which then became Infinity before becoming a real estate investment trust (REIT) known as Outfront Media.
The clients, accustomed to the service and attention of Champion, began to seek Champion’s representation and creative services for their outdoor advertising campaigns. Their campaigns at first started with traditional bulletin (billboard) advertising and quickly began to include all other types of outdoor advertising (see “Outdoor Advertising Basics”).
Afterwards, clients requested that Champion provide graphic and creative services for newspaper, trade journal, product labels and other forms of advertising media. Champion rose to the challenge by acquiring talented key independent contractors to exclusively work with Champion, in order to service Champion’s expanding client base.
In November 1999, Champion was recruited by Ads In Motion, as their exclusive agent to locate, permit, and successfully install LED displays in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and New York, New York. Champion petitioned the Florida Department of Transportation and made the argument that was accepted by the State of Florida in granting the operation of one of the first digital billboard signs in the State of Florida.
DUNS # - 00-199-1152
Principals of Champion Outdoor
Gary Barbosa – Since 1988, Gary Barbosa has worked as an advertising agency and consultant to Ads & Images, Inc. Tasks and duties performed included permitting, erecting, and leasing outdoor advertising bulletins. He is well versed in the legal delicacies of sign leases, variances, sign ordinances, prohibitions, restrictions, and legislation of bulletin signs. Gary is the author of the sign leases used in representation to landlords, and the advertising contract used for advertising clients. He has also authored the informative web site of Champion Outdoor, at www.championoutdoorads.com.
He is the founder and President of Champion Outdoor, and several other Champion companies that are in unrelated industries. He is the director of the “Brand Awareness” division of Champion, whose goal is to take companies who have little name recognition, and make them household names, Brand Names.
His management style is unique and motivational to employees and the clients he represents. He once said when presenting to a prospective client; “Let us create excitement around your product, so that the customers come to you.”
Brian Shuford - Formerly an integral part of the Outfront Media Real Estate Department, works as an independent consultant to various privately owned outdoor advertising companies, one of which is Champion Outdoor. He excels at seeking counsel with county commissioners, attorney's and lobbyists all working in concert with the outdoor advertising company he represents to expand their geographical footprint with additional premium outdoor advertising locations. To date, he has found four (4) such locations for Champion Outdoor.
Michael D'Angelo - Raised in Atlanta, Georgia, I graduated with an MBA from Tufts University in 2009, just as the economy collapsed. Despite my prestigious degree, finding a job proved challenging, and the only available positions were with the government. I took a role in the zoning office in Buckhead, where I became deeply interested in studying ordinances and understanding how they could be influenced by companies. After four years in zoning, I realized the potential for greater earnings in the private sector, particularly in the billboard industry. Utilizing GIS technology and my knowledge of zoning codes nationwide, I could easily identify ideal billboard locations. This realization led me to Champion Outdoor, where I've been fortunate to build dozens of billboards in my first three years.