Our Team

The Right People to Lead the Intersection Between Sneakers and Private Investments

Combined Skills Sets

The SNKRvest team is uniquely positioned to provide value in the this niche and underappreciated market. A combined 28 years of investment experience matched with tribal knowledge and connections within the sneaker industry makes for an attractive opportunity to approach this market from an institutional perspective.

Justin Heckler

Chief Investment Officer

Justin became interested in sneakers at the young age of 10 and has followed the sneaker industry as a hobby ever since. At 16, he made his first sneaker investment buying a pair of Travis Scott Jordan 1s for $900 and selling them just 4 months later for $1,760. Ever since he has been fascinated by the investment returns that are possible by treating collectible sneakers as investable assets.

Experience:

  • Investment Banking Intern at Blue Sky Business Resources
  • Previous Finance Intern at Illinois Avenue Partners
  • Incoming Associate at the Nittany Lion Consulting Group

Education: 

  • Pursuing a BS in Finance, Pennsylvania State University

Gray Gifford

Managing Partner

Gray has 16 years of private middle market investment experience across several strategies. He currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Illinois Avenue Partners, a private, sponsor-backed investment firm focused on executing a roll-up strategy in the architectural products industry.

Experience:

  • Managing Partner, Illinois Avenue Partners
  • Director, Firmwide Strategy, FS Investments
  • Partner, Valley Green Capital
  • Partner, Larsen MacColl Partners

Education:

  • Gettysburg College, BA

Michael Winton

Managing Partner

Michael has 12 years of public and private middle market investment banking, capital markets, and corporate strategy experience. He currently serves as Chief Financial Officer of Illinois Avenue Partners, a private, sponsor-backed, investment firm focused on executing a roll-up strategy in the architectural products industry.

Experience:

  • Managing Partner, Illinois Avenue Partners
  • Director, Firmwide Strategy, FS Investments
  • Investment Banking Associate, Mufson Howe Hunter & Co.
  • Associate, Debt Capital Markets, Macquarie Capital

Education:

  • Fordham University, BS

Let's Chat

Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for more information on whether SNKRvest is a fit for you.

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