Kelly “Ace” Reed is a man on a mission. He is constantly moving. His latest venture in athletic performance wear tells you a little bit about the staying power in a field where brand makers are here today and gone tomorrow. The former Ohio State track star knows a little something about athletics and performance. Reed’s athletic career includes high school All-American Illinois state champ, a college All-American and making two indoor USA teams.
How did you develop the product?
I developed the sweat vest out of an idea I had while scuba diving in Barbados. I was sweating so much, I couldn’t believe it. So being the businessman I am, I am instantly thinking of an amazing idea: if I could find a rubberized material with a comfortable fabric on both sides this could be a hit. I designed several prototypes and began to test them in the gym and I was right. I lost several pounds in less than a week. People thought it was just water weight but … I burned fat, also. I began to continue to wear the vest for months at a time without any dieting and my stomach was completely gone and the six pack was there. When people started seeing my transformation everyone at the club want a vest so I started mass producing them and within a year, I sold 10,000 an the rest is history.
What is it made of and why does it work?
As for materials, I only tried one and that was neoprene. It works because rubberized material between the skin increases body temperature into a heated state.
As a former restauranteur, how was the transition from food to retail?
My transition was very simple; it is where my passion lays. My passion has always been in fashion and not in the food industry.
How much is the apparel?
Pricing starts around $60.
For more information, please visit www.acewear.us
