The Experience Behind The Scenes

This is where our journey begins. Get to know our business and what we do, and how we're committed to quality and great service. Join us as we grow and succeed together. We're glad you're here to be a part of our story.

Karl Manz

Co‑Founder & Chief Executive Officer | Rise Beyond Development

Karl Manz is the Co‑Founder and CEO of Rise Beyond Development, a faith‑based athlete development and football recruitment organization committed to developing the whole athlete — spiritually, academically, athletically, and personally.

A former defensive end and linebacker, Karl brings extensive semi‑professional and international football experience, including 97 career games played, multiple Defensive Player of the Year honors, and induction into the Semi‑Professional Football Hall of Fame (2024). He is also an Arizona state record holder in the bench press at the 220‑pound weight class.

Currently enrolled at Lancaster Bible College, Karl is actively involved in church leadership, outreach, and missions. His passion is mentoring young athletes, instilling biblical values, and helping families navigate the recruiting process with integrity, discipline, and purpose.

Career Highlights

  • 97 games played (semi‑professional & international)

  • 4× Defensive Player of the Year

  • 121 career sacks

  • 10 defensive touchdowns

  • 5 interceptions

  • Inducted into the Semi‑Professional Football Hall of Fame (2024)

  • 2× World Champion

    • 2023 Costa Rica Sharks

    • 2025 USA Thundercats

  • 2022 Arizona State Champion (Arizona Outlaws)

  • 2021 Defensive MVP

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,
“plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future.”
— Jeremiah 29:11

Ian Jackson Founder & Chief Financial Officer

Founder & Chief Financial Officer –
A seasoned executive leader with a rare blend of elite athletic achievement and professional leadership, Ian Jackson brings a lifelong commitment to excellence, mentorship, and service to his role as Chief Financial Officer.

Athletic Leadership & Competitive Career
A former Reebok Spartan–sponsored athlete, Ian’s athletic career spans championship success at the state, national, and international levels. He is a multi‑time champion with teams including the Phoenix Outlaws, Costa Rica Sharks, ThunderCats International, and Team USA. His titles include GFL State Champion, AFA National Champion, Caribbean Bowl Champion, Sin City Bowl Champion, Medellín Bowl Champion, Costa Rica Bowl Champion, World Sports Games Champion, and Hawaii Bowl Hall of Fame Game Champion. These accomplishments reflect discipline, resilience, teamwork, and high‑performance leadership across diverse cultures and competitive environments.

Professional & Executive Experience
Beyond athletics, Ian serves as a Senior Project Manager and Senior Project Designer at Perlman Architects, bringing over 25 years of experience in the architectural, engineering, and construction industries. His career has focused on leading complex teams, managing large‑scale projects, budgets, and resources, and delivering results through collaboration, accountability, and strategic oversight. He is also a graduate of the TERO International Executive Coaching Program, further strengthening his leadership foundation in emotional intelligence, mentorship, and organizational development.

Nonprofit Leadership & Stewardship
As an executive leader, Ian builds sustainable success through mentorship, fiscal responsibility, and cross‑level collaboration. He works closely with nonprofit organizations including UMOM, Native American Connections, Veterans Housing, and other mission‑driven groups—supporting leadership teams, guiding operational strategy, and ensuring organizational vision is executed with financial clarity, accountability, and measurable impact.

Community & Compassionate Service
For more than a decade, Ian has worked hands‑on with Brambley Hedge Rabbit Rescue, a fellow 501(c)(3), providing ongoing support, critical resources, and direct care to ensure the well‑being of rescued animals. This long‑standing commitment reflects his belief that true leadership is demonstrated through service, stewardship, and care for the most vulnerable—both people and animals alike.

 

Provers 27:17

17 As iron sharpens iron,
    so one person sharpens another.

Victor Daniel Executive Director of Player Development

Victor Daniel Lopez
Executive Director of Player Development | Rise Beyond Development

Victor Daniel Lopez serves as the Executive Director of Player Development for Rise Beyond Development. He is committed to helping student‑athletes grow beyond the game and step into who God has called them to be, guiding athletes and families through faith‑centered development and the recruiting process with clarity and integrity.

A former offensive lineman, Victor competed at the semi‑professional and international levels, earning a 2022 Semi‑Pro State Championship with the Arizona Phoenix Outlaws and a Gold Medal (2023) and Silver Medal (2025) with the Costa Rica Sharks. Today, he uses his football experience and walk with Christ to mentor athletes—strengthening their faith, character, and preparation for life beyond the field.

“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care… not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”
— 1 Peter 5:2–3