Ace’s New Partner Program
At Ace Computers, we’ve always believed that innovation is best achieved through collaboration. That belief is now the foundation of our newly launched Partner Program, a structured initiative designed to expand our reach, empower resellers, and deliver exceptional value to our customers.
To understand the vision behind the program, we spoke with Todd Blackburn, Director of Partner Development, whose decades of experience in the IT industry have shaped the program into what it is today.
Ace’s New Partner Program: A Scalable Framework for Federal Success
Todd joined Ace in April 2024 with a clear mission: build a partner program that works. “Ace had worked with partners before,” Todd explained, “but there wasn’t a formal structure. My goal was to create something sustainable—something that could grow and evolve.”
Drawing from his background at major OEMs, Todd brought not only a wealth of industry knowledge but also a network of trusted resellers. “I didn’t have to sell them on me or the program. It was more like, ‘Let’s build something great together.’”
The Ace Partner Program: Where Strategic Partnerships Drive Real-World Impact
The Ace Partner Program is structured into three levels, each designed to support partners at different stages of their journey:
- Authorized Partners
These are new or emerging resellers who may not yet have a history with Ace but show strong potential. “We treat them as up-and-comers,” Todd said. “We work closely with them to get them familiar with our products and processes so they can grow into higher tiers.” - Silver Partners
These partners have an established presence in their markets and a history of performance. They receive access to tools like deal registration, RFQ submission, and marketing support. Todd mentioned, “They’re trusted, and we’re building on that trust with more resources and collaboration.”
- Platinum Partners
The top tier, Platinum Partners, are fully vetted and strategically aligned with Ace. “We rely on them, and they rely on us,” Todd explained. “They bring us opportunities, and we bring them leads. They get enhanced discounts, marketing collaboration, and we’re even working on incentive programs for their account managers.”
Partner Program Spotlight: How Ace Is Redefining Collaboration in Federal IT
Ace’s approach to recruitment for the partner program is both strategic and selective. Todd looks for resellers who align with Ace’s values and market focus. “We’re not trying to flood the market. We want partners who understand our products and see the value in what we build.”
This includes general IT resellers as well as niche specialists, such as those in the forensics field. Ace Forensics, a division of Ace Computers, serves law enforcement, legal, and investigative sectors with highly specialized solutions. “It’s a very niche market,” Todd said, “but we’ve brought on partners who really understand it.”
Ace also collaborates with alliance partners whose products complement Ace’s offerings, creating joint solutions that deliver more value to end customers.
Partner Program Backed by U.S. Manufacturing and SBA Certification
Ace’s commitment to manufacturing in the U.S. and its SBA-certified small business status are key differentiators. “Federal customers are increasingly looking to support small businesses,” Todd noted. “And being made in the USA means we can offer better margins, faster support, and more reliability.”
This focus on quality and dependability is a cornerstone of the program. Partners know they’re selling a product that performs—and that they’ll be supported every step of the way. As Todd put it:
“We have a very low failure rate on our products, so they know that the product we build is going to be beneficial for both us, them—the reseller—and the customer.” For context, our failure rate for our products, as of 2024, is less than 2%.
This assurance gives partners confidence in what they’re offering, and helps Ace maintain strong, long-term relationships built on trust and performance.
Partner Program Training That Delivers Fast Results
Unlike programs that require extensive, time-consuming training, Ace’s partner program has developed a streamlined and effective onboarding process. “We typically do a one-hour session with the partner’s sales or engineering team,” Todd explained. “We walk them through our offerings—Ace Computers, Ace Forensics, our gaming line, HPC—and give them the tools they need to succeed.” his session includes:
- An overview of Ace’s product lines and capabilities
- Key contacts and communication channels
- How to register deals and submit RFQs
- Expectations for collaboration and support
While more structured training may be introduced in the future, Todd is cautious about overloading partners. “We don’t want to take account managers off the phone for 50 hours a year. Training should be meaningful, not burdensome.”
Partner Program Built on Clarity and Commitment
One of the most common pitfalls in partner programs is a lack of transparency. Todd’s solution? Keep it simple and honest. “We tell our partners what we can do, what we can’t, and when we can deliver. That kind of clarity builds trust.”
With a manageable partner base—currently around 34 globally, including 8 Platinum partners—Ace ensures every reseller receives the attention and support they need to succeed. Ace is always looking to build their partners to grow their business but also their partners.
Partner Program Driven by Experience and Strategic Vision
For Todd Blackburn, the most rewarding part of leading the Partner Program isn’t just the growth metrics or the expanding network—it’s the freedom to shape something impactful from the ground up.
“I’ve worked in environments where every decision had to go through layers of committees,” he shared. “Even when you knew something wasn’t going to work, you had to watch it play out because that’s what the group decided. Here, I have the autonomy to say, ‘Let’s not do it that way—because I’ve seen where that leads.’ And that ability to steer the ship in a better direction is incredibly fulfilling.”
This autonomy allows Todd to apply lessons learned from decades in the industry—avoiding common pitfalls, streamlining processes, and building a partner program that’s both scalable and sustainable. It also means he can move quickly, adapt to partner feedback, and continuously refine the program to meet real-world needs.
“It’s not just about building a partner program,” he added. “It’s about building trust, building relationships, and building a legacy that supports Ace’s growth for years to come.”
Learn more about becoming a new addition to Ace Computers’ Partner Program by visiting https://acecomputers.com/partner-program/ and filling out our application form.
