Jeff Gardner is an executive chairman overseeing five software companies, leveraging his extensive expertise in the sector. As a Partner at Springtime Ventures, he makes direct investments in seed stage enterprises within the Rocky Mountains region, contributing to a portfolio of over 50 ventures.
Previously, Jeff served as the CEO of Zen Planner, where he orchestrated the development of an exceptional team and fostered a high-performance culture, resulting in a remarkable compound annual growth rate exceeding 50%. His background includes executive roles in technology and payment firms, with notable tenures at GE, PaySimple and Avaya, where he managed a $2 billion global business.
With a deep-seated passion for developing entrepreneurial leaders, Jeff is dedicated to cultivating high-performing teams and business cultures, recognizing them as fundamental to achieving exceptional returns on investment. He holds bachelor’s degrees in finance, accounting, and international business from Penn State, complemented by an M.B.A. from the University of Virginia’s Darden Graduate School of Business.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Jeff finds joy in embarking on adventures with his family amidst the picturesque landscapes of Crested Butte, Colorado.