Jon founded SPMB’s Denver-based Emerging Markets search practice in 2014 with an initial focus on the rapidly growing tech ecosystem in Colorado. In the following years, the tech scene across the Mountain West and Midwest exploded, and Jon and his team were uniquely positioned to support the executive recruiting needs of these high-growth companies not only in Denver and Boulder but also Salt Lake City, Austin, Chicago, and beyond. Today, the reach of the Emerging Markets practice is greater than ever as investors and executives alike are finding and pursuing first-rate technology opportunities beyond Silicon Valley.
With over 20 years of industry experience, Jon is a seasoned executive recruiter with a proven track record of successfully driving scale and leadership transformation for growth-oriented tech companies. Today, he partners with public, PE- and VC-backed clients locally and nationally to recruit Board Members, CEOs and all functional areas reporting to the CEO, including numerous searches requiring relocation into emerging tech hubs.
Prior to joining SPMB, Jon led worldwide recruiting for Webroot (acquired) and Rally Software (IPO, acquired). He holds a BA degree from Franklin & Marshall College and an MS in Petroleum Geology from the University of Colorado at Boulder. When he’s not busy placing top talent, Jon enjoys trail running, mountain biking, skiing, and spending time with his amazing family.
What’s the most non-traditional job you’ve ever had?
Just one? I’ve had many…summers in Connecticut meant lots of odd jobs…ice cream man (yes, I drove the truck!), fishmonger, buffet waiter at a casino (why do you need waiters at a buffet? Good question.), dishwasher, cook, bartender…Whatever it took to put some money in my pocket and stay out of trouble!
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
My middle name is Earth (hippie parents, what can I say?)
What are your 3 favorite books?
The Boys in the Boat; The Emerald Mile; Any book by Malcolm Gladwell
What 3 movies could you watch again and again?
Old School, Superbad, Super Troopers
Who would you trade places with for one month?
Fighter pilot…can’t help it…I saw Top Gun as a kid…would love to know what it feels like to fly one of those jets!