Jay Wilkinson is a lifelong entrepreneur. While attending college, he started numerous businesses and, in 1986, helped launch Campus Connection magazine. The business took him to NYC where the magazine grew into the country's largest college-oriented publication with a distribution of 1.2 million.
In 1992, Jay returned to Nebraska and opened an AlphaGraphics printing franchise. The business broke the first-year sales record for the 350-store network and was the fastest franchise at the time to reach $1 million in annual sales. Renamed Cornerstone Printing & Imaging in 2001, the company is listed today by Quick Printing magazine as one of the 100 largest rapid-response printing operations in America.
In 1996, Firespring was spun off of the printing company to develop websites for local businesses. Today, Firespring provides marketing services to more than 3,000 clients on five continents. The company is now offering franchises in all 50 states and master-license opportunities in 25 international markets.
Through private partnerships and the Nebraska Angels, Jay has invested in several emerging growth companies and owns commercial properties and franchises that include Baskin Robbins, Conoco, Long John Silvers, KFC, Howard Johnson, Ramada Inn, Subway, Holiday Inn Express and Taco Bell.
In his spare time, Jay can be found participating in activities with his family or traveling with his wife, Tawnya, in a quest for the perfect scuba diving location. He sits on the board for several nonprofits and is an avid supporter of programs that provide leadership and enrichment programs for America's youth.
Jay has appeared on CNN and other news outlets discussing how emerging technologies are shaping our future and is considered a leading authority on the impact of marketing and the web on nonprofits and small businesses.
After working as an independent consultant while finishing his advertising degree from the University of Nebraska, Troy Jensen accepted a position as the director of interactive technology at a Lincoln advertising firm. While there, he effectively integrated proven communication methods of the advertising and marketing industry with the strategic advantages of internet technology. At a time when the web was dominated by hard-core technologists, Troy understood the value of communication and functionality, using the technologies available to help develop effective interactive strategies for local and national clients.
Troy joined Firespring in 1996 as a webmaster. He immediately implemented procedures and policies that allowed the fledgling company to grow and eventually lead the local market for website services. As the lead developer for numerous projects, Troy helped the company establish national recognition in the field of website development.
Troy's skills as a leader and developer are overshadowed only by his remarkable insight to user preferences. He seems to know exactly how end users will respond to features built into website solutions and has an in-depth understanding of how to best organize content to provide a positive user experience.
Troy is dedicated to perfecting the most effective methods of implementing technology as a business communication tool. By striving to clearly define and understand the needs of the end user and effectively evaluate the technological resources available to achieve those needs, he sets aggressive but attainable goals. His belief that "there is always a better way" provides the motivation to achieve these lofty goals.
Troy serves on the board of directors.
When Troy can find the time, you can locate him at local performing arts venues or reading a good book.
Tawnya Starr has worked in sales and customer service roles her entire career and as a result, has developed a dynamic and endearing approach relating with people. After working as the customer service manager of an Ethan Allen store in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Tawnya got the entrepreneur bug and started her own printshop in 1994. She was very successful, growing the store's account base to more than 500 clients in three years. She personally managed her store's largest accounts while overseeing a sales and production staff that grew her business into one of the market's largest in less than two years.
In 1999, Tawnya purchased a printing website from the company and was amazed at the impact it had on her operation. In April 2000, Tawnya agreed to join Firespring as president of PrinterPresence, the company's flagship solution. Tawnya's experience in the industry furthered the development of PrinterPresence into the most popular website solution in the printing industry.
Tawnya quickly positioned herself within the industry as an expert on web marketing and how it impacts printers. She has appeared at numerous conventions and trade shows and has been quoted in nearly every printing industry trade publication regarding the internet. Tawnya received the 2005 Industry Award of Distinction from PrintImage International. The award recognizes an educator or supplier who has supported and advanced the quick and small commercial printing industry.
As the vice president of sales and marketing for Firespring, Tawnya oversees all sales-related activity for the company.
In 2007, Tawnya was selected as one of Lincoln's 40 Under 40 business leaders by the Midlands Business Journal.
Tawnya loves people. She loves to pamper them, cook for them and entertain whenever she gets the chance.
Jason was a part of the Firespring family before it was born. With deep roots in the printing industry, Jason's professional experience began at AlphaGraphics as a press operator before being promoted to facilities services manager in 1999.
Jason accepted a position in technical support for the company in 2001, and then advanced to network and systems administration and director of information technology before accepting his current role in 2007 as vice president of information technology.
Jason was instrumental in the initial infrastructure build-out and continues to design systems and procedures that allow Firespring to serve a growing client base. A passion for computers and technology fuels Jason's daily work as he is charged with keeping the technology behind our solutions running smoothly.
Jason's dedication to the company doesn't mean that he never gets away from the office. In fact, Jason has a pilot's license and motorcycle that help him do do just that. A typical weekend getaway for Jason often includes spending time with family, watching sporting events or taking cross country motorcycle rides with his wife.
Randy Hawthorne is responsible for ensuring franchisee success and oversees the MarketPresence solution, a comprehensive branding and marketing program for Firespring clients.
Prior to joining the team, Randy managed AlphaGraphics of Nebraska where he started in 1992. In 1999, Randy earned "Manager of the Year" from the AlphaGraphics franchise association from over 300 managers worldwide. Beyond AlphaGraphics, Randy understands the operations of a franchise organization, having extensive experience with Blockbuster Video.
As a Professional Certified Marketer, he served as president of the Lincoln Chapter of the American Marketing Association, leading his team to the 1st Runner-up Chapter of the Year. He speaks nationally for the American Marketing Association. In 2009, he was honored with the prestigious Marketer of the Year award.
Randy is past president of Updowntowners, the event producers of the Downtown Lincoln Association, where he has helped produce and promote various Lincoln events including July Jamm, Celebrate Lincoln and the Star City Holiday Festival. In 2008, he was recognized as the International Volunteer of the Year for his hard work and dedication.
Randy also works with Nebraska's youth to develop leadership skills through the Nebraska Association of Student Councils. He served as the Volunteer Staff's first executive director and is a past recipient of the Dr. John Lux Award in recognition of outstanding contributions to promoting youth leadership in Nebraska.
Selected as one of Lincoln's 40 Under 40 by the Midlands Business Journal, he is a member of Rotary Club #14 where he serves on the board as well as the fellowship, Gathering Place and publicity committees. Additionally, as a participant in Class XVI, he occasionally works with Leadership Lincoln and Youth Leadership Lincoln.
In his spare time, Randy periodically makes his way to the Lincoln Community Playhouse stage, where he also served as president of the board.
Before joining Firespring as controller, Dustin Behrens worked within public accounting for over five years including experience with two of the largest international public accounting firms, as well as a local accounting and consulting firm.
Dustin's experience with those firms included supervising the audits of some of Nebraska's largest public companies as well as private companies, nonprofit agencies and governmental entities.
Prior to entering the business world, Dustin obtained his B.S. in business administration, with an emphasis on accounting.
Dustin has served as a sponsor for youth groups as well as a youth educator through Junior Achievement programs. He spends most of his spare time with his wife and children, golfing or taking in Husker sporting events.
Firespring provides world-class marketing expertise, innovative website technology and unparalleled support to help small businesses and organizations become more profitable and effective.
Firespring
1200 N Street, Suite 100
Lincoln, NE 68508
888.388.5778 toll free
402.437.0100 phone
402.437.0101 fax
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