Thanks to a homework assignment during an entrepreneur class his senior year in college, Jason Gardner became the business owner and executive he is today.
As Business Report details in its new Executive Spotlight feature, it was after creating a business plan for his class project that he ultimately decided to transfer the venture from paper to practice, founding Vivid Images in 2000. Since then, Gardner has taken the company from a startup in his garage to a cutting edge graphic design and printing facility serving clients around the Capital Region and beyond.
Gardner is currently putting his creativity to work with the recent launch of his “Vivid” app, a free tool that allows users to discover, share and organize events efficiently within their calendars. As the print and graphic design industry constantly adapts to the changes in the digital landscape, Gardner keeps Vivid Images up to speed by finding new ways to help the company to evolve.
“I’m constantly creating fresh and new tools so I can remain innovative and cutting edge,” he says.
After 15 years in business, Gardner says his most satisfying professional accomplishment is the moment he “took the plunge” of quitting his paying job to put everything into Vivid Images.
“It was extremely scary and freeing at the same time,” he recalls.
A self-described workaholic, the 36-year-old will occasionally carve out time in his day to go to the gym. He also hopes to one day slow down long enough to start a family and have kids.
Read the full Executive Spotlight Q&A with Gardner. Here’s a sample of what you’ll find:
What were your career aspirations when you were in school?
“During college I always expected to take over the family businesses, a real estate development company and barber shop. Hence the reason for getting a degree in business management.”
