Keynote Speaker, Bootstrapped Entrepreneur,
Corporate Innovator & Lifelong Geek
No Accidental Entrepreneur
Becoming an entrepreneur was not an accident for James. His entire childhood was an education in bootstrapping and innovation. From a young age, his father and greatest mentor instilled the entrepreneurial principles he’s added to and shared with clients, audiences, and peers around the world. After a multi-million dollar SaaS product exit, James continues to build and invest in innovative tech products as CEO of JBKnowledge.
1991
His First Software
Gets his hands on a computer for the first time at age 12 and builds an invoicing application for his neighborhood lawn business.
1992
First Business Launched
James’ dad starts his lessons on bootstrapping in Baton Rouge, Louisiana by telling him he can’t use the family lawnmower to start a business. Instead, his dad gives him a loan to buy one.
1995
Fame but for Nerds
Attending an engineering high school, James’ Computer Science Club gets early access to the internet and James launches his first IT consulting business.
1999
Corps Values
Begins studying at Texas A&M University and becomes a die-hard Aggie. In five years, he graduates with a BBA in Accounting, Masters in Information Systems, and as the Head of IT for over 4,000 students in the Corps of Cadets.
2001
Dorm Room HQ
After turning down a valuable corporate job offer, James decides it’s now or never and incorporates his technology consulting and development company, JBKnowledge, from his dorm room.
2003
Get Out & Sell
Focused on bootstrapping, James becomes the Chief Evangelist and gets on the road to sell JBKnowledge services and products through cold office visits and speaking events across the country. JBKnowledge also expands operations internationally with an Argentina office.
2006
Building a SaaS Product Company
Always dreaming of building a product company, James’ company launches its first successful SaaS product, SmartBid, for the construction industry. Followed shortly by SmartCompliance, SmartReality & SmartInsight software and mobile apps for construction and risk management.
2016
The Voice of Tech
Multiple launched products and services later, James decides to become his own PR and launches the first technology innovation podcast in the construction industry, The ConTech Crew.
2018
Exit & Do It Again
James’ team sells SmartBid to their largest industry competitor and incumbent and pivots to focus on building products, like Terra claims management software, for the insurance industry.
2019
Entrepreneur and Pilot
Finally securing his private pilot’s licenses, a lifelong dream, James learns more from a hobby than he thought possible and simultaneously makes his business travel much more efficient.
2020
Teaching & Learning
On the Board of Regents at Texas Southern University, James is focused on teaching entrepreneurism and a passion for flight to the next generation of business leaders, especially those without bootstraps.
2022
Pushing Innovation
Through the InsureTech Geek podcast James continues to be a thought leader on cultivating innovation, especially in the insurance industry. While still leading JBKnowledge, he continues to speak on bootstrapping, entrepreneurship and the mad scientist attitude we all need.
Lessons They Don’t Teach in Business School
A free guide from my 20 years of bootstrapping a tech company.
