Early Life and Education
Born on May 4, 1971, in Indiana to parents Thomas Gerstner and Martha Burt, Brad Gerstner’s journey began in rural Kansas. From a young age, he admired successful businessmen and philanthropists like Warren Buffett, which ignited his own drive to succeed.
Gerstner’s commitment to education was evident from his early years. He attended Wabash College, earning the prestigious Lilly Scholarship, which supported his pursuit of a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science. His academic excellence placed him among the top 10% of his graduating class.
His educational journey continued at Indiana University School of Law, where he received recognition as a Jump scholar. Brad Gerstner later completed his MBA from Harvard Business School in 2000, further honing his skills and expanding his horizons.
Building an Empire
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Brad Gerstner’s entrepreneurial spirit became evident at a young age when he established his first company, Wawasee Boat Care, even before attending college. This early experience provided him with invaluable insights into the world of business.
After working as an associate lawyer in securities law and serving as the Indiana Deputy Secretary of State, Gerstner co-founded three start-up internet search businesses. One of his notable achievements was founding General Catalyst, an online travel investment platform, which he later sold to Interactive Corp in 2001.
Gerstner’s remarkable track record continued as he co-founded and served as CEO of Openlist, a successful vertical search and advertising platform that was later acquired by Marchex in 2006.
Thought Leader in The Travel Industry
Over the years, Brad Gerstner has established himself as a thought leader in the travel industry. He co-founded the travel website Room77 and demonstrated his ability to identify and invest in promising startups. His impressive portfolio includes major players in the tech industry such as Airbnb, Pinterest, and Uber.
Gerstner’s keen eye for innovation and his knack for turning visionary ideas into successful businesses have solidified his position as a prominent figure in the world of entrepreneurship.
Personal Life and Family
In his personal life, Brad Gerstner is devoted to his wife, Michelle Boyers, whom he met during their MBA studies at Harvard. Michelle has made significant contributions in roles related to education and philanthropy. The couple shares their life with two sons, Lincoln and Jack, and enjoys outdoor activities together, including running, biking, skiing, and surfing.
Brad Gerstner’s love for travel is undeniable, as he follows his “two-stamp rule,” ensuring that his passport receives at least two new stamps each year.