Introduction
Brad Handler is a renowned tech entrepreneur and co-founder of the e-learning platform, Inspirato. Handler has a background in finance and has worked for prominent companies like Bain & Company and PriceWaterhouseCoopers. However, Handler’s entrepreneurial journey did not start with Inspirato. In this article, we will explore how Brad Handler became a successful tech entrepreneur through his various business ventures. From his early days in finance to creating and growing multiple startups, Handler’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring.
Section 1: Early Life and Education
Handler was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1970. He grew up in a family that valued education and entrepreneurialism. His father was a successful businessman who owned a summer camp for kids. Handler went to Phillips Exeter Academy, a prestigious preparatory school in New Hampshire, before attending Northwestern University, where he earned a degree in economics.
Section 2: First Career Steps
After college, Handler landed a job at Bain & Company, a global management consulting firm. He worked there for several years and gained valuable experience in business strategy and management. From there, he joined PriceWaterhouseCoopers as an associate before eventually becoming a Senior Manager.
Section 3: Co-founding GrandCentral Communications
In 1995, Handler co-founded GrandCentral Communications, a company that provided unified messaging services. The company’s aim was to integrate all communication channels into a single platform. Handler’s leadership and previous corporate experience were critical to the success of the company. Google acquired GrandCentral in 2007, and it is now known as Google Voice.
Section 4: Founding and Growing Exclusive Resorts
In 2002, Handler founded Exclusive Resorts, a luxury vacation club that offered members access to private villas and luxury amenities. The company quickly became a success, raising $65 million in funding and growing to over 3,000 members. Handler’s leadership, coupled with his focus on customer experience, helped Exclusive Resorts to stand out in a crowded market.
Section 5: Creation of Inspirato
In 2010, Handler co-founded Inspirato, an e-learning platform that offers online courses and certification programs. The company boasts over 1,000 courses and has partnerships with some of the world’s leading universities and organizations. Inspirato’s success can be attributed to Handler’s vision and his understanding of the value of education.
Section 6: Philanthropic Work
Handler is also an active philanthropist, supporting various causes and initiatives. He has worked with the African Leadership Foundation, which aims to develop and educate young leaders in Africa. He is also a founding board member of the Foundation for Global Sports Development, which works to promote ethical behavior and fair play in sports.
Section 7: Awards and Accolades
Handler’s contributions to the tech industry and his philanthropic work have earned him several awards and accolades. He was named one of the “100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs” by Goldman Sachs and was also recognized as a “40 Under 40” honoree by Crain’s New York Business.
7 FAQs Related to the Topic
Q1: What is Brad Handler’s background in the tech industry?
A: Brad Handler started his career in finance, working for companies like Bain & Company and PriceWaterhouseCoopers before co-founding GrandCentral Communications. He is also the founder of Exclusive Resorts and co-founder of Inspirato.
Q2: What is the African Leadership Foundation?
A: The African Leadership Foundation is an organization that works to develop and educate young leaders in Africa. Brad Handler is a supporter of the foundation and has been actively involved in its initiatives.
Q3: What is Inspirato?
A: Inspirato is an e-learning platform that offers online courses and certification programs. It has partnerships with some of the world’s leading universities and organizations.
Q4: What is Exclusive Resorts?
A: Exclusive Resorts is a luxury vacation club that offers members access to private villas and luxury amenities. Brad Handler founded the company in 2002.
Q5: What did Brad Handler do at GrandCentral Communications?
A: Brad Handler was one of the co-founders of GrandCentral Communications, a company that aimed to integrate all communication channels into a single platform. Google acquired GrandCentral in 2007.
Q6: What are some of the awards Brad Handler has received?
A: Brad Handler has been recognized as a “100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs” by Goldman Sachs and a “40 Under 40” honoree by Crain’s New York Business.
Q7: What is the Foundation for Global Sports Development?
A: The Foundation for Global Sports Development is an organization that works to promote ethical behavior and fair play in sports. Brad Handler is a founding board member of the foundation.
Conclusion
Brad Handler’s story is one of persevering through challenges and finding success through hard work and dedication. From his early days in finance to his work in the tech industry, Handler has shown a keen eye for identifying opportunities and creating successful ventures. His philanthropic work further exemplifies his commitment to making a positive impact on the world. By taking a closer look at his journey, we can learn valuable lessons about entrepreneurship and leadership.