John Gardner
About John Gardner
John Gardner is the Co-Founder and CEO of Kickoff, an AI-enabled wellness super app focused on promoting healthy habits. He has a background in consulting and economics, with previous roles at Bain & Company and BuildZoom.
Work at Kickoff
John Gardner serves as the Co-Founder and CEO of Kickoff, a company he co-founded in 2019. Under his leadership, Kickoff has developed an AI-enabled wellness super app that provides personalized daily recommendations through an app and a dedicated human coach. The app aims to consolidate various aspects of wellness, including exercise, nutrition, sleep, and mindfulness. Gardner's vision for Kickoff is to shift the global approach to health towards prevention, emphasizing the importance of healthy habit formation.
Previous Experience at Bain & Company
Prior to his role at Kickoff, John Gardner worked as a Consultant at Bain & Company from 2013 to 2015. During his two years at the firm, he was based in San Francisco, California. His experience at Bain provided him with insights into strategic consulting and business operations, which he later applied to his entrepreneurial ventures.
Career at BuildZoom
John Gardner held the position of Senior Vice President at BuildZoom from 2015 to 2017. His role in the company spanned two years and took place in the San Francisco Bay Area. At BuildZoom, Gardner contributed to the company's growth and development, leveraging his consulting background to enhance business strategies.
Education and Expertise
John Gardner earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Dartmouth College, where he studied from 2011 to 2013. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and American History from Columbia University, which he completed from 2004 to 2008. His educational background equips him with a strong foundation in business and economic principles, supporting his roles in various organizations.
Internship Experience
Earlier in his career, John Gardner gained valuable experience as an intern at the New York City Economic Development Corporation in 2006, where he worked in the Budget Office for four months. Additionally, he served as a Summer Associate at C3 AI in 2012 for three months. These positions provided him with insights into public sector operations and technology-driven business models.