Consisting of entrepreneurs, creative, industry veterans, and thought leaders, The Biz Foundry is built on a desire to see dreams realized and businesses reach their next level. From real estate to non-profits, e-commerce, and more, our team has the experience, passion, and talent to successfully support your entrepreneurial journey from idea to launch and beyond. Jeff, Tiffany, Matt, and Kelly each bring a unique entrepreneurial story and skillset to the table, and all are committed to elevating area businesses to new heights together.
Jeff brings 30 years of entrepreneurial experience to The Biz Foundry including both starting and managing multiple businesses. His successful ventures include a large real estate operation, a development company, a construction company, an electronic mortgage operation, and full-service insurance business. Jeff’s latest startup, IVRTrain, Inc., developed virtual reality training modules for manufacturing. In addition to personal business success, he is an outspoken advocate and evangelist for entrepreneurship as a from of economic development and is. known for his ability to connect partners and garner support for various initiatives. Jeff has helped develop the regional micro-loan fund, fostered a collaboration with regional partners to provide a one-stop center for entrepreneurial and small business support, and remains committed to connecting local startups with outside resources and partners.
Although not a true Southerner, Tiffany is no stranger to the area and feels at home in Cookeville, TN. After leaving Michigan in 2006, she built careers in both Virginia and New Mexico before landing in the Upper Cumberland in 2013. With a secondary teaching and non-profit fundraising background, she discovered The Biz Foundry in 2017 and joined the team as a Marketing Manager. Since then, Tiffany has used her talent to help entrepreneurs find the connections they need to solve the problems facing them. In addition, Tiffany is also the founder of Powered By Her (PBH), a women’s entrepreneurship initiative that inspires leaders and fosters community for female founders in the Upper Cumberland region. Through dedication and perseverance, PBH has expanded its reach to an international scale, changing lives and empowering female leadership around the globe.
Kelly leverages more than 15 years of experience as a lender in her role as Capital Navigator for The Biz Foundry. Before joining, she helped leaders across a variety of sectors ranging from agriculture to local small businesses, a traverse the waters of entrepreneurial funding. Using a warm personality, a commitment to the biggest outcomes, and a thorough understanding of how businesses should source and use financial resources, Kelly connects entrepreneurs with lenders and coaches them through the processes of expansion or launch. A lifelong Cookeville citizen, she brings a sincere passion for business leaders who call the Upper Cumberland home to The Biz Foundry.
Along with our small, but mighty entrepreneur supporting team, we have a wonderful Board of Directors that backs our mission to boost entrepreneurship in the Upper Cumberland.
