NYCON Welcomes Back Jay Wilkson, Founder & CEO, Firespring
Featured Keynote Speaker (Marketing & Communications)

In 1992, Jay returned to Nebraska and opened an AlphaGraphics printing franchise. The business broke the first-year sales record for the 350-store network and was the fastest franchise at the time to reach $1 million in annual sales. Renamed Cornerstone Printing & Imaging in 2001, the company is listed today by Quick Printing magazine as one of the 100 largest rapid-response printing operations in America.

In 1996, Firespring was spun off of the printing company to develop websites for local businesses. Today, Firespring provides marketing services to more than 3,000 clients on five continents. The company is now offering franchises in all 50 states and master-license opportunities in 25 international markets.

Through private partnerships and the Nebraska Angels, Jay has invested in several emerging growth companies and owns commercial properties and franchises that include Baskin Robbins, Conoco, Long John Silvers, KFC, Howard Johnson, Ramada Inn, Subway, Holiday Inn Express and Taco Bell.

In his spare time, Jay can be found participating in activities with his family or traveling with his wife, Tawnya, in a quest for the perfect scuba diving location. He sits on the board for several nonprofits and is an avid supporter of programs that provide leadership and enrichment programs for America´s youth.

Jay has appeared on CNN and other news outlets discussing how emerging technologies are shaping our future and is considered a leading authority on the impact of marketing and the web on nonprofits and small businesses.