Born and raised in South Bend, Indiana, Jeffrey Thomas Ballard currently holds the position of Senior Director at the Partners & Alliances Program with Aerospike. Esteemed as a Global Marketing Executive, he brings to the table an impressive array of knowledge, substantial industry experience, and a high degree of professionalism. Now settled in Westfield, Indiana, with his wife Vicki and their beloved two pet dogs, his contributions to the industry are marked by strategic ingenuity and practical expertise, significantly advancing organizational development, profitability, and market presence.

Professional Trajectory

His ability to drive revenue and expand market share through innovative products, channels, and global markets is evident. He excels in channel development and alliance building, orchestrating go-to-market partner programs that enhance sales growth, technical capability, and demand creation.

Prior to his role at Aerospike, he occupied the position of Senior Director of Partners and Alliances at IBM's Cloud division, where he initiated numerous successful partner development endeavors. Earlier, he led Market and Channel Development for Kofax Solutions at EOH, a South African Distributor. Throughout his career, he has engaged with a myriad of leading and emerging technology entities, including Seagate Software, Symantec, FileNet, and Kofax, among others.

Renowned for pioneering successful products, tapping into new markets, forging distribution channels, and fortifying customer loyalty, his strategic and marketing insight has been instrumental in aiding Independent Software Vendors (ISVs), Value-Added Resellers (VARs), and Service Providers to scale their business ventures.

Academic and Professional Expertise

A graduate of Valparaiso University with a degree in communications, Jeffrey’s core skills encompass strategic marketing elements such as channel marketing, product marketing, sales empowerment, industry marketing, international market development, demand generation programs, and enhancing customer relations. He is also known for his exceptional leadership and team-building prowess.

Career Highlights

Throughout his illustrious career, he has founded a marketing agency catering to the needs of nascent and rapidly growing technology firms and launched a plethora of products. His long-standing tenure at IBM, coupled with over two decades of service to high-growth companies and startups, attests to his unparalleled capability in fostering business expansion. He is a recognized figure on the global speaking circuit, delivering insights at numerous conferences, podcasts, and webinars on marketing, customer engagement, strategic planning, personal growth, and his unique interest in tiki culture.

His multifaceted career spans diverse sectors, where his endeavors have consistently propelled businesses forward, from startups to established corporations. His expertise covers a wide range of hi-tech products and services, significantly impacting marketing strategies, channel development, and promotional communications across various industries.

Ballard’s signature achievements include:

• Instituting a trailblazing partner development initiative presently utilized by IBM, Aerospike, and several IT service organizations worldwide.
  
• Leading the marketing strategy that vaulted Artisoft to the 39th position among the fastest-growing companies, culminating in a highly successful IPO.
  
• Crafting and hosting a web series during the COVID era that supported artists, musicians, and business proprietors within the Polynesian Pop community to connect with and market to their audience.
  

Furthermore, he manages Tikicomber, an application with over 1100 subscribers that serves as a platform for sharing information about Tiki culture venues, artists, and experiences.

Personal Endeavors

His life beyond work is enriched by hobbies that include DIY projects related to his tiki bar at home, photography, and scuba diving. He is a genuine sports fan, following teams like Notre Dame football, Los Angeles Lakers, and Miami Dolphins, and he has a keen interest in music, movies, and broader pop culture.

Jeffrey Thomas Ballard’s commitment extends to the local community through his involvement with various charitable organizations, providing marketing and photography services to groups like the ALS Association of Orange County and others. This blend of professional success, personal hobbies, and community engagement defines a life led by purpose, innovation, and a deep connection to the world around him.