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Joe Keeley
CEO & Co-Founder at JustiFi Technologies
Professional Background
Joe Keeley is a dynamic entrepreneur and a conscious leader known for his innovative approaches in the fintech and childcare industries. As the CEO and Co-founder of JustiFi Technologies, Keeley plays a pivotal role in providing advanced payment solutions and fintech architecture for vertical SaaS platforms and marketplaces. Under his leadership, JustiFi has gained traction as a venture-backed fintech business, leveraging technology to enhance the financial transactions of various businesses.
Before venturing into fintech, Keeley founded College Nannies, Sitters & Tutors (CNST), which has emerged as the nation’s largest in-home childcare and tutoring service. Keeley's vision for CNST involved addressing the fragmented childcare market through robust people leadership, creative technological solutions, and an unwavering commitment to improvement. His remarkable stewardship led CNST to expand to over 200 franchises across the USA and the United Kingdom, a notable achievement that only 5% of franchisors reach. Ultimately, Keeley guided CNST to employ over 13,000 staff members, providing countless families with vital childcare services. In 2016, his innovation and leadership culminated in the acquisition of CNST by Bright Horizons Family Solutions (NYSE: BFAM), the largest corporate-sponsored childcare operator in the globe.
Education and Achievements
Joe Keeley's academic journey began at the University of St. Thomas - Opus College of Business, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Entrepreneurship. This educational background laid the groundwork for his future successes as an entrepreneur. Additionally, Keeley further honed his entrepreneurial skills by participating in the Entrepreneurial Masters Program (EMP) through the Entrepreneurs' Organization.
Throughout his illustrious career, Keeley has garnered numerous accolades, highlighting his standing as a leader and influencer in entrepreneurship. Among these honors are the prestigious Ernst & Young "Entrepreneur of The Year" award and the "Global Student Entrepreneur of the Year" title. He has been recognized in Business Week Magazine's "Top 25 under 25 to Watch," and Citizen Culture magazine named him one of the "20 under 30 Who Will Change the World." Other accolades include being featured in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal’s listings of “Young Entrepreneurs” and “40 under 40,” as well as achieving spots on Glassdoor’s Top 100 Companies to Work For and Minnesota Business's 100 Best Companies to Work For. His company has consistently ranked among Entrepreneur Magazine's top 100 Franchise concepts.
Community Involvement
In addition to his business endeavors, Joe Keeley actively participates in community service and volunteer work, focusing on education, the arts, and entrepreneurship. He currently serves as the Vice Chair of The Children’s Theater Company Board of Governors in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Keeley's dedication to education is also evident from his past membership on the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business Board of Governors. He has held significant positions in the Minnesota chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, including serving as its President, advocating the growth and development of entrepreneurs across the state. Notably, Keeley was appointed by a Minnesota Governor as a Youth Education Representative for the Minnesota Commission on National and Community Service, further underlining his commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders.
Joe Keeley exemplifies the qualities of a remarkable entrepreneur whose journey is marked by transformative leadership, a focus on innovation, and a commitment to community service. His work continues to inspire those around him, fostering growth not only in his businesses but also in the communities he serves.
