Understanding the intricacies of business run deep in Kevin Schaffer’s veins. He started sorting bills of lading for his dad’s trucking company when he was 6 and went on to manage IT and operations. “He saw firsthand the challenges of entrepreneurship and gained a love of business and passion for technology and problem solving that led him to pursue a career in management consulting,” said his colleagues.
Out of college after working at a consulting firm, Schaffer co-founded Inspire11. “Inspire11 was born on the idea to change the world, and we’ll continue to do that now, tomorrow and far into the future,” said Schaffer.
Inspire11 is a management consulting organization that disrupts business norms through data and technology to build what really works for people. The company applies the world’s best talent in innovation, transformation, technology and analytics to tackle wildly complex opportunities in a simple and sustainable manner.
Today, Inspire11 is one of Crain’s fastest growing private companies with 30 percent year-over-year growth. Under Schaffer’s leadership, the firm has opened five US markets while demonstrating a consistent track record of delivering results, achieving targets and surpassing industry benchmarks. Over the past seven years, the company has grown to more than 300 employees with hubs in Chicago, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Dallas and Detroit.
The firm has been named an Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Company for four consecutive years and is a Certified Great Place to Work.
At 36, Schaffer is one of the youngest COOs in the industry. “Schaffer’s success can be attributed to his people and client-centric approach,” said his staff. “He prioritizes customer needs and satisfaction fostering a customer-focused culture while demonstrating high ethical standards and promoting a strong culture of ethics and integrity within the organization.”
As a leader, Schaffer said it’s important to surround himself with inspiration. “Our team of ‘Elevens’ are professional creatives, technologists, innovators and inspirationalists,” he said. “The passion they bring to what they do each and every day at Inspire11 and for our clients is infectious, and this passion they share makes it a positive and motivating atmosphere.”
Schaffer said he finds opportunities to celebrate successes, regardless of the size of the success. “Whether it’s helping a Fortune 100 client launch a transformative new product or having a successful year-end close, finding opportunities to celebrate with the team continues to reignite passion.”
For sharing his passion for his team and the industry, Schaffer has been named a titan.
