Jack Manzella

Bio

Jack Manzella leads new product development and digital marketing strategy for GE Appliances’ Innovation Lab, FirstBuild. FirstBuild’s mission is to invent the future of the home, and the organization has launched nearly 100 products and raised more than $4.8 million through crowdfunds. At FirstBuild, Jack is responsible for testing the marketing viability of new ideas and leveraging digital platforms to rapidly innovate at scale.

Jack also serves as an entrepreneur-in-residence for the College of Business at the University of Louisville. There, he is responsible for coaching and mentoring student-led start-ups, teaching courses in management and entrepreneurship, providing support to strategic-level initiatives of the Forcht Center for Entrepreneurship, and developing relationships in the Louisville startup ecosystem.

Prior to working at FirstBuild, Jack successfully completed GE Appliances’ 2-year Information Technology Leadership Development Program, where he specialized in AWS Cloud Computing and built the IT Innovation Bay, which was responsible for engaging employees to develop innovative solutions to challenging digital problems.

Jack holds an MBA in entrepreneurship & innovation, a BS in information systems, and certificates in information technology and distilled spirits. Jack is also an AWS-certified Cloud Architect and Developer. In his free time, Jack enjoys bourbon, yoga, and woodworking.