The Entrepreneur

Kris first took the business world by storm in 1999 when he founded Pepperjam, a full-service internet marketing agency and affiliate network that was sold for millions to eBay Enterprise (NASDAQ-EBAY) ten years later.  With Kris at the helm as President and CEO, Pepperjam quickly distinguished itself as one of the most successful, fastest growing companies in the country and the three-time consecutive recipient of the prestigious Inc. Magazine Fastest Growing Company award (2006, 2007, 2008) as well as dozens of other awards and honors.

Since the sale of Pepperjam, Kris has continued his significant business contributions to the business world as investor, CEO, best-selling writer, speaker and philanthropist.

The Angel Investor

In 2010, Kris founded KBJ Capital, an early stage technology investment fund which boasts 20+ portfolio companies including Special Guest App (cofounded alongside actor / comedian Damon Wayans, Jr.) French Girls App (founder), LSEO.com (founder), LavCup, APPEK Mobile Apps (founder), iFart Mobile, VigLink, Highlighter.com (sold to panOpen), Internet Media Labs (merged with oneQube), Internet Marketing Ninjas (exited in 2016), Studio 16 South (founder), and ReferLocal.com (founder).  In 2019 Kris acquired 36,000 sq ft of commercial real estate in his hometown to launch the Accelerator @ Wilkes Barre.

In the last 48 months KBJ Capital start-ups have raised nearly $40 million from a host of prestigious venture capital firms such as Lightspeed Venture Partners, Google Ventures, First Round Capital, Emergence Capital, Founders Co-Op, and TechStars as well as prominent co-angel investors Michael Jones (the former MySpace CEO and current CEO of Science, Inc), Former head of product at Pinterest Jack Chou, Techstars Cofounder David Cohen, Singer/Actress Christina Milian, actor / comedian Kevin Hart, actor comedian Damon Wayans Sr, actor Jake Johnson, actor / comedian Lamorne Morris, and former NFL Defensive End Larry English, among others.

The Author

Kristopher is the author of the best-selling book: “Search-Engine Optimization: Your Visual Blueprint to Effective Internet Marketing” which has sold over 100,000 copies. Originally published in 2008, the book now boasts 3 editions (the third edition was published in April 2013) and is available in major bookstores throughout the United States, Europe and Canada. In 2014, Kris wrote and published a sequel called Local Search Engine Optimization – Crush Your Competition by Outranking Them on Google.

In addition to his book publications, Kris’ has been published nearly 500 times and his articles are frequently featured in the world’s most premier business publications including Forbes, Inc., Fast Company, TechCrunch, Mashable, Business Insider, and Citi Bank Financial. Recognized as a top business and marketing expert, Kris himself is often quoted in top publications like the Wall Street Journal and is a regular guest on leading business television programs (Fox Business, PBS, ABC).

The Speaker

Kris is a sought after keynote speaker and panelist at leading national and international conferences devoted to marketing, technology and investment.  He has spoken at the SEOktoberfest 8 times and recently keynoted the annual Disney Interactive Global Summit.  He also frequently lectures at prestigious colleges and universities; he was honored to be the May 2015 commencement speaker for his alma mater Penn State University. Learn more about booking Kris for your event.

The Philanthropist

Kris puts a high premium in giving back to both the business and local communities. Kris participates in and has served on numerous technology, educational and non-profit Board of Directors and Advisory Committees including the Misericordia University Board of Trustees and Executive Committee, WVIA (PBS Broadcasting) Board of Directors and Executive Committee, Ben Franklin Technology Partners Board of Advisors, and the Board of Directors of TecBridge.

Awards

Kris’ accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. In 2005, he was awarded Entrepreneur of the Year by Bank of America and in 2008, he was a finalist for the prestigious Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Kris has also been recognized as one of the “Top 20″ Business Leaders in Northeastern, Pennsylvania under the age of 40 by two separate organizations (Times Leader and Northeastern Pennsylvania Business Journal).

At the ages of 38 and 35 respectively, Kris and his wife Robyn were awarded the 2014 “Community Philanthropist” award by the Volunteers of America.

Family

Kris and Robyn reside in Shavertown, PA with their sons Kris Jr. and Jackson, daughter Lauren, dogs Bentley (French bulldog), Lucy (English bulldog), Max (English bulldog), Himalayan cat Persy, and 14 large Koi fish.

Education

Kristopher received a Bachelor of Arts from the Pennsylvania State University, a Master of Science from Villanova University, and a Juris Doctorate from Albany Law School.

Buy the 3rd Edition of Kris’ Book – Click Here
Buy a copy of my newest digital book on Local Search Engine Optimization for only $9.99 – Click Here!
Follow Kris on Twitter – http://twitter.com/krisjonescom
Like Kris on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/kbjcapital
Connect with Kris on LinkedIn – http://www.linkedin.com/in/internetceo
Kris on WikiPedia – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kristopher_B._Jones

Kris "In the Press"

Watch Kris and actress / singer Christina Milian on Fox Business: