Successful companies aren’t defined just by profitability anymore. Efficiency, community impact, diversity, employee retention, and happiness – all of these aspects feed into that single label of “successful” as people care more and more about not only the services or products they’re receiving, but the entire journey in getting to them. Implementing an integrated cloud can support all of these initiatives, and Spaulding Ridge takes the responsibility seriously, partnering with only the best-in-cloud, the ones that can truly create a successful business.
Jay Laabs is a noted technology and professional services entrepreneur, executive, early-stage investor, and trusted advisor to Fortune 500 CFOs and CIOs. As Founder and Executive Chair of Spaulding Ridge, Jay continues to shape the firm’s long-term vision, culture, and strategic direction following his eight-year tenure as CEO. He founded Spaulding Ridge in February 2018, inspired by a humanitarian trip to Nicaragua he took with his mom. The women who built and sustained a community center there, driven by a commitment to collective good, inspired Jay to create a company guided by the same principles of service, integrity, and impact.
Under Jay’s culture-first leadership, Spaulding Ridge grew to more than 700 employees worldwide in just over eight years. His approach earned the firm recognition from Consulting Magazine, Inc., The Chicago Tribune, Crain’s, and Gartner as a top workplace and industry leader.
Before founding Spaulding Ridge, Jay launched Blue Stone International in 2005, scaling it into one of the largest Hyperion/Oracle consultancies worldwide. After selling BSI to Huron in 2013, he remained to lead Oracle services, driving a fivefold increase in both personnel and revenue. In recognition of his leadership and client impact, Jay was named one of Consulting Magazine’s Top 25 Consultants in the world in 2016.
Jay has extensive expertise in mergers and acquisitions, having led Spaulding Ridge’s acquisitions of CIS Consulting, Buan Consulting, and Data Clymer, among others, as well as overseeing numerous integrations during his tenure at Huron. Earlier in his career, he held roles at Davis Capital, Société Générale, and The Alcar Group.
Beyond building businesses, Jay is deeply committed to entrepreneurial mentorship and community leadership. He has advised and coached executives at firms such as Acliviti, Lev, Mavens Consulting, Ignite Journeys, and One North Interactive. He is also an active member of the Young Presidents’ Organization and Hyde Park Angels and serves on boards including Optis Consulting and Moonnox.
Jay earned his degree in finance with a specialization in international business from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he serves on the School of Business Dean’s Advisory Board and the AI Hub for Business External Advisory Board.
Based in Chicago, Jay blends his passion for business with creativity and curiosity. He plays bass guitar in Forum Confidential, a band of fellow entrepreneurs, and is an avid reader, often sharing audiobook reviews and recommendations with his bandmates and colleagues.