Jeff Chavez: Profile of an Austin Original

Jeff Chavez, president and CEO of Northstar Ventures/Northstar Thinktank, is a real Austinite. Although Jeff Chavez was born in Southern California, his dedication to the idea of entrepreneurship fits this city of free thinkers, idealists and innovators.

Jeff Chavez’s Entrepreneurship for Non-Entrepreneurs

Recently, Jeff Chavez coordinated a successful seminar event at Austin’s Long Center for the Performing Arts. Chavez’s event featured two speakers: Jeff, of course, and Tito Beveridge, founder of Tito’s Vodka, one of the most awarded vodkas in the world and a local legend in Austin.

Jeff Chavez’s speech centered around the concept that every professional can benefit from thinking and acting like an entrepreneur – specifically an “idea-crazed entrepreneur.” He’s no rookie on the topic, either; Jeff Chavez has launched many companies over his career, including Fortress, Nexiant, VSupply, Everclear Systems, Northstar Ventures, Foothill Fire Safety, Home Healthcare Direct, TFID Accessory Company, Northstar Thinktank and Olivia Ashton Handbags – some of which have earned millions of dollars in revenue and investor capital.

Jeff Chavez’s Entrepreneurial Successes

Over the years, Jeff Chavez hasn’t spent much unproductive time. The entrepreneurial spirit fills Jeff’s body and mind, initially inspiring him to build Foothill Fire Safety Co. (FFSC) in 1992. This industrial service organization notched 12,000 Southern Californian clients before it was acquired in 1997.

As the year 2000 arrived, Jeff Chavez’s new brainchild was DispenseSource, Inc. (now Nexiant, Inc.). Entrusted with over $10M in venture capital, Jeff Chavez built Nexiant into a leading automated inventory system provider for industrial and manufacturing clients. Nexiant is now the world leader. Jeff Chavez’s modest project has received over $30M in VC funding, with customers like Xerox, Honeywell, BF Goodrich and Chrysler.

Jeff Chavez Shares the Fire

Now Jeff Chavez has found a way to share his love for new ventures with Austin businesspeople. Or rather, two ways: Jeff built Northstar Ventures and the Northstar Thinktank in 2003. These organizations develop training, mentoring and teaching curriculae for entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Jeff Chavez’s insights and leadership are valuable to all small enterprises and individuals who seek to make the most of their ideas and energy, whether they’re in the real estate industry or not. As Austin real estate professionals – and as Austinites – we’re happy to have Jeff Chavez in our community.