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Mark Aardsma
Managing Partner at First Leaf Capital
Mark Aardsma is the Managing Partner and founding investor of First Leaf Capital, an investment firm he established in 2017.14 With a background as a successful entrepreneur, Aardsma has founded and led multiple startups to multi-million dollar success as CEO before transitioning to his current role in investment.14
Professional Experience
Aardsma's career spans various entrepreneurial and investment ventures:
- First Leaf Capital: Managing Partner since January 2017, focusing on investing in promising Midwest startups.2
- ATS Acoustics: Founder and CEO since January 2006, leading a manufacturer and online retailer of acoustical products.2
- ATS Rentals: Former owner from 2008 to October 2017, which he sold to LensRentals.com.2
- Aardsma Technology Services: Owner from November 2003 to December 2005, providing custom software development.2
Other Roles and Investments
- Director at Farmers-Merchants National Bank since 2012.2
- Investor in companies like BoxCast and through Aardsma Capital Investments.2
- Author of "Investing With Purpose," published in 2016.1
Education
Aardsma's educational background includes:
- Business Administration studies at the University of Illinois Springfield.2
- Radio and Television studies at Moody Bible Institute.2
Personal Interests
Outside of his professional life, Aardsma is a licensed pilot who enjoys flying his TBM 700 airplane to various events and meetings.4 He resides in central Illinois with his wife and four children.34
Mark Aardsma's career trajectory demonstrates a successful transition from entrepreneurship to investment, with a focus on supporting and growing promising businesses, particularly in the Midwest region.
