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Mike Rutherford
Founder of Growth Over Time Learning
Professional Background
Mike Rutherford is a dedicated lifelong educator, entrepreneur, and technologist, with extensive experience in the K-12 education sector. His career reflects a unique understanding of both the educational landscape and the business dynamics necessary for success in this field. Mike has held various roles that span the entire sales cycle, providing him with valuable perspectives as he navigated his responsibilities as a classroom teacher, a professional developer, and a school district administrator. His educational journey and career have been intertwined, leading him to develop innovative solutions that empower educators and enhance the learning experience.
Throughout his professional journey, Mike has played a pivotal role in helping businesses entrain and thrive in the education sector, drawing on his years of experience and industry insights. Among his notable achievements, is his critical role at Blackboard, where he successfully led the company's entry into the K-12 market. Under his guidance, Blackboard grew from serving a single customer to nearly 100 within the first year. This impressive growth trajectory demonstrates his strategic approach to sales and product development, including securing the largest deal in the company's history—a monumental $600,000 annual license with the Massachusetts State Department of Education, in addition to high-value contracts with ETS and Class.com.
In 2002, Mike embarked on a new venture by co-founding an educational publishing and consulting services company that began in the basement of an author’s home. Over the course of five years, the enterprise flourished, with annual product revenue skyrocketing from $75,000 to an impressive $1,750,000. Utilizing analytics and sophisticated sales operations through platforms like Salesforce Sales Cloud and Pardot, Mike’s innovative strategies transformed lead generation and sales process efficiency, ultimately resulting in enhanced business outcomes.
Eager for new challenges, Mike seized the opportunity to relocate to Southeast Asia, where he joined the renowned International School Bangkok. After a significant hiatus from the classroom, he successfully reintegrated himself into an educational environment, applying the tech skills he honed in business. Recognizing a deficit in classroom data management tools, Mike took the initiative to develop a classroom information system leveraging Salesforce Sales Cloud with Pardot for parent and student communication, as well as classroom automation. His innovative solution was subsequently presented at Dreamforce 2017, highlighting his commitment to using technology to improve educational outcomes and streamline classroom processes. His role as Technology Coordinator at the high school further underscored his ability to bridge the gap between education and technology.
Returning to the United States in 2019 marked a significant new chapter for Mike, who took the leap and established Growth Over Time Learning. His new venture aims to foster continuous improvement in educational outcomes through innovative products and services designed for today’s learning environments.
Education and Achievements
Mike's educational background lays a strong foundation for his career in education and technology. He pursued a Master of Education (M.Ed) degree in Instructional Technology from George Mason University, which equipped him with the knowledge and skills necessary to integrate technology into educational settings effectively. He also holds a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Education from Indiana University Bloomington, further enriching his understanding of pedagogical theories and practices.
In addition to his formal education, Mike has consistently engaged in professional development opportunities, enhancing his expertise and staying abreast of the latest developments in the field of education and technology.
Organization Leadership and Roles
Currently, Mike serves as the Founder and CEO of Growth Over Time Learning, where he leads initiatives aimed at supporting educators and school systems in enhancing their learning environments. His previous roles—primarily at the International School Bangkok—include high school technology coordinator and librarian, where he was instrumental in incorporating technology into the curriculum and facilitating access to resources for students and faculty. He has also made a significant impact as a 6th-grade Humanities teacher, where he not only taught but also coached varsity basketball, demonstrating his commitment to holistic education.
Previously, Mike held numerous titles, showcasing his versatility and effectiveness in both leadership and operational roles. As Vice President of Business Development at Just ASK Publications & Professional Development, he played a critical role in expanding the organization’s reach within the education sector. During his tenure as Senior Manager of K-12 National Sales at Blackboard, Mike’s strategic leadership and innovation led to unprecedented growth for the company.
Before joining Blackboard, he contributed his expertise as Supervisor of Instructional Technology at Manassas City Public Schools and as a Technology Training Specialist at Fairfax County Public Schools. In these roles, Mike was committed to empowering educators by providing them with the tools, training, and resources essential for effective technology integration and instructional improvement.
Notable Achievements
Throughout his distinguished career, Mike Rutherford has been recognized for his exceptional contributions to the field of education and technology. His ability to bridge the divide between educational practice and technological innovation has positioned him as a thought leader in K-12 sales and marketing.
A hallmark of his achievements includes the monumental deals he brokered while leading for Blackboard, notably the unparalleled agreement with the Massachusetts State Department of Education. This achievement not only showcased his negotiating skills but also cemented Blackboard’s reputation in the K-12 market.
The establishment and growth of the K-12 educational publishing and consulting services company from the ground up is another testament to Mike’s entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen. His strategic focus on analytics and sales operations transformed how businesses approached their growth in the education sector, setting new standards for success.
Furthermore, his innovative use of technology to develop a classroom information system at the International School Bangkok exemplifies his forward-thinking mindset and commitment to enhancing educational practices through technology. Presentation at Dreamforce 2017 garnered attention and validation for his impactful solutions, showcasing his capability to drive positive change in educational settings.
In summary, Mike Rutherford's multifaceted career unites profound dedication to education and a pioneering spirit in the world of technology, solidifying him as a pivotal player in supporting the evolving needs of the education sector. His ongoing commitment to leveraging technology for transformative educational experiences continues to inspire educators and entrepreneurs alike.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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