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Zach Halmstad
Co-founder at Pablo. Co-founder at Jamf (exit in 2017). He/him.
Zach Halmstad is a prominent entrepreneur and business executive based in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. He is best known as the co-founder of Pablo Group and for his previous role as co-founder and CEO of Jamf Software.
Background and Education
Zach Halmstad is a longtime resident of Eau Claire, having graduated from Eau Claire North High School and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.1 At university, he studied music and computer science, which laid the foundation for his future entrepreneurial endeavors.4
Entrepreneurial Career
Jamf Software
In 2002, while still a student at UW-Eau Claire, Halmstad co-founded Jamf Software with Chip Pearson.4 The company specializes in mobile device management systems, particularly for Apple devices. Under Halmstad's leadership, Jamf grew significantly:
- Served over 5,500 customers
- Expanded to nearly 2,000 employees
- Opened eight offices worldwide
- Generated over $52 million in annual revenue
- Received an estimated valuation of $225 million
In 2017, Jamf was acquired by Vista Equity Partners, at which point Halmstad left the company.4 Jamf has since gone public and is now traded on NASDAQ under the symbol JAMF.4
Pablo Group
In 2012, Halmstad co-founded Pablo Group, a hospitality and real estate company focused on revitalizing downtown Eau Claire.12 Some of Pablo Group's notable projects include:
- Building a permanent home for Jamf in Eau Claire
- Renovating The Lismore hotel
- Partnering in the Oxbow Hotel
Pablo Foundation
In 2017, Halmstad co-founded the Pablo Foundation with Julia Johnson and Jason Wudi.13 The foundation serves as the philanthropic arm of Pablo Group, focusing on creating a sustainable and vibrant Eau Claire community through initiatives in housing, health, education, and the arts.3
Other Ventures
In 2018, Halmstad co-founded Speakfully, an Eau Claire-based startup that provides an HR technology platform for addressing workplace harassment.2
Community Involvement
Halmstad has been actively involved in various community development projects in Eau Claire. He played a key role in fundraising for the construction of the $45 million Confluence Arts Center.2 His efforts through Pablo Group and Pablo Foundation demonstrate a strong commitment to the economic and cultural growth of Eau Claire.
Zach Halmstad continues to be an influential figure in Eau Claire's business and philanthropic communities, driving initiatives that aim to create a model for a healthy and sustainable community.3
Highlights
