Jacob
McKanry
Founder · Operator · Speaker
Built from zero. Built again. Now I help others do the same.
As Seen On
Background
I didn’t grow up with access to capital, networks, or the right rooms. So I started building early. Buying, fixing, and reselling whatever I could. Over time, that turned into a career, a company, and a few hard resets. I’ve lost money building things that didn’t work. Then built again. More than once.
“Every lesson costs you-money, time, or pain. What you do with it is where the value is.”
My faith shapes how I think about responsibility, discipline, and how I best shepard what I have been gifted with.
What I do.
Founder
Building SmartCard and other ventures focused on modern networking and access.
Operator
Focused on execution, systems, and long-term growth.
Speaker
Speaking on building, resilience, and decision-making under pressure.
Current Work
SmartCard
Modern networking — built for how people actually connect.
Second Chance Foundation
Capital and mentorship for founders with the discipline to execute.
SmartCard
Modern networking.
Actually useful.
SmartCard is a product designed to make networking meaningful. No gimmicks, no app, no algorithm. Just a better way to exchange information and stay connected with the people that matter.
Learn MoreSecond Chance
Foundation
Launching 2027
Give the right people a real shot who may not have had that opportunity before.
People who are willing to bet on themselves, do the work, and follow through. Not perfect backgrounds. Not perfect timing. Just people who are serious about building something and want to leave it all on the field.
The Vision
Support founders and builders who have the heart and grit, but may not have the resources, network, or guidance to turn it into something real. Capital, guidance, and network access to a select group each year.
Speaking
Jacob speaks across student, entrepreneur, and Fortune 500 corporate audiences. The topics change. The standard doesn't.
Request BookingTopics
- —Building without perfect conditions
- —Handling setbacks and continuing forward
- —Decision-making under pressure
- —Long-term thinking vs short-term noise
- —Faith and discipline in business
How I think.
Execution over excuses.
Build regardless of conditions.
Most people stop too early.
Help people who are serious.
Long-term focus compounds.
Faith and accountability are not in conflict.
"What you build should outlast you."