Gene Zaino

About Gene Zaino

I’m a founder and investor focused on empowering entrepreneurs to move from dependency to ownership.In May 2023, I launched Guidebridge with my family as an investment and operating platform that backs courageous founders and independent operators with both capital and hands-on guidance. Earlier in my career, I built and led MBO Partners through its acquisition by Beeline.What has always driven me is the entrepreneurial spirit, whether it’s a solo independent professional or a founder scaling a larger vision. When people are supported with the right resources and alignment, they build durable businesses, strengthen communities, and create lasting value.I’m also deeply engaged in the future of independent work. Work is evolving faster than our institutions, and outdated systems still tie access to healthcare, retirement, and financial security to traditional employment. That job lock limits entrepreneurship and human potential.I believe independence should be a real choice: portable benefits, clear rules, and an environment where companies and independent professionals can work together with confidence.Today my work sits at the intersection of:• capital and operating partnership for founders• independent professionals as modern micro-businesses• policy and frameworks that support a more flexible future of work. Guidebridge is how I put those ideas into practice every day.

Experience

1. Board Member

   Survival Mastery, Inc

   Oct 2024 — Present · US

   Survival Mastery is an innovative online platform designed to teach essential survival skills. Our mission is to empower individuals with the knowledge and practical abilities needed to thrive in various outdoor environments and emergency situations.

Education

• The Wharton School

  BSE, Economics

  1975 — 1979

Skills

• Analysis
• Leadership
• Public Speaking
• Management
• Program Management
• Finance
• Management Consulting
• Business Process
• Business Intelligence
• Portfolio Management
• Competitive Analysis
• Start-Ups
• Risk Management
• Contract Talent
• Executive Management
• Business Planning
• Process Improvement
• Cloud Computing
• Policy
• Business Development
• Business Analysis
• Project Management
• Business Transformation
• Business Process Improvement
• Human Capital Management
• Professional Services
• Independent Contractor Services
• Entrepreneurship
• Lead Generation
• Vendor Management
• Outsourcing
• Product Management
• Consulting
• Skilled Labor
• Personnel Management
• Saas
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Integration
• Enterprise Software
• Business Strategy