CHRIS JACKSON:
 
Chris Jackson




 
 
 
 
 
Founder and Vice President of DaySmart Software Inc. in Wixom. Seeing an unmet need, Jackson launched DaySmart to provide software development and support to hair and beauty salons. The company has since expanded into other markets, including medical spas, pet groomers, and tattoo parlors. The firm has also developed mobile app versions of its products to meet additional needs. DaySmart was founded by Mark and Chris Jackson, working out of their Dearborn Heights home in 1999. Today, the firm and its signature software program, Salon Iris, is predicted to gross more than $6 million in sales and has 40 employees and thousands of software users in more than 100 countries. Salon Iris software has received the Professional's Choice Award in the Best Software category from American Salon magazine and the Reader's Choice Award from Nails and Launchpad magazines. DaySmart has been named one of the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies and Michigan's 50 Companies to Watch. It also was named a University of Michigan Dearborn Co-op Employer of the Year for 2009. Prior to founding DaySmart, Chris Jackson was an engineer at Ford Motor Co. She received her bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan-Dearborn and a master's degree in electronics and computer controls engineering from Wayne State University.


WHERE BORN: “Born in Novi and raised in Dearborn Heights.”

MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSONS: “My husband. He is extremely intelligent, hard-working, and family oriented. My father, who passed away in 2006, was the same way.”

LAST BOOK READ: “It's Sharing Day (Dora the Explorer) by Kirsten Larsen. I read every day to my two-year-old. I don't read many adult books these days.”

WORDS THAT DESCRIBE ME: “Hardworking and fun. I like to make work fun and look forward to working each day.”

WHERE MY FIELD/INDUSTRY IS HEADED: “It's going mobile – iPhones, Android devices, iPads, and tablets. Along with this comes cloud versions of software. DaySmart even offers free iPhone and Android apps to our users.”

FAVORITE TECHNOLOGICAL GADGET: “My iPhone. It is the most wonderful invention ever. I don't know how I survived without it.”

FAVORITE PLACE: “Hiking with my husband at Pinnacle Peak Park in Scottsdale, Ariz. The brilliant blue skies, desert scenery, and interesting animals are what make it my favorite place.”

FAVORITE HOBBIES: “Spending time with my daughter and husband, watching movies, hiking, boating, and running.”

FAVORITE FOOD: “Salad with ranch dressing and Sanders bumpy cake. Delicious.”

MY HIDDEN TALENT: “Baking brownies and cupcakes.”

HOW I WANT TO BE REMEMBERED: “As a hardworking, fun wife, mother, and boss.”


Grant Thornton Website At the annual awards reception in April 2014, one Leader & Innovator from the previous 12 months will be selected as the Grant Thornton Leader & Innovator of the Year.