TRAVIS LARSON
About Travis
Travis, born in the charming town of Alexandria, Minnesota, has always been focused serving people. From a young age, he found joy in the hydroponic gardens designed by his father, milking cows, and taking on chores alongside the adults. His early years were filled with the warmth of family and the responsibility of watching over his siblings. An avid reader and dedicated athlete, Travis excelled in high school, spending his summers working on dairy farms and honing his skills in masonry restoration.
His academic and athletic prowess led him to Carnegie Mellon University, where he not only played football but also embraced the camaraderie of rugby after an enriching year in Belgium through Rotary Foreign Exchange. At Carnegie Mellon, he pursued a degree in Information and Decision Systems, setting the stage for a dynamic career in technology.
Travis rode the .com wave, as a software engineer, contributing to numerous tech start-ups before making significant strides in mainframe modernization for Blue Cross Blue Shield. His journey then took him to the Bi-State Development Agency in St. Louis, followed by impactful roles in Y2K remediation and legacy systems modernization for Northrop Grumman/Peraton, a leading national defense and government services contractor. Here, he was instrumental in generating nearly $100 million in revenue.
Beyond his corporate achievements, Travis has spent the past six years as President of the We Defy Foundation, growing the organization ten-fold, now actively supporting 600+ veterans every month and scaling its annual revenue to over $1.2M. This nonprofit, dedicated to empowering disabled combat veterans through Jiu-Jitsu, reflects his personal resilience—overcoming a 2015 hemorrhagic stroke —and his ability to build thriving, purpose-driven communities. This leadership experience enriches his approach at Smart Systems Technology, where he blends technical precision with a passion for impact.
As a father and a proven leader, Travis is a people-focused executive who delivers results through innovation while respecting all stakeholders. He is thrilled to join Smart Systems Technology, a company dedicated to using technology to truly benefit humanity. Travis is passionate about addressing societal gaps and believes in the company’s mission to transform how institutions and small to mid-sized businesses operate.
At Smart Systems Technology, Travis, in assuming the role of Chief Growth Officer, is poised to forge strategic partnerships, open doors to new markets, foster public and private collaboration, and deliver human-centered solutions. He is committed to building winning teams that innovate in uncharted territories, ensuring that groundbreaking initiatives are executed with precision and purpose. Travis envisions his work making a meaningful impact on society, striving for a high return on effort that delivers on technology’s promise.
With Travis at the helm of growth, Smart Systems Technology is set to embark on an exciting journey of innovation and positive change, paving the way for a brighter future for everyone involved.