Jim Mckelvey

Jim McKelvey authored and published a textbook on UCSD Pascal and Apple Pascal in 1986, showcasing his early contributions to computer science education. His diverse skill set was evident during his early career as a contractor for IBM in Los Angeles and St. Louis, concurrently embracing his artistic side as a glassblowing instructor. McKelvey also founded Disconcepts, a CD-cabinet manufacturing company, in his formative years.

In 1989, McKelvey established Mira Conference Inc. in St. Louis, where he and a team developed commercial document imaging systems, notably employing Jack Dorsey as an engineering intern. His passion for glass art led him to co-found Third Degree Glass Factory in St.

Louis in 2002 alongside Doug Auer, establishing a prominent studio and gallery. A pivotal moment came in 2009 when he co-founded Square with Jack Dorsey, a financial payments firm that revolutionized mobile transactions. The idea for Square emerged after McKelvey encountered difficulties selling a $2,000 art piece, highlighting a real-world problem it aimed to solve. Square’s iconic card reader design was inducted into the Museum of Modern Art in 2011.

Louis. McKelvey released his acclaimed book, ‘The Innovation Stack’, in 2020, further solidifying his position as a thought leader in technology and entrepreneurship.