In the world of business, community service, and entrepreneurship, Gene M Valentino is a name that resonates with principles, courage, and a commitment to doing the right thing. As the saying goes, “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” and in Gene M Valentino’s case, this rings true as he follows in the footsteps of his father, Gene Valentino, a legendary radio broadcaster.
Gene M Valentino’s journey is marked by a series of achievements that reflect not only his business acumen but also his dedication to making a positive impact on the community. His career began with the creation of CollectorSolutions, Inc. (CSI) in 1999, focusing on online payment processing. By the end of 2015, the company was processing over $5 billion in transactions annually, showcasing Gene’s strategic vision and leadership.
In 2016, CSI merged with JetPay Corporation, and as the Chief Strategy Officer, Gene played a pivotal role in strategic mergers and acquisitions. The success continued with JetPay’s acquisition by NCR for $185 million in December 2018, marking another milestone in Gene’s impressive career.
Beyond the business realm, Gene M Valentino has been actively involved in the community, serving as County Commissioner in Escambia County, Florida, from 2006 to 2014. During his tenure, he spearheaded over $200 million in improvements and designed the county’s first economic development incentives.
But Gene’s commitment to doing the right thing goes beyond business and community service. In 2020, he joined Pensacola State College as an Adjunct Professor, teaching business entrepreneurship courses, emphasizing the importance of passing on knowledge and fostering innovation.
Gene’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish Valentino Holdings, LLC, in 2019, providing a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to incubate new ideas. The company’s focus spans various sectors, including aviation, real estate, medical vaccine technology, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality.
However, Gene M Valentino’s achievements are not solely measured in financial success. His commitment to ethical business practices and integrity shines through in his words: “The Politician will tell you what you want to hear. The Leader will tell you what you need to know.” This philosophy has guided his decisions, even if they meant walking away from lucrative opportunities.
The parallels between Gene M Valentino and his father, Gene Valentino, are evident. Gene Valentino Sr.’s illustrious career in radio, hosting the first talk show in Connecticut and covering economic affairs in Washington, D.C., paved the way for Gene M Valentino’s own path of success.
Gene Valentino Sr.’s distinctive voice and impactful career have left a lasting legacy, inspiring not only his son but also those who had the privilege of hearing him over the airwaves. Gene M Valentino’s decision to enter the world of business and community service echoes the values instilled by his father.
In the Valentino family, the tradition of making a difference, both in business and in the community, lives on. Gene M Valentino’s journey exemplifies that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, and in this case, it has blossomed into a legacy of leadership, courage, and a commitment to doing the right thing.
