Jay Mixter

While working on his undergrad degree at Tufts, Jay turned his electronics hobby into a part-time job at a two-store retailer specializing in audio and video equipment in Boston. Graduating with a degree in Economics, he went to work full time for the same retailer, opening and managing two new stores for the growing chain (while frequenting rock concerts and expanding his personal collection of electronic exotica).

A marketer at heart, Jay headed to Tuck after figuring out that he really wanted to be responsible for the creation and marketing of compelling new products. Starting his post-MBA career managing CPG brands and launching new products at divisions of PepsiCo and P&G, Jay made the leap to lead marketing and product management at a young startup called Spinnaker Software (later sold to Mattel). With leadership roles in 7 new ventures, including 2 as founder, he has also worked as an advisor and consultant, helping dozens of other new and established companies (including nonprofits) in their efforts to launch new products or pursue new markets. His wide-ranging industry experience includes consumer products and services, healthcare tech, enterprise software and services, electronics, IoT solutions, security, and financial services.

Jay’s passion for startups and new product development led to a fun 6-year side gig as a part-time professor at Tufts and Boston University, where he taught courses in entrepreneurship and innovation. He continues to volunteer as a mentor, coach and judge for a variety of organizations dedicated to supporting entrepreneurship. A recent transplant from Boston to Asheville, NC, Jay enjoys racket sports, fly fishing, kayaking and exploring new trails with his wife and their terrier-lab mix, “Luna.”

While at Tuck, Jay demonstrated his entrepreneurial bent and interest in tech by running an on-campus store for audio equipment out of his room. He also won acclaim for putting together Tuck’s first two road rally scavenger hunts. As a student, Jay loved the unique opportunity to learn from both faculty and fellow students while being confronted with real-world challenges in projects and coursework. He continues to believe in the transformative power of the MBA and has a passion for helping applicants win over the admissions committee by presenting their story in a unique and compelling way in applications and interviews.