Grant
Asplund
Executive Mentor
-
Motivational Keynote Speaker
-
Author
-
Entrepreneur
-
Angel Investor
-
Philanthropist
When I was 19, I was hired by a small wholesale distributor of fishing tackle and knives. (I didn’t fish or carry a knife!) They served as a tertiary supplier to nearly all their customers. The owner became my mentor, teaching me how to truly sell and allowing me to experience the inner workings of a small business. This, combined with 40 successful years in the technology industry—25 of which were specifically in cybersecurity—without any formal education in Information Technology or Information Systems, gives me a unique perspective. Now, in the next chapter of my life and career, I aim to blend all my unique experiences from both personal and professional journeys with everything I’ve come to believe, hoping it will change your life as it did mine.
I’m the fourth of five boys. The first four of us are separated by a mere 13 to 16 months. I grew up in the '60s and ‘70s, and after 16 years of marriage, my mom divorced my dad and came out of the closet. It was 1971-1972, long before Will and Grace. I moved out of my mom’s house at 16 and put myself through high school.
We all have a story behind the journey that got us to exactly where we are.
My 7th-grade basketball coach introduced me to the power of positive thinking early in my teenage years. It resonated with me; I’ve been a firm believer ever since. Little did I know back then that quantum physics would validate the extraordinary truth and strength behind positivity, gratitude, thankfulness, and love.
I’ve been incredibly fortunate and have enjoyed great success. I’ve also faced my share of struggles and challenges. Still, I’ve always visualized achieving success my whole life. Now, I want to share with others how they can create meaningful, impactful, lasting, positive changes in their own lives.
More about Grant.
Grant's career is marked by groundbreaking milestones early in the tech industry. With little more than a high school diploma, he kicked off his journey in technology by helping open an Apple dealership in June 1983. The first Apple Macintosh computer purchased by Weyerhaeuser, Pay-n-Pak, Alaska Airlines, and others was purchased from Grant. He established the Apple Computer offices in Anchorage, AK, in 1987. He became Manager, Reseller Sales Development for Apple's NW Ops Group.
His early start in cybersecurity began when the company he joined in February 98', MetaInfo, was acquired by Check Point Software two months later in April. As the inventor of the stateful firewall, Check Point Software gave birth to the cybersecurity industry, and Grant was Check Point's first Worldwide Evangelist 1998-2002. He reacquired MetaInfo from Check Point as an 80% owner in 2002. Check Point retained 20% interest. As the CEO and owner of MetaInfo from 2002 to 2007, he launched the game-changing S.A.F.E. DHCP™ and orchestrated a successful exit by selling to Neustar.
Notably, he was also the eighth employee at Altor Networks, playing a pivotal role in introducing the world's first purpose-built virtual firewall to the market, a revolutionary product later acquired by Juniper Networks. Grant’s journey is a testament to his innovative spirit and passion for continued learning!
​​
Grant joined industry pioneer Dome9 in 2018 as their Principal Evangelist. Three months later, Check Point Software acquired Dome9, returning Grant to his Evangelist role at Check Point Software.