By: Westwood Media Group
Springfield, MO (June 16, 2025) — At just 24 years old, Kyle Gardner is already a familiar name in Missouri’s entrepreneurial circles. From launching Rockwell Financial Solutions at 19 to now owning 9 companies—with a 10th on the way this month—Gardner is rewriting what it means to be a young business mogul in Middle America. But beyond business, Gardner’s mission runs deeper: creating real change in his community by mentoring the next generation of underdogs.
From Dropout to Empire Builder
While many spend their early twenties figuring out what they want to do, Gardner was already executing on it. He founded Rockwell Financial Solutions as a teenager and left college at 21 to go all-in. That leap paid off. Today, his business portfolio spans industries including finance, food service, fitness, media, and event production. Together, his ventures employ dozens across the region and generate millions in combined revenue.
What sets Gardner apart isn’t just his business acumen—it’s his drive to lead with purpose.
Project Future First: Mentorship with Meaning
In 2024, Gardner launched Project Future First, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit aimed at helping at-risk youth find direction, mentorship, and real-life tools for success—completely free of charge. Through public speaking, school outreach, and business education programs, the nonprofit equips students with a mindset shift and skillset they’d never get from a textbook.
The long-term vision? An alternative school that teaches entrepreneurship, financial literacy, leadership, and emotional intelligence. Gardner is raising funds now and says it’s “the most important thing” he’s ever worked on.
The Events That Are Changing the Game
Gardner is also the creator of three major event platforms:
- The 1% Event – A high-energy business and life development event that strips away fluff and showcases raw, unfiltered stories of real entrepreneurs.
- Ascend – A polished, professional networking event for business owners and young professionals, focused on growth, connection, and local empowerment.
- Operation Toyland – A holiday-based philanthropic initiative that provides toys to kids in need, backed by business sponsorships and community support.
Each event is more than just a production—it’s a movement. With DJs, lights, and an atmosphere closer to a concert than a conference, Gardner’s events draw in everyone from high schoolers to CEOs. Most notably, he often gives free or discounted tickets to students and young adults who can’t afford them.
“I don’t do this for respect. I do it because no one did it for me,” Gardner says. “But now that I’m in a position to lead, I won’t let the next generation go unnoticed.”
Looking Ahead: Company #10 and the Future
As of June 2025, Gardner is preparing to launch his 10th company—details under wraps, but expected to be announced at an upcoming event. And while most 24-year-olds are just getting started, Gardner is doubling down on both his empire and his impact.
He’s already inspired hundreds of students, mentored dozens of startup founders, and built a recognizable presence across Missouri and beyond—all without selling courses, offering coaching, or monetizing his following.
Gardner isn’t stopping at ten. His long-term vision? Own 100 companies across diverse sectors—each one strategically built or acquired to generate income, create jobs, and fund impact-driven initiatives like Project Future First. It’s not just about scale; it’s about sustainability and influence. By stacking profitable ventures on top of a philanthropic foundation, Gardner aims to build what he calls “a machine that feeds freedom”—freedom for himself, his employees, and the young people he’s mentoring along the way.
Kyle Gardner may have dropped out of college, but he’s building a legacy few graduates could match. With a heart for the overlooked and the hustle of a true founder, Gardner is proving you don’t need a ideal background to create a powerful future—for yourself or for your city.
