Early Life
Jon Yarbrough was born in Tennessee around 1956 or 1957. His early life was influenced by his father's career as a stock investor, which sparked his interest in business and finance. During his high school years, he began learning about investing from his father, which laid the foundation for his future endeavors. He earned a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering from Tennessee Technological University in 1981.
Rise to Success
Yarbrough's entrepreneurial journey began with humble beginnings. While a student, he purchased a foosball table and negotiated a revenue-sharing agreement with a local bar. This experience gave him an early grasp of business models. After graduating, he founded Video Gaming Technologies (VGT) in 1991 in Franklin, Tennessee. The company manufactured video gaming machines for the casino industry. VGT quickly grew, leasing approximately 20,200 machines primarily to Native American casinos by 2014.
Key Business Strategies
Under Yarbrough's leadership, VGT focused on innovative Class II gaming technology compliant with tribal regulations. Yarbrough's strategy involved tailoring game designs and establishing revenue-sharing partnerships. In October 2014, Yarbrough sold VGT to Aristocrat Leisure for $1.28 billion.
Philanthropy
Yarbrough established the Yarbrough Family Foundation in 2008. The foundation supports education and community initiatives, with a focus on organizations based in or benefiting Tennessee. The foundation has shifted towards providing unrestricted grants to allow recipients greater flexibility in addressing community needs.
