Early Life
David Zalik was born in Israel and immigrated to the United States at the age of four. He displayed an early aptitude for mathematics and entrepreneurship. He began attending Auburn University at the age of 12 and started his first business, MicroTech Information Systems, at the age of 14, assembling and selling computers.
Rise to Success
Zalik's career took off with GreenSky, a financial technology company founded in 2006. GreenSky provides technology to banks and merchants to facilitate consumer loans, particularly for home improvement, healthcare, and other purposes. Under Zalik's leadership, GreenSky experienced rapid growth and went public in 2018. He remained CEO after Goldman Sachs acquired GreenSky in 2022.
Key Business Strategies
GreenSky's success stems from its innovative approach to connecting consumers, banks, and merchants. The company streamlined the loan origination process, primarily for home improvement projects, by working with contractors. This model allowed GreenSky to transfer risk and operational work to other parties while generating revenue from both sides of each deal.
Philanthropy
David Zalik and his wife, Helen, are active philanthropists through the Zalik Foundation. They have made significant contributions to education, children's healthcare, and Jewish communities. Notable donations include a $34 million gift for a mental health center and a $19 million grant to expand facilities at The Weber School. Zalik's philanthropic efforts are a testament to his commitment to giving back to the community.